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Casement windows are hinged windows that swing open to the outside. You operate the hinges with a crank, which is placed at the bottom of the window. This window style is quite popular in Michigan homes. Some homeowners choose it because it coordinates well with their vintage architectural style while others are drawn to the increased energy-efficiency of casement windows — particularly during the cold, Midwestern winters. Because they have a vintage appeal, casement windows often come with wooden sashes. Here’s a look at what you can expect with your new wooden casement windows.
Casement windows latch very tightly into the frame when they are closed, which leads to fewer air leaks than you may experience with double-hung windows. This makes this window style a good choice if you have dealt with drafty windows in the past. Your energy bills may decrease, and you’ll certainly experience fewer chills when you walk past the window. This lack of leakage can decline somewhat as the wooden window ages since the wood may warp slightly after being exposed to changes in temperature and humidity.
One nice thing about wooden casement windows is that they stay pretty easy to open and close, even as they age. Wooden double-hung windows may grow harder to open as wear and tear on the wooden window sash leads to an increase in friction. But with casement windows, opening them just relies on cranking open a hinge. As long as you lubricate the hinges from time to time, they should continue to open and close freely.
One great benefit of any casement window, wooden or otherwise, is increased ventilation. When you open the window, the glass pane acts sort of like a funnel, propelling the air that flows across it into your home through the open window. You can enjoy cool cross-breezes that you would not be able to capture with another window style. This is one reason why casement windows are popular in windows and bathrooms – ventilation is important in these areas.
Like any wood-framed window, casement windows do require some maintenance to keep the sashes in good shape. When you first have the windows installed, you can stain or paint them to your liking. (All of Renewal by Andersen’s wood interiors made from oak, maple, or engineered pine can be stained to any shade.) Every couple of years, you’ll want to re-stain the wood to keep up its appearance. If you choose to paint the wood instead, watch out for chips and re-paint the sashes whenever the paint starts peeling.
Wooden casement windows are an efficient, attractive choice in many homes. However, you also have another option: casement windows made with Fibrex®. Fibrex is Renewal by Andersen’s proprietary wood composite material. It is made from wood fibers, so it has the look of real wood and offers all of the benefits discussed above. However, it does not warp or swell when exposed to the elements, and it’s virtually maintenance-free. If the vintage look is less important to you than the function of your casement window, Fibrex is a great choice.
To learn more about Fibrex casement windows, contact Renewal by Andersen and schedule a free consultation in your Michigan home.