Casement windows are popular in modern homes for their light, airy feel and ability to bring in natural light. A casement window is a window that opens outward from a central hinge. It is usually hinged at the top and swings open diagonally.
Casement windows that open in the wrong direction will greatly affect your interior and exterior property aesthetics. Here are five tips to help you find the best choice.
Tip #1: Understanding Left and Right-Hand Cranks
Right-hand crank casement windows are installed with the opening located on the right side. The right-hand crank window is opened by turning the crank on the right side of the window counterclockwise towards a closed position. Alternatively, left-hand crank windows have the same principle but on opposing sides.
A right-hand crank window is suitable for homeowners with dominant right hands because it encourages a natural window opening movement. The alternative left-hand crank is perfect for left-handed homeowners. With these factors in mind, crank orientation is crucial in choosing casement window direction.
Tip #2: Open Toward The Center
Architects often install casement windows with their hinges facing the room’s center. This creates a much more open appeal than the “limited” aesthetic of hinges that face the walls. In addition, this orientation allows the windows to provide more natural light and ventilation.
Tip #3: Maximize Ventilation
In a kitchen or other room, you can maximize the ventilation capability of casement windows by opening them in opposite directions. Doing so creates two air streams that flow in opposite directions, which helps reduce the amount of heat and humidity retained inside.
Tip #4: Paired Aesthetics
Casement windows can look like small French doors that look elegant when they open together. Considering their appeal, you should use two casement windows installed together if they are on the same wall.
Tip #5 Manufacturer Specifications
The manufacturer’s specifications for a product will have a huge impact on its performance and aesthetics. It pays to see the manufacturer’s vision for the casement window first, then see if you can build your own ideas over it.
Get the best casement window installations and replacements from Renewal by Andersen® of Denver and receive excellent placement suggestions from our decades of industry experience. Call us at (303) 968-3287 (Denver) or (719) 313-5403 (Colorado Springs) or use our quick contact form to request a free quote.
