Aluminum casement windows are simple, stylish, and also available in various styles. They are energy-efficient, rainwater insulation, noise insulation, durable, low-maintenance, and easily operable. They also provide an unhindered view of the outdoors, have smooth functionality and aesthetic appeal, and are available in numerous styles to easily match any property style.
Here at this blog, we, as a leader in aluminum door installation and repair, are thrilled to share our insights on these windows and cover everything you need to know before making any decisions.
What is an aluminum casement window?
Aluminum casement windows are a popular choice for any property owner thanks to their functionality and style. They are strong, built to last, need low maintenance, and have been manufactured from high-quality materials.
Due to numerous styles, you can easily find the one that matches your specific need. They can also be combined with other casement windows or aluminum windows for a dramatic effect. They, like casement doors, open to your property’s exterior with a side hinge.
To considerably reduce conductive energy transfer and deliver improved energy performance, aluminum casement windows are heavily thermally fractured with polyamide struts that are placed within the perimeter and sash structure at the ideal locations.
In addition, the complete system, including seals, barriers, corners, and coupled connections, is engineered to handle structural and wind load, inter-story drift, and seismic activity. It is also sealed with tough gaskets. Individual windows may move separately, not only from one another but also from other interacting structural components and materials in the building envelope.
Aluminum Casement Windows Vs Other Types of Windows
Now you got plenty of information about aluminum casement windows, you may wonder whether this style is really something you need. Keep reading to learn the answer.
Aluminum casement window vs awning window
The crank-out design of awning windows makes them the ideal option for hard-to-reach places, like over the kitchen sink, allowing easy opening and closing. Awning windows open outward, allowing better ventilation and airflow. They also offer maximum comfort and efficiency in any place.
Now that talk about the benefits of awing windows, let’s discover their drawbacks. The awning’s size range is limited, and as windows get larger, the sash simply becomes too heavy. In such cases, the best solution is to combine them with other awing or fixed windows to benefit from all advantages of awing windows while overcoming their size restriction.
As opposed to the awning, aluminum casement windows can be strategically placed so that even a 2- to 3-inch aperture will direct the breeze inside like a sail on a boat. Additionally, casement windows are difficult to break and are easy to clean their outer glass from the inside. All of these, make this window style distinguished from other types.
Aluminum casement windows vs double-hung windows
Double-hung windows open from the top and, therefore, provide better ventilation, extra security for kid’s rooms, and keep in-home offices organized by directing airflow to the top of the space. For egress requirements, these windows are an excellent option. They effortlessly operate, and can be cleaned easily from the inside.
Aluminum casement windows vs slider windows: which is better?
For openings that are broader than they are tall, sliders work best. In fact, the sliders might be the best solution for large openings because they offer the clearest view while allowing for the most airflow. In other words, the width of the opening cannot be a major concern for the sliders because they can be modified for big apertures by changing to an end vent configuration.
Despite all slider benefits, they aren’t a good option when it comes to energy efficiency. Even though the sliders are Energy Star certified and comply with industry standards for water and wind resistance, they cannot compete with the compression seal of aluminum casement windows.
French Casement Windows
Exact like regular casement windows, French casement windows are a terrific addition to your home. They consist of two casement windows placed side by side that open outward from the center and lack a vertical post in between the windows.
Traditional casement windows consist of a single window that fits inside a sash and may be opened by turning a hand crank. However, if two classic casements are next to each other, you must open each of them separately to reveal the vertical posts that separate each window from its neighbor. It creates a blocked view.
With French casements, all you have to do is push to simultaneously open both windows so you can see clearly outside. These windows distinguish from other types of windows due to their fantastic diversity of designs and superior ventilation.
Aluminum Casement Window Price
Aluminum casement windows are typically attached to a frame using hinges and open and close either inward or outward. On average, the cost of casement windows ranges from around $350 to more than $2,000 per window installed, depending on the style, size, material, and location.
Casement windows are among the best-selling window styles in the current Canadian Market due to their high energy efficiency and functionality. However, casement windows compared to other window styles are the most expensive.
This table details casement window pricing taking into account where you live.
City | Price |
Calgary | $328 – $1,998 |
Ottawa | $523 – $953 |
Edmonton | $431 – $1,304 |
Regina | $554 -$1,111 |
Winnipeg | $477 – $1,614 |
Saskatoon | $407 – $1,196 |
Vancouver | $444 – $2,116 |
Here are the reasons that illustrate why this kind of window style is more expensive.
Compression seals
One of the most factors that play an important role in the high price of aluminum casement windows is the compression seal technology. Unlike lower-quality windows that use weather stripping, compression seals are a superior choice. They attached the edges of the moving sash to ensure maximum ventilation while preventing leaking air out.
Please note that there are still some companies that produce casement windows with weather stripping, so before purchasing them ask about the seals.
Premium Hardware
Compared to other window style, the hardware used in aluminum casement widows are more sophisticated. For instance, compression seals provide maximum energy efficiency, and multi-point locks in multiple places offer a higher degree of security.
Please notice that compression seals are not only great at saving a lot of bills on energy bills but also act as a strong deterrent against forced braked-ins.
The crank mechanism also offers smooth opening and closing. Unlike slide windows, no manual sash movement is needed, and one hand is enough to operate the windows.
Window profile
The other factor that influences the total cost of aluminum casement windows is the window profile. Compared to sliders, casement windows use a higher profile (wider frame), obviously meaning more vinyl, and therefore, cost more.
When it comes to aluminum large windows, this issue becomes more prominent. However, the time and process of installation are relatively the same as for smaller windows. The increased amount of materials required for casement windows causes the price to go up.
For combination windows, casement windows can be paired with fixed windows that have the same profile to achieve a uniform look.
Lastly, to figure out the exact cost, you need carefully examine your existing windows and surrounding structure. You may think this a gimmicky request for a sales pitch, but in fact, it’s really hard to give customers the exact price over the phone or e-mail.
As an expert in the field of aluminum window installation and repair, we need to see the exact condition of your current window and home to know how much work will be required and, consequently, how much the project will cost.
Different Parts of Aluminum Casement Windows
- Window frame- the outer edge that is secured to a wall.
- Hinges- hinges allow you to open the window and joint to the side of the sash.
- Casing- ornamental components that cover the gap between the wall and the window frame.
- Crank handle- it’s used to open the window.
- Stays- these components hold up the window while it’s fully open and prevent it from damaging on windy days.
- The sash- the movable window parts that hold window panes in place.
- Latches- certain windows have these components that secure the closed window and prevent form uncontrolled or unintentional opening.
The Benefits of Aluminum Casement Windows
Here are some of the benefits of casement windows.
Energy efficiency
You need to purchase those casement windows that have Energy Star certification, with an ER of 34 and higher to ensure they are fully energy-efficient ones.
ER rating is a number given to windows based on factors like the U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient. ER factor makes everything clear for customers to understand and compare the performance of different windows in the market.
U-factor means the conductivity of a window, or in other words, how it is impacted by the emissivity of the glass in the panes and convection heat loss. The lower U-factor, the better your window in keeping heat inside.
The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) tells you how much heat a window absorbs from the sun. for windows that receive less direct sunlight, a high SHGC factor is crucial because it means they can absorb max of sunlight and, consequently, overheat your home greatly.
Safety
When it comes to safety, tempered glass can be the perfect choice. For more peace of mind, it is stronger and more impact-resistant than regular window glass.
For increased security, aluminum casement window designs close tightly to produce a weatherproof seal that is unreachable from the outside.
Choose opaque etched or frosted glass to let light in without compromising privacy in rooms where you want to prevent others from peering into, such as bedrooms and bathrooms.
On the inside of the frame, screens are mounted. Compared to conventional products, new materials offer superior visibility, ventilation, and pest protection.
Security
Due to the following features, it’s difficult to break into aluminum casement windows:
- Casement windows open from the inside, so the only way to force entry is to break the glass from the outside and open the window using a crank. This way makes a lot of noise that is obviously not burglars’ preferable.
The frame is securely sealed when the window is shut and locked.
What Is the Main Drawback to Use of a Casement Windows?
While aluminum casement windows are popular for simple-to-clean, high energy efficiency, and other benefits, just like other window styles, have their own drawbacks. Here are the main disadvantages of these styles:
- It is not possible to use standard air conditioning equipment. A specialized unit that costs twice as much as a double-hung type will have to be purchased.
- Hardware might be tricky to use and prone to breaking.
- Casement windows open outward, leaving the sash edges exposed to the weather conditions. They might cause a faster rate of deterioration.
- If the window is left open in heavy winds, it could overextend or perhaps break.
- Obtaining larger windows with more glass can be challenging.
FAQ
What is an aluminum casement window?
Aluminum casement windows are a perfect option for older homes due to their classical look while providing maximum airflow, and of course, greater security. They swing open like a door, hinge on the side, and open outward.
They are available in a variety of styles that easily match any home’s decor. To install them, it’s better to ask an experienced staff, like the Esna team to ensure the process goes smoothly.
Do I install casement aluminum windows as a DIY project?
Installing casement windows requires a degree of expertise and experience since their installation is pretty difficult. Installing aluminum frame casement windows is a bit more difficult and needs specialized knowledge. Therefore, if you’ve never installed windows before, you’ll definitely need help from a professional team.
Bottom Line
If you need a professional team who commitment to their own field and promptly attends to your project after a call, contact Esna. We offer 24/7 services for any emergency issues; so if you need us, don’t mind the time, we’re always here to help you and ease your mind.