Parts of a Casement Window

An open double-casement window shows the general design.

Casement windows open on side hinges, often appearing like a French door. The design is simple, and the parts work in unison to open and close the window.

Features

Casement windows have hinges on the sides and a track on the bottom that allows the window to open similarly to a door. To open the window, you turn a crank on the bottom that slides the window along the track, preventing the window from swinging freely.

History

Casement windows were used as early as the 17th century; however, many simply opened and shut without a crank or track. In the 18th century, they declined in popularity with the rise of the sliding sash windows. The design was reintroduced in the early 20th century and the windows were shipped as one complete piece with several new features and benefits.

Benefits

Most of today's casement windows are available in a variety of colors and materials. They also come equipped with insect screens, side locks, weather stripping and other beneficial items.

References

• Andersen Windows: 100 Series Casement Windows
• National Park Service Cultural Resource Management: An Architectural Historian