What is a Casement Window? | Stronghold Security Doors

What Type of Material is Best for Casement Windows?

Your options for casement-style windows include wood, aluminium, steel, uPVC, and composites that combine several types of materials. There are pros and cons to each, so it is worth taking a closer look at your options before making a choice.

UPVC Casement Windows

If you’re looking for a budget option, uPVC casement windows may be for you. However, there are hidden costs. Despite being UV stabilised, uPVC windows may fade, become brittle, and need replacing in as little as ten years in harsh environments. However, they can last as long as 20 to 30 years.

They don’t need coatings and will be low-maintenance for as long as they last. At the same time, they will offer you a degree of security when paired with a good locking system since the material is sturdy.

Wooden Casement Windows

Wood is always a classic choice, and when well-maintained, wooden casement windows are an attractive choice. The cost is higher than uPVC casement windows, but if you take care of them, they can look good for longer.

There are several disadvantages. Wooden casement windows do require regular maintenance to take care of the wood. Wood is also susceptible to the elements, so your window frames will eventually crack and are likely to warp, swell, or rot when moisture penetrates the wood.

Finally, wood is no real obstacle to burglars and can be broken or splintered fairly easily. For example, you can have great window locks, but if they depend on a wood substrate, the wood will break before the lock.

Aluminium Casement Windows

Whether you opt for a natural aluminium look or opt for a coating, aluminium casement windows are a sleek option that suits many modern home styles. Maintenance-wise, you will have to attend to the coating that protects your aluminium windows at intervals.

Aluminium window frames are more durable than wood and are a lot stronger, making for better security than wood can offer. You can also go for a more slimline frame because the strength of the material easily supports glass panes, even large ones.

On the downside, they are less energy-efficient than wood, and aluminium is subject to corrosion, especially when exposed to high humidity and salt. Although it cannot “rust,” aluminium can corrode quite rapidly if the coating is compromised.

Stainless Steel Casement Windows

Taking things up a notch in terms of price, durability, and strength, stainless steel casement windows are slow to corrode but will require specialised coatings with periodic reapplication. A great choice for slim, modern-looking windows, the strength of stainless steel makes it a secure option that burglars may prefer to avoid, especially if you have a good locking system.

Composite Casement Windows

Composite windows are not all the same, but what they have in common is the fact that they are made from layers of different materials. The choice of materials impacts their maintenance requirements, durability, and strength.

For example, you can get uPVC casement windows with a wood exterior, but steel windows with the best quality engineered wood surface offer you lower maintenance and greater strength.

Parts of Casement Windows

Simple as they are, casement windows consist of several parts. It’s easy to know what a hinge, sill, or frame is, for example, but some of the terms used in the world of windows require a brief glossary.

Head: the upper part of the frame
Jamb: the vertical parts of the frame
Sash: the part of the window that opens (not to be confused with sash windows)
Dummy sash or fixed casement: a window between two sashes that does not open
Stiles: the vertical parts of the window sash
Casing: a moulding that provides a neat finish between the wall and the frame
Mullion: the vertical part of a frame between two casements
Beading: thin strips that help hold the glass in place
Cranks or push-out systems: the mechanism used to open the window
Locking handle or cam: the hardware that holds the window closed

And of course, no window is complete without glass which comes in different grades that affect shatter resistance. Then, there is single glazing, which is rarely seen these days because it is not energy-efficient, and double glazing that helps keep heat in.

Styles of Casement Windows

Once again, some of these window styles will be familiar to you, while others are less often seen. So, what is the correct term for the casement windows you have in your home? See if you can find it in the list below:

Single casement: The simplest form of casement window with one casement that swings open.
Double or French casement: Two casements open outward from the centre, sometimes without a mullion.
Top-hung or awning: These windows open from the bottom, most often seen above casements that open outward.
Bottom hung or hopper: The window opens from the top and is hinged at the bottom.
Push out casement: There is no crank or handle, you simply push the window outward to open it.
In-swing casement: The window opens inward, usually due to limited space. A sash window may be a more practical solution.
Casement picture window: A picture window is typically not a window that opens. When a large dummy casement is combined with a pair of swing-open sashes, you have a casement picture window.

As you can see, you have a variety of configurations to play with if you would like to give your home a new look, let in more light, improve ventilation, or turn your windows into a feature.

Security Casement Windows

We love letting in natural light and the view from outdoors, but these days, one has to consider window security too. If you’re against fitting heavy bars that wreck your view, you can still achieve security by choosing the right type of casement window.

At Stronghold security doors, we make security casement windows to order, building in features that you will love and would-be burglars will hate. From low maintenance to durability, energy efficiency, safety, and security, we have you covered. Here’s a quick run-down:

Made to order in our UK factory. You call the shots
Superior energy efficiency to keep your home cosy
Security glass that will withstand repeated blows
High-quality, multipoint window locking systems that cannot easily be forced open
Composite windows with a steel core and engineered wood finish that’s guaranteed to last without maintenance for years.
Your choice of finishes, bevels, and colours to match your home and your tastes

We balance cost against peace of mind, offering you secure windows that will save you maintenance and worry over the years. Sometimes, it's worth paying for a superior product, and we strive to make it worthwhile for you to do so. Capping it all, we offer professional, worry-free and mess-free installation. All you have to do is choose the design and features you prefer. We can even install bulletproof glass.

Protect and enhance your home with Stronghold Security doors and security casement windows. Call us to give your windows on the world a fresh start.

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