Casement windows can be oriented toward the left or the right, and choosing the direction that suits you can result in easy operation throughout the window’s service life. In today’s post, window installation company Renewal by Andersen® of Denver shares a quick guide on choosing the best opening direction for your casement windows.
Basic Terms
Before we discuss information that’s specific to casement windows, let’s take a look at the window-specific terms that we will use. When referring to how windows are opened, the standard orientation is from the house’s exterior. Therefore, a window that is said to open “left to right” means the window has its hand crank placed at the right hand indoor side, and the hinges at the left.
The standard direction for turning a hand crank is clockwise, unless otherwise specified. You can ask your replacement window contractor or supplier for a reverse or counterclockwise hand crank if needed.
Right or Left? Factors to Consider
The question remains — should you choose a casement window that opens to the left, or to the right? The following are some of the factors that you need to consider.
- Your Dominant Hand. If you’ve had your doors replaced before, your door contractor may have asked which is your dominant hand. If you’re right-handed, then you should find a “left to right” casement window more convenient to use.
- Ventilation. A cross breeze is a light wind that runs along the exterior walls. If caught by a casement window — opened in the right direction — it can help improve home cooling and ventilation. Pay attention to where the wind is coming from. When opened at an angle, a casement window should catch this wind.
- Aesthetics. Casement windows are generally considered more aesthetically pleasing when the hinges are oriented toward the center of the house. There are, of course, exceptions such as French windows (two hinged windows set side by side, as seen in the image above) where the sashes meet in the middle. The same principle applies toward casement windows that flank one or two windows, such as on bay windows.
Renewal by Andersen® of Denver provides window replacement services to customers in Colorado Springs and Denver, CO, as well as the surrounding communities. Give us a call at (719) 313-5403 or (303) 968-3287, to talk to one of our design consultants. You may also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.
