If you happen to be living in a warm region, you would prefer to have an air conditioner installed or have some arrangement that allows a lot of air to pass through the house. You can have either or both of these arrangements. To facilitate flow of air you need to have sufficient number of windows in an appropriate design. Casement windows are ideally suited for the purpose and here’s why.
The most important design feature of this window is that it opens like a book. You can completely open it on the hinges to get a full view of the world outside your home.
This design provides for maximum air to enter the house without any hindrance coming on its way. That can possibly help saving on electricity during windy weather due restricted use of fans or air conditioners, and the resultant energy bills.
One find many houses built very close to each other like apartments that are constructed nearly side by side, making it difficult to have circulation of wind through the windows sandwiched between two buildings. Here, the design of casement window proves very helpful. Its sashes are at an angle, quite like a flap that can direct wind passing through the space to flow through the building. So, we can say that the design of casement windows attracts wind to the house, providing the much required ventilation.
Many homeowners like to use air conditioners when it gets warm. It’s important that he room housing the air conditioner doesn’t have many points through which cool air could escape. The design of certain windows is not appropriate to completely seal the window, allowing cool air to escape the room. The design of casement window, however, seals the window well enough to prevent any leakage, thus leading to efficient cooling. It means that the room gets cooled fast and cool air remains within the room for long, and that’s what we need during hot weather. It also helps to cut down on your consumption of electricity and reduces your energy bills. For enjoying these benefits you need to invest in good quality casement windows, rather than trying to cut on their cost.
Generally speaking, casement windows are worthwhile addition to any house in warmer areas. These are not very expensive and a good quality window makes the place more comfortable.
The Problems of Casement Windows
Casement windows enjoy popularity, compared to other styles of windows mainly because of their ability to let in more of fresh air. Further, these are convenient to use, needing little maintenance. However, on using these designs of window people come to realize its drawbacks too.
The design of the casement window has its own limitations. Because it’s designed to swing outward, you can’t have a screen or storm window on its outer side. As a result, people have to fix screens on the inner side, which certainly is not very pleasant looking. There’s no way you can use storm window with casement windows. Simply put, it means that you have to depend upon casement window itself to work as a storm window. Coming back again to the design of a casement window, we know that it employs a crank mechanism for its opening, making it impossible to do away with crank. Many users don’t like the looks of a crank wedged in the window sill. So, people who are conscious of aesthetics, like to have another kind of window like a sliding one that better matches the interiors.
Moreover, with the window opening in swinging manner, it is difficult to have it in larger sizes. As the window open on the outside, leaving a large window open for long intervals would cause it to sag because of the sash acting against gravity as it’ kept in place by the hinges only. However, you can overcome this limitation of size by having a number of casement windows in one row or by installing a fixed window adjacent to it. Casement windows tend to get misaligned over prolonged use, compared to other designs of windows because of the size limitation. As a result you are unable to close it appropriately and it begins to get stuck frequently, and may result to getting draught of air due misalignment. Some manufacturers claim to have overcome this problem through superior hardware and window glazing treatments. On the whole, the window may not be found suitable by many consumers.
Casement Window Air Conditioner
Another technological wonder in the form of casement window air conditioner comes to further add to your comfort and convenience, allowing you to beat the summer heat like nothing else can do. It can be mounted on windows that slide across. It’ installation is easy and most homeowners are able to do it on their own. The most important factor that you have to keep in mind, while looking for a perfect air conditioner for your home is the area of the room where you are going to install it. If the room is very large, it may not get cooled effectively and if it’s very small, it will cool very fast and cause humidity.
The power of a casement conditioner is measured in term of BTU, British thermal Unit. You get conditioners with a BTU of 8000 to 1200, enabling you to choose one as per the size of the room to be kept cool. Most machines are noiseless with rare complaints of their being noisy.
As casement conditioners are energy efficient, you save on your energy bills. The latest models are provided with timers, allowing you to adjust cooling time for the machine. That saves you from the irritation of landing into a warm room anytime. Then, there is a switch off timer that can be adjusted to switch off the machine after the room has reached a predefined temperature and restart after the temperature goes up. This arrangement helps saving on your electricity consumption.
Efficient working of any machine requires adequate maintenance, and casement window air conditioners are no exception. These come with air filters that are easy to detach. You simply need to clean the filter once a month to prevent dust from getting accumulated.
Monday
Choose Window Styles With Care
Modern window designs cover a wide range of sizes and styles. Though primarily meant to facilitate light and penetration, they add to the looks and value of your home. Primarily they are available in five basic designs that include: single or double hung window, sliding window, casement or roll out window, awning or hopper window and louvered windows.
The most traditional pattern is incorporated in single or double hung design wherein the window opens up vertically. The sash itself is used as a frame for housing the windowpanes. The bottom sash of such windows moves up only, keeping the upper half fixed all the time. On the other hand, a double hung window, the sash can slide either way, meaning the window can be left open from the top as well the bottom, thus giving improved circulation. The outer frames may be provided with screens to prevent insects from coming in.
Sliding windows, as gets apparent from the name, have sashes that can only be moved horizontally. There are double sliding windows too, which have movable sashes. Such windows have arrangement for having the screens on the exterior or the interior of their frames. Casement windows have hinges and are provided with crank handles to open them outwardly. As they open out, they provide ventilation but in the process restrict a good part of circulation. The utility of rollout windows also called casement windows is generally confined to bathrooms and has handles for opening them.
Awning windows provided with a hinge at the top, open outwards and have screens on the inner side. On opening, the glass pane works as an awning and saves the interior from rain. The hopper window has a similar design but opens inward. Generally these are patronized in the basements.
You would have certainly noticed a window that has a number of tilted glasses. These are called Louvered windows and are provided with a lever to keep them open. It’s not difficult to make such windows airtight for the space needed for movement of glass strips provides an outlet for air, thus making it difficult for rooms with such windows to retain heat during winters. One may not feel really secured with such windows as those strips of glass get easily broken or might easily be removed to gain entry to the house.
While continuing to perform the basic functions of providing natural light and ventilation, present day designs of windows give dimension to your place and add to its beauty. Single pane windows are being replaced with multi panes that are manufactured from energy efficient materials and have a coated glass to reflect heat. You get beautifully designed windows that are economical, energy efficient and add to your comfort.
As you would have known, homes have more of windows than doors. It’s therefore imperative to select an appropriate design that looks good and is helpful to conservation of energy, a subject of prime importance these days. Modern designs and materials are carefully chosen to conserve energy. A suitably designed window not only facilitates natural light and ventilation, but adds to the decor of your home too.
The most traditional pattern is incorporated in single or double hung design wherein the window opens up vertically. The sash itself is used as a frame for housing the windowpanes. The bottom sash of such windows moves up only, keeping the upper half fixed all the time. On the other hand, a double hung window, the sash can slide either way, meaning the window can be left open from the top as well the bottom, thus giving improved circulation. The outer frames may be provided with screens to prevent insects from coming in.
Sliding windows, as gets apparent from the name, have sashes that can only be moved horizontally. There are double sliding windows too, which have movable sashes. Such windows have arrangement for having the screens on the exterior or the interior of their frames. Casement windows have hinges and are provided with crank handles to open them outwardly. As they open out, they provide ventilation but in the process restrict a good part of circulation. The utility of rollout windows also called casement windows is generally confined to bathrooms and has handles for opening them.
Awning windows provided with a hinge at the top, open outwards and have screens on the inner side. On opening, the glass pane works as an awning and saves the interior from rain. The hopper window has a similar design but opens inward. Generally these are patronized in the basements.
You would have certainly noticed a window that has a number of tilted glasses. These are called Louvered windows and are provided with a lever to keep them open. It’s not difficult to make such windows airtight for the space needed for movement of glass strips provides an outlet for air, thus making it difficult for rooms with such windows to retain heat during winters. One may not feel really secured with such windows as those strips of glass get easily broken or might easily be removed to gain entry to the house.
While continuing to perform the basic functions of providing natural light and ventilation, present day designs of windows give dimension to your place and add to its beauty. Single pane windows are being replaced with multi panes that are manufactured from energy efficient materials and have a coated glass to reflect heat. You get beautifully designed windows that are economical, energy efficient and add to your comfort.
As you would have known, homes have more of windows than doors. It’s therefore imperative to select an appropriate design that looks good and is helpful to conservation of energy, a subject of prime importance these days. Modern designs and materials are carefully chosen to conserve energy. A suitably designed window not only facilitates natural light and ventilation, but adds to the decor of your home too.
Thursday
Alternative To Wooden Sash And Casement Windows - PVC
Aluminum was first introduced for making windows and doors in the 70’s as manufacturers thought it offered huge marketing potential by replacing old fashioned, difficult to maintain windows and doors of that era. Apart from easy maintenance, properly installed aluminum windows would almost prevent draught. In a matter of fact speaking, any new product while offering positive features over the earlier products has its own limitations as well, and aluminum was no exception. Perhaps, that’s why we say that it is human nature to resist changes!
The scenario is completely changed now, to the extent that people are out to replace even their present good nicely working windows because of the advantages aluminum offers over any other material used for such applications.
However, most of the time you would get this material in dull grey color and the products madder from it had limited designs that lacked imagination. Yet, a lot of old traditionally designed homes opted to replace their original charming sash windows. Well, the original designs did prevent unwelcome intrusions but no care was taken to provide an escape route in case of a fire and hardly facilitated ventilation. In due course these windows came to be associated with fires or fire traps rather, and contributed to the eradication of some of the most beautiful terraces.
Here’s a material that takes care of the repeated pleas of fire fighters, provides easy means of ventilation and adds to the aesthetic and hence the materialistic value of a house. Yes, that’s uPVC. While in their infancy, the products made from Aluminum were labeled cheap and lacked the warmth that a house owner looks forward to. Technological developments went in to prove wrong that uPVC will die its natural death due to lack of patronage.
Aluminum products are not made or designed the way they were till about a few years ago. Technological development shave brought around improved designs and styles while making the material more dependable than ever. Such developments causing an almost disappearance of the old style of replacement windows prompted local planning departments to propagate the idea of having replacement windows in keeping with the rest of the architecture of the buildings. Homeowners may not really be sticking to such bylaws, yet are realizing that original style of windows can be exploited to get a real enrichment to their house, their lifetime investment.
With every passing day more and more consumer are getting better awareness of the great potential benefits that uPVC has to offer. Virtually they don’t need any maintenance and thus offer a very long trouble-free life. Further, the material being 100% recyclable is naturally environment friendly. Over and above all that, its long life is instrumental in saving physical efforts and a lot of energy that would have been consumed for producing another piece.
The sheer creativity and thought applied for designing these windows is prompting consumers to get the same benefits as from the original sash or traditional casement windows. uPVC has far better thermal properties than the old rattling windows. If fitted with double glazing these provide a very effective insulation form the weather. Gone are the days of a good quality double glazed unit getting blown off after a couple of years of use! A carefully sourced window from a reputed manufacturer is likely to cost more initially but ultimately it pays for itself by giving a trouble-free performance with the least of maintenance hassles. That’s a sure way of getting rid of all the irritations that accompanied the use of old fashioned windows.
To further enhance the aesthetics of your window, you may like to use the latest versions of uPVC that is available in a range of colored foil finish at some of the up market stores.
The availability in a wide range of colors and designs in uPVC presents an opportunity for the homeowner to have a wider choice while further coming closer to traditional styles. Look at the colors available: realistic white, wood-grain finish, cream, mahogany, rosewood, oak on white and mahogany on white. You’ll indeed find it difficult to distinguish between an original wooden vertical sliding sash or casement window and the one made from this modern material.
A vertical sliding sash window can be provided with built-in security measures by having an internal steel reinforcement for added strength and an integral lock system to keep the intruders at bay. Or fix restrictors that permit ventilation but keep you safe from the fears of a child falling out or an intruder coming in. You get an option of an opening on one side for fire escape and for cleaning of windows without ladders. Present day windows offer more flexibility and features while continuing to look as beautiful as ever.
It is necessary to make certain that your window manufacturer offers all of the safety, security and thermal qualities that are already available in the market. You might as well shop around the net and look for a company offering exclusive wood effect finishes. It is going to be an asset to have such long lasting and beautiful windows that continue to be a source of joy while providing safety to the family.
The scenario is completely changed now, to the extent that people are out to replace even their present good nicely working windows because of the advantages aluminum offers over any other material used for such applications.
However, most of the time you would get this material in dull grey color and the products madder from it had limited designs that lacked imagination. Yet, a lot of old traditionally designed homes opted to replace their original charming sash windows. Well, the original designs did prevent unwelcome intrusions but no care was taken to provide an escape route in case of a fire and hardly facilitated ventilation. In due course these windows came to be associated with fires or fire traps rather, and contributed to the eradication of some of the most beautiful terraces.
Here’s a material that takes care of the repeated pleas of fire fighters, provides easy means of ventilation and adds to the aesthetic and hence the materialistic value of a house. Yes, that’s uPVC. While in their infancy, the products made from Aluminum were labeled cheap and lacked the warmth that a house owner looks forward to. Technological developments went in to prove wrong that uPVC will die its natural death due to lack of patronage.
Aluminum products are not made or designed the way they were till about a few years ago. Technological development shave brought around improved designs and styles while making the material more dependable than ever. Such developments causing an almost disappearance of the old style of replacement windows prompted local planning departments to propagate the idea of having replacement windows in keeping with the rest of the architecture of the buildings. Homeowners may not really be sticking to such bylaws, yet are realizing that original style of windows can be exploited to get a real enrichment to their house, their lifetime investment.
With every passing day more and more consumer are getting better awareness of the great potential benefits that uPVC has to offer. Virtually they don’t need any maintenance and thus offer a very long trouble-free life. Further, the material being 100% recyclable is naturally environment friendly. Over and above all that, its long life is instrumental in saving physical efforts and a lot of energy that would have been consumed for producing another piece.
The sheer creativity and thought applied for designing these windows is prompting consumers to get the same benefits as from the original sash or traditional casement windows. uPVC has far better thermal properties than the old rattling windows. If fitted with double glazing these provide a very effective insulation form the weather. Gone are the days of a good quality double glazed unit getting blown off after a couple of years of use! A carefully sourced window from a reputed manufacturer is likely to cost more initially but ultimately it pays for itself by giving a trouble-free performance with the least of maintenance hassles. That’s a sure way of getting rid of all the irritations that accompanied the use of old fashioned windows.
To further enhance the aesthetics of your window, you may like to use the latest versions of uPVC that is available in a range of colored foil finish at some of the up market stores.
The availability in a wide range of colors and designs in uPVC presents an opportunity for the homeowner to have a wider choice while further coming closer to traditional styles. Look at the colors available: realistic white, wood-grain finish, cream, mahogany, rosewood, oak on white and mahogany on white. You’ll indeed find it difficult to distinguish between an original wooden vertical sliding sash or casement window and the one made from this modern material.
A vertical sliding sash window can be provided with built-in security measures by having an internal steel reinforcement for added strength and an integral lock system to keep the intruders at bay. Or fix restrictors that permit ventilation but keep you safe from the fears of a child falling out or an intruder coming in. You get an option of an opening on one side for fire escape and for cleaning of windows without ladders. Present day windows offer more flexibility and features while continuing to look as beautiful as ever.
It is necessary to make certain that your window manufacturer offers all of the safety, security and thermal qualities that are already available in the market. You might as well shop around the net and look for a company offering exclusive wood effect finishes. It is going to be an asset to have such long lasting and beautiful windows that continue to be a source of joy while providing safety to the family.
Install Vinyl Casement Windows
Windows form a very integral and important part of your home. They contribute a lot to the looks of any house. A proper selection of windows adds to its elegance and make-up. One of the choices you can make for your home are casement windows made out of vinyl.
You may take up window updating as an independent project by itself or as a part of the total ongoing home improvement project. Incorporating such a change adds value to your home by giving it a better and an elegant look. You cold expect a better price for your home if you intend selling it as buyers tend to form a poor opinion of a house with old and outdated windows.
It is quite a trend to go for casement windows when considering the installation of windows as they bring a new look to your home. They facilitate ventilation and you can be sure of getting a continuous supply of fresh air, so important for the well being of your family. These are easily maintained and cleaned, another helpful feature. Steel casement windows need some maintenance and hardware, yet make a worthwhile proposition.
To the sheer pleasure of all the occupants, casement windows make you home look beautiful and add to its elegance. Visitors to you place will surely find it amazing and may even get envied.
A classic feature of these windows is that they go well with almost any kind of theme and interior design and decoration. These windows are also available in high grade vinyl. If you opt for this material, you really won’t have to bother about their maintenance as they need not be painted nor would you would you be required to worry about any storm damage. Further, vinyl windows come in many colors and designs, and that’s what makes them adaptable to any interior.
An added advantage of casement windows is that they open outwards, without occupying any indoor area, on hinges provided at one side of the window; thus making these perfect for places where it is difficult to reach. You are able to enjoy a beautiful view of your garden while standing or sitting near the window.
Customize your windows to suit your needs and taste
These windows come with an endless series of add-ons and accessories to further add to their aesthetic value, the purpose for which you decided to go ahead with this option. You have another choice by installing grid windows that give a very elegant look.
The selection of accessories like handles and locks is equally important to get the desired effect as they contribute a lot to the final touch.
The best place to search for these will be on the internet. You won’t regret having spent some of your time on the net as the prices offered are very competitive. Further, it saves you from visiting stores to look for designs and comparison of prices. You will by amazed by the designs being offered on the net. Spend a bit of your time, jot down the prices and reach a decision. It’s as simple as that. You will be amply rewarded for the time spent by having bought an item of your choice at the most competitive prices. Keep inn mind that a profession ally installed window is important to get that neat look.
You may take up window updating as an independent project by itself or as a part of the total ongoing home improvement project. Incorporating such a change adds value to your home by giving it a better and an elegant look. You cold expect a better price for your home if you intend selling it as buyers tend to form a poor opinion of a house with old and outdated windows.
It is quite a trend to go for casement windows when considering the installation of windows as they bring a new look to your home. They facilitate ventilation and you can be sure of getting a continuous supply of fresh air, so important for the well being of your family. These are easily maintained and cleaned, another helpful feature. Steel casement windows need some maintenance and hardware, yet make a worthwhile proposition.
To the sheer pleasure of all the occupants, casement windows make you home look beautiful and add to its elegance. Visitors to you place will surely find it amazing and may even get envied.
A classic feature of these windows is that they go well with almost any kind of theme and interior design and decoration. These windows are also available in high grade vinyl. If you opt for this material, you really won’t have to bother about their maintenance as they need not be painted nor would you would you be required to worry about any storm damage. Further, vinyl windows come in many colors and designs, and that’s what makes them adaptable to any interior.
An added advantage of casement windows is that they open outwards, without occupying any indoor area, on hinges provided at one side of the window; thus making these perfect for places where it is difficult to reach. You are able to enjoy a beautiful view of your garden while standing or sitting near the window.
Customize your windows to suit your needs and taste
These windows come with an endless series of add-ons and accessories to further add to their aesthetic value, the purpose for which you decided to go ahead with this option. You have another choice by installing grid windows that give a very elegant look.
The selection of accessories like handles and locks is equally important to get the desired effect as they contribute a lot to the final touch.
The best place to search for these will be on the internet. You won’t regret having spent some of your time on the net as the prices offered are very competitive. Further, it saves you from visiting stores to look for designs and comparison of prices. You will by amazed by the designs being offered on the net. Spend a bit of your time, jot down the prices and reach a decision. It’s as simple as that. You will be amply rewarded for the time spent by having bought an item of your choice at the most competitive prices. Keep inn mind that a profession ally installed window is important to get that neat look.
Choosing The House Windows Types
Fenestration, meaning the design and placing of windows in a building form a very important part of any house. Windows can make or mar not only the exteriors but also the interiors of a house. The placing and functioning of windows make a room lively or may give it a very gloomy look.
Windows can broadly be classified into three categories:
Some can slide up and down, while others can slide from end to end and the third category where they swing out or in on the hinges. The last category is more popularly known as casement windows.
The antiquated but charming double-hung windows that slide up and down have many positive features. They are easy to operate, are not so expensive and can be weather tight if installed properly. The variety that comes fitted with weights and pulling cords running over ball bearing are the best.
The sash balances type comes in a variety of models and generally gives a satisfactory performance, at least while they are new. They are operated by winding-unwinding of a spring. It is important to check that windows are provided with proper counterweights; else these won’t operate so conveniently.
At present the horizontally sliding windows are catching on as these aluminum windows generally go very well with the designing and interiors of a modern house. They may not be as dustproof and windproof as the double hung wooden windows, but move quite freely on nylon rollers provided for the purpose.
Aluminum does not require painting, so one doesn’t mind paying an extra amount at the time of purchase. If you take into account the periodic and somewhat recurring expense of painting a wooden window, you will appreciate that aluminum works out very economical over the years.
Well, there is a segment of people that considers metallic windows more suited to modern houses and contend that wood is outdated. That’s just a matter of personal opinion.
In extremely cold climatic conditions, wood is a better option. It is a poor conductor of heat and would not collect so much of frost in the inner side. Contrary to that, metals being good conductors of heat would rapidly transfer heat to outdoors and could collect substantial frost inside by condensing moisture from the warmer air of the room.
It largely depends on the choice and taste of the home owner. Both the types of windows will last equally well, perhaps for as long as the rest of the house. Use the one that you prefer for whatever reasons. It’s the size and positioning of a window that matters most, and not the frame.
An advantage of using glass blocks is that they have a decorative value besides letting in light but they fail to provide the much needed ventilation in a room.
A bathroom window fitted with translucent glass that has a textured surface will save the cost of curtains that are most often fixed with bathroom windows. This kind of glass is called as rolled glass, obscure glass or hammered glass. Its simpler versions are within the reach of any homeowner.
Casement Windows
Though the windows that open into or outside your room have a couple of advantages, they present their own limitations too. Those which open out of the room offer the advantage of occupying no room-space that could be put to some use. In short they are not obtrusive to the interiors and may be painted to make them weatherproof. A window that is hinged on the side or at the top offers the advantage of larger opening for incoming fresh air. On the other hand, a sliding window permits only half the opening for circulation of air.
If the sole purpose of having a window is to facilitate ventilation, a hinged casement window will be most effective. But the limitation of such a window is that it can’t be made air and water tight to incoming dust, rainwater and cold or hot air. Though weather stripping helps to achieve a better degree of tightness, it makes their operation a bit cumbersome.
The information provided above will help you make a better choice of windows to enhance the aesthetics of your home.
Windows can broadly be classified into three categories:
Some can slide up and down, while others can slide from end to end and the third category where they swing out or in on the hinges. The last category is more popularly known as casement windows.
The antiquated but charming double-hung windows that slide up and down have many positive features. They are easy to operate, are not so expensive and can be weather tight if installed properly. The variety that comes fitted with weights and pulling cords running over ball bearing are the best.
The sash balances type comes in a variety of models and generally gives a satisfactory performance, at least while they are new. They are operated by winding-unwinding of a spring. It is important to check that windows are provided with proper counterweights; else these won’t operate so conveniently.
At present the horizontally sliding windows are catching on as these aluminum windows generally go very well with the designing and interiors of a modern house. They may not be as dustproof and windproof as the double hung wooden windows, but move quite freely on nylon rollers provided for the purpose.
Aluminum does not require painting, so one doesn’t mind paying an extra amount at the time of purchase. If you take into account the periodic and somewhat recurring expense of painting a wooden window, you will appreciate that aluminum works out very economical over the years.
Well, there is a segment of people that considers metallic windows more suited to modern houses and contend that wood is outdated. That’s just a matter of personal opinion.
In extremely cold climatic conditions, wood is a better option. It is a poor conductor of heat and would not collect so much of frost in the inner side. Contrary to that, metals being good conductors of heat would rapidly transfer heat to outdoors and could collect substantial frost inside by condensing moisture from the warmer air of the room.
It largely depends on the choice and taste of the home owner. Both the types of windows will last equally well, perhaps for as long as the rest of the house. Use the one that you prefer for whatever reasons. It’s the size and positioning of a window that matters most, and not the frame.
An advantage of using glass blocks is that they have a decorative value besides letting in light but they fail to provide the much needed ventilation in a room.
A bathroom window fitted with translucent glass that has a textured surface will save the cost of curtains that are most often fixed with bathroom windows. This kind of glass is called as rolled glass, obscure glass or hammered glass. Its simpler versions are within the reach of any homeowner.
Casement Windows
Though the windows that open into or outside your room have a couple of advantages, they present their own limitations too. Those which open out of the room offer the advantage of occupying no room-space that could be put to some use. In short they are not obtrusive to the interiors and may be painted to make them weatherproof. A window that is hinged on the side or at the top offers the advantage of larger opening for incoming fresh air. On the other hand, a sliding window permits only half the opening for circulation of air.
If the sole purpose of having a window is to facilitate ventilation, a hinged casement window will be most effective. But the limitation of such a window is that it can’t be made air and water tight to incoming dust, rainwater and cold or hot air. Though weather stripping helps to achieve a better degree of tightness, it makes their operation a bit cumbersome.
The information provided above will help you make a better choice of windows to enhance the aesthetics of your home.
Wednesday
Replacing Steel Casement Windows
I keep getting many emails from homeowners who want to know the know-how of replacing the old steel casement windows. What I mean is the type with a handle that you half-rotate and the window opens outward. I am going to offer two articles to this subject. This first article will cover the procedure for removal and taking measurements for your vinyl windows. Next week, the second article will cover the installation procedure.
You cannot and should not start removing the old windows till you have ordered the vinyl replacement windows. Here's how you go to measure the size of windows to be ordered.
We'll start with a single casement window, no fixed panels. On throwing the window open to the outside you will see a metal lip of about 1/2" width extending from your drywall on all four sides. This part of the frame remains in its place as the new window is going to fit inside these lips. For finding the required width, measure left to right from lip to lip, then subtract 1/4" to get the final figure for ordering. The same way measure the height. Suppose the width measured 35 3/8" and the height was 38 3/8", lip to lip. So the size of your new window would be 35 1/8" (35 3/8" -1/4") X 38 1/8". If you live out west, where retrofit frames are available, you may order the retrofit style frame. In parts of the country where only replacement style frames are available, you will be required to add trim to the outside after you have installed the window.
Once you have received the windows you can go ahead with removing the old window.
While removing any window or a part thereof, you must take the precautionary measures of wearing the gloves and safety glasses. Single casements without fixed panels are the easiest to be taken away. As you throw the window open, you will see two pivot assemblies. One on the top and the other is at the bottom. Cut off the metal piece where the pivot pin is attached. Proceed the same way till the entire window frame and glass is removed. Now, take out the crank assembly by unscrewing the screws that hold it in its place inside the house. And, finally remove the protruding metal studs that you cut at the pivot to remove the window. The easiest way of doing it will be to clamp a pair of channel lock pliers or vice grips as close to the frame as possible, then raise and lower the vice grips to break the metal off. And, it's done.
In case of an arrangement comprising of casement and fixed panels, you first take away the casements as already described. Then, go to remove the fixed glass. I would put duct tape all over the glass. Then, use one of the two-dollar glasscutters that are easily available at any hardware store. Lubricate the tip of the cutter with a drop of any oil before applying each cut. From inside, score the glass across all the four sides. Now tap the score all around the glass with the tip of a screwdriver. Put an old sheet down on the outside of the window.
Now you may knock out the glass at the score by tapping it with the handle of a hammer. You will see a vertical metal bar in the center where the casement window gets locked. Next, cut this bar where it meets the frame coming from the drywall with the help of a hacksaw or a reciprocating saw. Bits of glass will be protruding beyond the metal lips. You need to remove these, so they don't hinder the installation of a new window. The glazing putty could be left in place, since it will get concealed after you have installed the new window.
You cannot and should not start removing the old windows till you have ordered the vinyl replacement windows. Here's how you go to measure the size of windows to be ordered.
We'll start with a single casement window, no fixed panels. On throwing the window open to the outside you will see a metal lip of about 1/2" width extending from your drywall on all four sides. This part of the frame remains in its place as the new window is going to fit inside these lips. For finding the required width, measure left to right from lip to lip, then subtract 1/4" to get the final figure for ordering. The same way measure the height. Suppose the width measured 35 3/8" and the height was 38 3/8", lip to lip. So the size of your new window would be 35 1/8" (35 3/8" -1/4") X 38 1/8". If you live out west, where retrofit frames are available, you may order the retrofit style frame. In parts of the country where only replacement style frames are available, you will be required to add trim to the outside after you have installed the window.
Once you have received the windows you can go ahead with removing the old window.
While removing any window or a part thereof, you must take the precautionary measures of wearing the gloves and safety glasses. Single casements without fixed panels are the easiest to be taken away. As you throw the window open, you will see two pivot assemblies. One on the top and the other is at the bottom. Cut off the metal piece where the pivot pin is attached. Proceed the same way till the entire window frame and glass is removed. Now, take out the crank assembly by unscrewing the screws that hold it in its place inside the house. And, finally remove the protruding metal studs that you cut at the pivot to remove the window. The easiest way of doing it will be to clamp a pair of channel lock pliers or vice grips as close to the frame as possible, then raise and lower the vice grips to break the metal off. And, it's done.
In case of an arrangement comprising of casement and fixed panels, you first take away the casements as already described. Then, go to remove the fixed glass. I would put duct tape all over the glass. Then, use one of the two-dollar glasscutters that are easily available at any hardware store. Lubricate the tip of the cutter with a drop of any oil before applying each cut. From inside, score the glass across all the four sides. Now tap the score all around the glass with the tip of a screwdriver. Put an old sheet down on the outside of the window.
Now you may knock out the glass at the score by tapping it with the handle of a hammer. You will see a vertical metal bar in the center where the casement window gets locked. Next, cut this bar where it meets the frame coming from the drywall with the help of a hacksaw or a reciprocating saw. Bits of glass will be protruding beyond the metal lips. You need to remove these, so they don't hinder the installation of a new window. The glazing putty could be left in place, since it will get concealed after you have installed the new window.
Tuesday
Casement Windows Are Available in Many Sizes
You probably know that there are many important features connected with the windows and the way that they can look and change our home. You may be surprised to learn that the window not only enhances the looks of your home, but also adds value to it. It enables you to augment the beauty of your entire house and at the same time actually adds to the worth, which is great if you want to sell it one day.
You will come across many ways to give an altogether different and inviting looks to your home without really spending a fortune. You will really notice the change brought in by using casement windows. And they need minimal maintenance and won't give you a lot of hassle and frustrations.
Are you able to appreciate that the casement windows will impart a classic look to your home? Such type of windows really adds to style, which depends on your taste of course. You will discover that they would jell with most of the themes or decoration of the home. They not only fit into any kind of a home décor, but also become a focal point if you wish for that to happen. The possibilities of their uses are varied and endless. You may change one or a couple of these together. You may also explore the idea of changing all the windows and thus give a new theme to your home.
So, you do not have to change all of them in one go. You may just change a few of the windows and see how it all suits you. Right now, casement windows form a popular choice of homeowners as they make all the difference in the way your home is looked at.
You will find that these windows suite your desires and taste. You would certainly find it tempting to bring in these windows to pull off that elegant finish. Further, there are a large variety of accessories like locks and handles that you may like to choose from.
Picking and choosing will be a good fun for sure. Plan your budget and try to fix your requirements within that. In case you have a deck, make sure how and where are you going to accommodate that? Think of some imaginative ideas for the patio too. You may like to have such a window out on your deck. That's the kind of flexibility it offers. You need not have it in a predefined or particular part of the house. You may be in a position to have these installed throughout the home.
You will come across many ways to give an altogether different and inviting looks to your home without really spending a fortune. You will really notice the change brought in by using casement windows. And they need minimal maintenance and won't give you a lot of hassle and frustrations.
Are you able to appreciate that the casement windows will impart a classic look to your home? Such type of windows really adds to style, which depends on your taste of course. You will discover that they would jell with most of the themes or decoration of the home. They not only fit into any kind of a home décor, but also become a focal point if you wish for that to happen. The possibilities of their uses are varied and endless. You may change one or a couple of these together. You may also explore the idea of changing all the windows and thus give a new theme to your home.
So, you do not have to change all of them in one go. You may just change a few of the windows and see how it all suits you. Right now, casement windows form a popular choice of homeowners as they make all the difference in the way your home is looked at.
You will find that these windows suite your desires and taste. You would certainly find it tempting to bring in these windows to pull off that elegant finish. Further, there are a large variety of accessories like locks and handles that you may like to choose from.
Picking and choosing will be a good fun for sure. Plan your budget and try to fix your requirements within that. In case you have a deck, make sure how and where are you going to accommodate that? Think of some imaginative ideas for the patio too. You may like to have such a window out on your deck. That's the kind of flexibility it offers. You need not have it in a predefined or particular part of the house. You may be in a position to have these installed throughout the home.
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