This guide shows you how to install and replace a casement window. The average homeowner can complete these tasks in about four hours.
Worn-out windows often let in too much cold air and aren’t energy efficient, so it’s important to replace them regularly.
A well-maintained window ensures that your home stays comfortable all year long. Ready to take action? Let’s get started!
Things You’ll Need Before You Start
- Tape measure
- Level or laser level
- Pencil
- Safety glasses
- Work gloves
- Cordless drill and bits
- Hammer
- Pliers
- Drill accessories: Diamond bit, hole saw
- Scraper
- Screwdriver
- Step ladder
- Screws
- Power screwdriver
- Caulking gun
- Applicator brush
- Silicone caulk
- Rags
- Screws for metal window frame
What is a casement window?
A casement window is a type of window that opens on hinges and can be pushed out from the side for ventilation.
There are many different styles of casement windows including single- or double-hung, horizontal sliding or vertical tilting, and more.
Styles of casement windows
There are many different styles of casement windows that offer unique benefits for homeowners.
We’ve compiled the top three types below to give you an idea of how each one can improve your home’s overall appearance and functionality.
- Single-hung: The single-hung style of casement window features a double sash that is hinged on one side of the window that swings outward to open.
- It offers an unobstructed view and is perfect for homeowners who like to be able to easily access fresh, outdoor air at any time.
- Single-track: If you’re looking for a casement window with a sleeker look, the single-track style is your best option.
- This type of casement window features a single sash that can be opened outward, but slides on one side of the frame.
- Double-hung: While both styles above feature one hinged side and an openable panel, the double-hung style includes two panels on each side of the window.
- This style is typically better suited for homes with smaller kids or pets since the two panels open independently.
Installing Your Replacement Window
When purchasing your new window, you’ll need to determine what size it is, as well as the type of hardware that will be necessary for its installation.
Replacing your existing window with one that is slightly smaller or larger may be necessary to ensure it fits within your home.
The steps below detail how to install a replacement casement window.
- Make sure you have a replacement window that is the same size as the old one. If not, the casing may be too loose and require additional caulking around its perimeter.
- Remove the old window using a drill and remove all of the screws that hold it in place.
- Insert your replacement casement window, and adjust its position until you find a good fit. If necessary, make any needed adjustments to accommodate for proper closure and secure it into place with screws or nails, making sure they are driven into the frame itself, and not just through the siding on your home.
- Install weather stripping around the window to make sure it has a tight seal with its frame. Caulk between the top of your casing and overlap on both sides of your window to provide extra sealing power against wind and rain intrusion.
- Make sure your new casement window opens and closes properly before finishing up. Enjoy the added light from a beautiful, clean replacement casement window!
How to maintain your casement windows
Clean with mild soap and water, or dust with a soft brush.
To avoid scratching the finish of your window, use a clean cloth to wipe away any dried debris from its surface.
If you feel like your casement windows could use a good, deep cleaning to remove any accumulated grime and debris around its frame, window tracks or within the interior of its glass panes; it is best that you contact either an expert in window treatment restoration (such as Window Genie) or call upon a professional.
How to fix a stuck casement window
If your windows have gotten jammed, or are difficult to open and close properly; you may need to adjust their hinges.
Loosen the screws around the top of each hinge with an Allen wrench until it is just loose enough that you can move them into place by hand.
Once they’re in place, tighten the screws back into their original position.
If that doesn’t work, you will need to remove them completely and use a vise grip or a drill to hammer out each of its rivets until they’re removed from your casement window frame.
Once it is free of the frame itself, take it down carefully so as not to damage its glass. You can then reattach the new hinges and try again.
Benefits of a Casement Window
Casement windows are an excellent choice in areas that experience harsh weather conditions, as they allow you to open them up wide for maximum air circulation when the weather is pleasant.
They also feature a low-profile design which makes it easier to use shallow window wells and sill shelves with less depth than other types of casements.
This can be a great benefit for homeowners who have limited space close to their home’s exterior walls.
Their ability to open, and sometimes even fold back completely allows you to take advantage of a nice breeze that might not otherwise be available from other types of windows.
They also feature an aesthetically pleasing design which can add plenty of visual appeal to your home’s interior.
What Can Go Wrong with a Casement Window
Their hinged design makes them more susceptible to wear and tear, especially if they are poorly constructed.
They also tend to be much less energy efficient than other types of windows as their hinges can impede the flow of heat from escaping your home via convection currents that often form around improperly sealed windows.
Closure
Casement windows are a great choice for your home, because they allow you to easily open and access fresh air.
They can be installed in either single- or double-track styles and may need occasional maintenance depending on how often it is used.
Your casement windows are an important part of your home.
Take the time to learn how to properly maintain, install and replace them if necessary so they can give you years of trouble-free service.
