As much as this may come as a surprise, choosing a window style for the home can be such a burden for some homeowners, especially if they’re not technically inclined.
It doesn’t have to be, though, as there are tons of materials readily available online to help you through the whole process. One of such is this article we’ve put together to help you compare Ecoline casement windows with other most common styles for Canadian homeowners.
Casement Windows – Quick Definition
Casement windows are hinged on the right or left side and swing horizontally like a door with a special crank handle that is used to open and close the window outward. Energy-efficient, allowing maximum ventilation and natural light inside your area, these windows are considered a top choice for many Canadians. But what about other styles? Is there something better? Let’s take a look at the details.
Casement vs. Double Hung Windows
Double-hung windows have an upper and lower sashes, and both are operable, moving up and down. In addition, you can also find their alternative that is a Single-Hung window but it comes with one permanently fixed sash.
Pros & Cons:
- Better Lighting: While these two window styles are both great options for letting light into the home, casement windows fare much better here as they can be open out fully. The check rail, where the sashes meet on a double-hung window, cuts down on the amount of light that comes in.
- Improved View Outside: Having a window serves a lot of purposes, and one of them is a clear view outside. The check rail on a double-hung window not only cuts out some of the light it lets in but sadly also slightly breaks your fantastic view outside.
- Better Ventilation: While both double-hung and casement windows open widely, a double-hung window will only open half of the total opening because the sashes move up and down over each other. On the other hand, a casement window has its entire sash cranking out as you open it, which allows for a better inflow of fresh air into the home.
Casement vs. Sliding Windows
Sliding windows are installed in spaces that are wider than they are tall. They open in the middle, with one pane sliding over the other along tracks that run above and below the window, and are typically regarded as an excellent alternative to casement windows, particularly in homes where hinges that move vertically are not possible.
Pros & Cons:
- Cheaper Installation Cost: One significant benefit of this common window style is that it is relatively cheaper to install than casement windows and a lot easier to operate. A significant disadvantage it has, though, is that it costs a lot more to maintain than its casement counterparts.
- Better Aesthetics: Casements have numerous design options to choose from and are always much more appealing to the eyes than sliders generally are.
- Noise Pollution: When the tracks of a slider gather debris, they not only become quite difficult to open and shut, but they become pretty noisy as well. On the other hand, casements have no such issues as they have no tracks to collect debris, and they open and close quietly as well.
- Breakable Parts: Sliders have the edge over casements on this, as they have fewer mechanical parts that can break off. Casements are operated with cranks, and their crank handles become rusted, break off, or freeze up when not properly maintained.
Casement vs. Awning Windows
These two are from one unit group and are usually called crank windows. The only difference comes when the placement within your home is considered since awning windows are designed for openings that are wider than they are tall. Besides that, both units will bring you:
- Excellent Ventilation
- Energy-efficiency
- Aesthetics
- Low maintenance
- Great view outside
Tips For Choosing The Right Window Style For Your Residence
After comparing casements to all these window styles, you are already well-versed and can make an educated choice. However, here are a few more things to consider in your search for the right window style for your home.
Consider Location Within Home
The location within your home is pretty important, as you cannot install the same window styles everywhere in your residence. Different areas require different options. Moreover, the final price is also influenced by the location of window installation. Take a look at the table below that represents a typical range of prices for casement and other windows depending on the location within your home.
| Location | Casement | Awning | Sliding window | Single-Hung |
| Basement | $535 – $1,022 | $471 – $1114 | $394 – $1057 | n\a |
| Bathroom | $446 – $1,032 | $432 – $943 | $394 – $1033 | $95 – $1500 |
| Bedroom | $444 – $1193 | $893 – $909 | $437 – $1521 | $587 – $2115 |
| Bonus room | $676 – $1134 | $494 – $944 | $820 – $1248 | $634 – $1374 |
| Dining room | $550 – $1348 | $843 – $1429 | $669 – $1957 | $529 – $1466 |
| Family room | $605 – $1999 | $621 – $1157 | $490 – $1131 | $569 – $1155 |
| Foyer | $858 – $1999 | n\a | $465 – $778 | $500 – $854 |
| Front | $583 – $1014 | $483 – $1414 | $785 – $968 | $510 – $925 |
| Garage | n\a | $703 – $902 | $391 – $1085 | $588 – $732 |
| Kitchen | $329 – $1356 | $419 – $1471 | $394 – $1595 | $445 – $1595 |
| Living room | $484 – $1614 | $485 – $1384 | $433 – $2327 | $429 – $1614 |
| Master bedroom | $545 – $1304 | $588 – $1120 | $452 – $1810 | n\a |
| Nook | $549 – $1149 | $734 – $920 | $658 – $1142 | $473 – $1186 |
Source: Ecoline Casement Windows
Consider Frames
There are four major types of window frames:
- Fibreglass
- Aluminum
- Wooden frames
- Vinyl
Frames are the skeleton that your windows are built upon; they are the support structures for any window style. Knowing what window frames your home has is the first step before choosing a window style. As a rule of thumb, the middle ground in Vinyl since it requires less maintenance and cheaper compared to wood or aluminum. In addition, it can fit any exterior since you can paint it as you like.
Consider Energy Efficiency
The right window for your space should be not only cost-efficient but also environmentally friendly and help you to save on energy bills. All this can be found in units that are Energy-Star rated. So make sure you buy the product that is approved and labelled by the above-mentioned authority.
Get the right installation
Dealing with a window company that complied with CSA guidelines and your local building code not only guarantees no problems with the law but also that your windows will be appropriately installed to serve you for many years to come. Moreover, check whether a company has their windows NAFS-11 and NFRC tested. That ensures the superb quality of your future units.
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