Products / Window Systems

Casement Window

Side-hinged operable windows with compression seals and strong ventilation.

Casement windows are side-hinged operable units that swing outward with a crank, push-out latch, or limited-opening operator. When closed, the sash pulls against compression weatherstripping, which gives casements strong air and water performance compared with many sliding sash designs. They are widely used in bedrooms, kitchens, high-performance homes, and commercial punched openings where full-height ventilation and a clean vertical sightline are priorities.

Product Reference

Anatomy of a Window

WINDOW ANATOMYHEADTop frame memberGLASS UNITInsulated glass assemblyJAMBSide frame memberSILLBottom frame memberELEVATION VIEWIGU CROSS-SECTION (PLAN VIEW)INTERIOREXTERIORLOW-EArJAMBINNERPANEARGONFILLOUTERPANEJAMBCROSS-SECTION

Configurations

How It Comes

Single Casement

One side-hinged sash in a rectangular frame. Used for bedrooms, kitchens, offices, and narrow openings where maximum ventilation is desired.

French Casement

Two casement sashes meet without a fixed center mullion, creating a broad clear opening when both sashes are open.

Push-Out Casement

A manually pushed sash with stay hardware rather than a crank operator. Often selected for traditional or high-end residential aesthetics.

Egress Casement

A casement sized and hardware-configured to meet emergency escape opening requirements where code and sill height allow.

Applications

Where It's Used

Bedrooms and Egress Locations

Casements can provide a large clear opening relative to frame size, making them useful where emergency escape rules apply.

Kitchens and Counters

Crank operation works well over sinks and counters where lifting or sliding a sash would be awkward.

High-Performance Homes

Compression weatherstripping and multi-point locking can support low air leakage targets.

Narrow Openings

Tall, narrow casements provide more ventilation than many double hung or slider units in the same rough opening.

Selection Guide

How To Specify It

Use these checkpoints when comparing quotes, reviewing submittals, or deciding whether this product type fits the opening.

Operator quality

Compare crank mechanism, gear housing, handle fold-down design, serviceability, and replacement part availability.

Hinge and sash size

Large or triple-glazed casements place meaningful load on hinges. Confirm size limits and hardware ratings.

Outswing clearance

Check decks, walkways, vegetation, screens, security bars, exterior shades, and adjacent units before finalizing handing.

Weatherstrip compression

Look for even sash pull-in, multi-point locking on taller units, and tested air-water ratings for the exact product series.

Frame Material

Wood Casement Window

Wood casements offer excellent interior finish quality and good insulation, with hardware mounted into a rigid sash and frame. Exterior protection may be paint, stain, aluminum cladding, or fiberglass cladding.

Advantages
  • Premium interior appearance for visible living spaces
  • Strong fastening substrate for hinges and operators
  • Good thermal behavior when maintained
Considerations
  • Requires finish maintenance at exposed exterior areas
  • Operator and hinge screws need solid, dry wood over time
  • Higher cost than common vinyl casements

Frame Material

Vinyl Casement Window

Vinyl casements are common in residential replacement work and use welded PVC frames, multi-chamber profiles, and crank hardware mounted through reinforced sash sections.

Advantages
  • Cost-effective and low maintenance
  • Compression seal can deliver strong air performance
  • Broad availability from residential manufacturers
Considerations
  • Large sash sizes may need reinforcement
  • Hardware attachment quality varies by product line
  • Color and exterior finish options are limited

Frame Material

Aluminum Casement Window

Thermally broken aluminum casements provide narrow profiles, strong structural performance, and durable finishes for commercial and design-forward residential projects.

Advantages
  • Rigid frame and sash for larger operable sizes
  • Slim sightlines and durable exterior finishes
  • Well suited to commercial-grade hardware
Considerations
  • Requires an effective thermal break
  • Hardware and thermal upgrades increase cost
  • Condensation risk must be evaluated in cold climates

Frame Material

Fiberglass Casement Window

Fiberglass casements combine low movement, good strength, and premium performance, making them popular in high-performance residential construction.

Advantages
  • Stable frame geometry supports long-term seal compression
  • Strong sash material handles heavier glazing packages
  • Low maintenance compared with exposed wood
Considerations
  • Premium pricing and fewer supplier choices
  • Heavier units may require more careful handling
  • Hardware options depend heavily on manufacturer line

Frame Material

Aluminum Clad Wood Casement Window

Aluminum-clad wood casements pair wood interiors with protected exteriors and are common in premium residential projects where appearance and durability both matter.

Advantages
  • Wood interior with low-maintenance exterior cladding
  • Wide color selection for exterior coordination
  • Strong premium brand availability
Considerations
  • Higher initial cost
  • Cladding joints and sill drainage must be respected
  • Repair can be more complex than basic wood or vinyl
0.17 to 0.34 Btu/hr-ft2-F depending on frame and glazing
U-Factor
0.18 to 0.62
SHGC

Performance & Ratings

At a Glance

U-Factor (typical)
0.17 to 0.34 Btu/hr-ft2-F depending on frame and glazing
Lower = better insulation
SHGC range
0.18 to 0.62
Climate-dependent
Air leakage
Commonly 0.01 to 0.20 cfm/ft2; verify tested rating
Design pressure
DP 25 to DP 80+ depending on sash size, hardware, frame, and glazing
Egress
Must meet clear opening width, height, area, and sill-height requirements when used for emergency escape
Common standards
AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440, NFRC 100/200, ASTM E283, ASTM E330, ASTM E331

Project Coordination

Details To Confirm Early

01

Confirm handing from the exterior

Many window schedules define casement handing from the exterior view. Verify before ordering to avoid reversed operation.

02

Protect operator hardware

Construction dust, stucco wash, and painter overspray can damage crank hardware and hinges. Keep units protected until turnover.

03

Check screen location

Outswing casements usually have interior screens, which affects trim, blinds, shades, and user access.

Product Questions

Common Questions

Are casement windows more airtight than double hung windows?

Often, yes. The sash closes against compression weatherstripping, while double hung windows rely on sliding seals and meeting rails.

Can casement windows meet egress requirements?

Yes, if the unit size, opening hardware, and sill height meet the local emergency escape and rescue opening requirements.

What is the main downside of casement windows?

They swing outward, so they need exterior clearance and durable hinge/operator hardware, especially on large or windy exposures.

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