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There are a few simple rules to follow to know if you can replace your casement style windows with a different style.
And to cut to the chase, the majority of the time the answer is no you shouldn’t, but ultimately this is a subjective decision. Our word of caution is replace your windows for your home and yourself. Don’t save a dime and lose a dollar when you sell.
WHAT STYLE OF WINDOW IS RIGHT FOR MY LIFESTYLE, HOME OWNERSHIP GOALS? 1. When considering window replacement/installation take into consideration the home’s architectural style. Often homes designed with casement windows originally will have different rough opening dimensions than openings designed for other styles of windows, double hung for example.
Casement windows offer the most glass and are the tightest sealing window style other than a picture window (called hereafter fixed unit).
Single casements are also traditionally taller than wider. Common size 24″ x 32-62″. Particularly a single casement. The exception is kitchen window which is often equal width and height. When a casement is wider than taller, this is an awning window, think basement window opening 32″ in width, 16″ tall.
Double and triple casements can be equal width and height or either combination of greater width or height. LEGACY Window and Door double casements both sashes open to a 45 degree angle, allowing interior glass cleaning from a second story room A typically double casement size is 48″ wide by 62″ tall.
An average triple casement is 72 wide by 62 tall. The flanking windows open on a triple casement.
LEGACY Window and Door also offer quad and 5 casement units.
The original opening sizes are important. An example, if a single casement is 24″ wide and 62″, that is not a good size for a double hung. It’s too narrow in relation to the height. If a person put a double hung in this size opening they would lose a lot of glass size and it would probably not appear natural.
We recently installed double hungs in a home whose original single casements were 32″ wide and 54″ tall. This is a natural double hung size and would not look odd.
2. The rough opening for a casement window is different than a double hung. Converting a casement to a double hung will require some type of casing or quarter round on the interior. Ask your window professional how they are going to finish the interior.
3. What about a sliding window or fixed? Can I replace my casements with those styles? Sliding windows can often be used when replacing double and triple casements. Fix can be used but be careful. Bedroom windows have to open wide enough for a fire fighter to enter in case of an emergency. Always be careful. Make a good investment that serves you and your home for decades to come.
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