Are you in the market for replacement windows? Are you unable to decide between casement or awning windows? Are you unable to distinguish between them?
It’s understandable. Choosing replacement windows is no easy feat. That’s why we’ve talked with different experts and decided that Ecoline casement & awning windows are the best middle ground you can go with. Interested why? We have broken down all the information you need to ultimately decide between these 2 window styles for your next replacement project. So keep reading to learn everything in detail!
Casement Windows Explained
What are casement windows? For anybody wondering, casements are the most popular hinged windows among Canadian homeowners. The hinges are located on either the left or right vertical side of the window frame. This window type usually has a crank located at a corner, allowing it to swing open or close just like a door. It also allows them to secure the windows shut. These units are pretty popular because of their contemporary style and ease of operation. There are two commonly used types of casement windows, namely:
- The single-frame; and
- The double frame or French.
As the name implies, single frame casement windows have a single casement embedded in their frame, allowing you to open them in one direction depending on their orientation. That is, they either open to the left or right.
Double frame casement windows are also known as French casement windows. They have two casements embedded in the window frame. One casement opens to the left and the other to the right.
Awning Windows Explained
What are awning windows? How do they differ from casement windows? Awning windows are pretty similar to casement windows, but the difference lies in the location of the hinges. Its hinges are located at the top of the window frame. They also have a crank located at a corner. They are just as popular as casement windows.
Pros of Casement and Awning Windows
Both windows are similar in the way they operate. Hence they share a lot of benefits. These benefits include:
- Ventilation: Both units open fully. Thus, letting enough breeze flow through your home.
- Safety: Due to the crank mechanism, both windows fasten shut tightly, preventing anyone from opening them from outside.
- Aesthetics: These windows offer a classic yet contemporary style to your home.
- Durability: Both windows have minimal features, ensuring that they do not break easily.
- Performance: Depending on the manufacturer and Energy Star ratings, both windows have outstanding thermal performance. They also sealed completely when shut, preventing any air leakages, thus increasing energy conservation.
- Lighting: They allow lots of natural light to filter into your home due to the optimal glass area.
How to Choose Between Casement Windows and Awning Windows?
If you can’t decide between both windows, here are some objective criteria to consider when making your decision.
- Orientation: Do you have more height than width in your room or vice versa? Since casement windows open to the left and right, they are suited for more height rooms than their width. Awning windows open upwards and are suited for greater width than height rooms.
- Maintenance: Do you clean your windows yourself, or do you use a cleaning agency? If you do it yourself, you should know that it is much easier to clean casement windows because they can be cleaned from within your home. Awning windows, however, are cleaned from outside and will require additional effort and time for maintenance.
- Available space: Do you have limited or excess space beyond your windows? Awning windows require an ample amount of space to open fully. Therefore, casement windows should be your go-to option if you have limited space.
- Emergency escape: Do you want to install a window for an alternative escape route? If so, depending on your building code, you might use casement or hopper windows, so awning units might not be the best pick.
Casement or Awning Windows: Prices Breakdown
Shopping for new windows will not be a cheap endeavour, that’s for sure. And even though both window styles share many similarities, there is still some slight difference in price depending on the location within your house, different add-ons and your likings. The table below represents the approximate price ranges for both window styles so you can ultimately decide on your budget when picking the best replacement window for your project.
Location | Casement Window | Awning Window |
Basement | $535 – $1,022 | $471 – $1114 |
Bathroom | $446 – $1,032 | $432 – $943 |
Bedroom | $444 – $1193 | $893 – $909 |
Bonus room | $676 – $1134 | $494 – $944 |
Dining room | $550 – $1348 | $843 – $1429 |
Family room | $605 – $1999 | $621 – $1157 |
Front | $583 – $1014 | $483 – $1414 |
Kitchen | $329 – $1356 | $419 – $1471 |
Living room | $484 – $1614 | $485 – $1384 |
Master bedroom | $545 – $1304 | $588 – $1120 |
Nook | $549 – $1149 | $734 – $920 |
Source: Ecoline Casement Windows
Do not overlook correct installation
If you have decided on the right window style for your project, that’s already half a job done. What’s left now is finding a reliable window company to sell the units and install them for your house. Why not consider the DIY door installation? You can try it, but window replacement is a complex task that requires previous experience, the right set of tools, and much expertise. Even the best windows will not serve you to their maximum if installed poorly, bringing a drop in energy efficiency and overall performance. That is why we recommend dealing with professionals who:
- Follow your local building code;
- Have much expertise and in-house installers;
- Consult you well on what works best for your house;
- Have many positive reviews online on sites such as HomeStars or Yelp.
The Bottom Line
Both windows are excellent choices for your home. You can’t go wrong with either because they have so many benefits. So the final choice actually boils down to your personal preferences, location within your house and your available space.