European casement windows: all you need to know

What are casement windows?

This question might look easy, but the way of understanding what casement windows are in Europe and in the U.S. differs. 

What is a casement window? Some Americans think of casement windows as being windows that don’t operate at all – like fixed windows. It`s a mistake. Casement windows are windows that open instead of going up and down, they swing out like a door.

Names you can find when searching for casement windows: 

• crank windows
• crank out windows 
• roll out windows
• casement opening inwards windows
• inswing casement windows
• casement outwards windows
• tilt and turn windows

Crank windows, crank out windows, roll out windows

These 3 names mean the same thing. That`s the typical American casement window operating with a crank. If you want to open such a window, you use the handle on the bottom of a window and turn a crank like a window in a Dodge Charger from 1970.

Casement (outwards) windows

In the American version casement window means the same as crank windows. But the operating way differs from European casement windows. 

An American casement window has a lockdown at the bottom. It has a handle that you crank to open up the window. 

In Europe, outward-opening casement windows are operated with handles and can have hinges on the left, right, or top (check awning windows). They are the most popular in the UK. Both types can go all the way to 90 degrees.

Casement (inward) windows, tilt and turn windows

The most popular version of casement windows in Europe. They open inward with a handle. The handle is integrated with high-quality hardware, so the whole system is safe and easy to use. They are also called tilt and turn windows, because by turning the handle 90° you open them widely and with another 90° (up / 180° in total) you open it on the top, creating ventilation. 

Inswing windows

This name is used by some American producers. Marvin casement window can open into a room. Marvin says it`s a good choice when an outswing window could block or take up valuable space on patios, decks or outdoor walkways. Although the inswing window opens inward, the technology of hardware is less advanced and less safe than in those from Europe. The handle is in a basic version and you cannot open it from the top to ventilate.

How casement windows work

A type of window known as a casement window is attached to its frame by hinges on one side and can swing outward to the left or right. You can associate it with how the door is opened. It can be opened and closed with either a crank or a handle. 

An American casement window has a lock down at the bottom. It has a llittle handle that you crank to open up the window. 

With European casement window you dont need to turn a crank, you just use a handle to open them or create ventilation from the top. Ventilation option is not available in the American version.

Main differences between American and European casement windows

The main difference between American and European casement windows lies in their material, design and the way they open.

American casement windows typically have a single sash that is hinged on one side and opens outward from the building. The sash can be opened using a crank handle that is located at the bottom of the window frame. 

European casement windows can have one or two sashes that are hinged on opposite sides and open outward like French doors. 

Another key difference is the materials used in the construction of the windows. American casement windows are typically made of wood or vinyl, while European casement windows are made of wood, uPVC or aluminum.

Casement vs awning windows 

In the U.S. the main difference between casement and awning windows is the positioning of the hinged side. Casements have hinges on either the left or right side, whereas awning windows have hinges at the top. 

But beware of a potential misunderstanding! In Europe there is no separate name for awnings. European awning windows are called just casements, because in Europe they have hinges on the left, right, or top. Watch the examples of European casements.

How to convince your investor

Are you going to talk to your investor from the U.S. to convince him or her to choose inward or outward casement windows? Here you have some arguments you may use during the meeting with the homeowner:

• they are very efficient when it comes to energy loss and sound reduction
• you get a nice breeze that can come through a casement window (especially areas where you don’t have a lot of breeze like in Houston)
• you can have a ventilation (tilt and turn version) even during the rain water won`t come into a house
• they give much more light into the room comparing to double-hung
• safety: from the outside they look like a fixed/picture window that doesn`t operate at all, which makes people not think about trying to break into this window
• easy cleaning:- windows can be cleaned from the inside of the house
• in case of a fire in the house, you  fit through better than sash windows, so you can run away easier and faster
• they look beautiful from the outside 

Pros and cons of casement windows for your company

Casements can be attractive choice for your investor. But how about you and benefits for your company? Let’s talk about the pros and cons now.

• Casement windows are easy to install. They are typically installed as a single unit that swings outward on hinges, with the frame attached directly to the wall. This makes them relatively straightforward to install, as there are no complex moving parts or counterweights to worry about.
• If the project requires very good thermal parameters, casements (especially inwards/ tilt and turns) offer even 0,14 U value
• If your investor requires nice view without disturbances, you may offer it with tilt and turn casement windows. You easily get a size of 4 ft 11.06 in x 4 ft 11.06 in (4′ 11″ x 4′ 11″ / 59 x 59 inches)
• Comparing to sash windows you have less servicing and less complaints (e.g. the sash cords and pulleys may need to be replaced periodically). American casements have often the problem with screws and replacing of a operator – it doesn`t happen with the European windows.
• Size can be a pro but the weight can be a disadvantage, especially when it comes to heavy 3-pane. They can be large and heavy, which can make them difficult to maneuver and install properly. You need for instance a good suction cup.