Casement windows are one of the most familiar styles of window in the UK. You’ll find them on all sorts of properties, from Victorian terraces and Edwardian houses to newer family homes and contemporary extensions.
They are also one of the most versatile. Casement windows can be made in timber, uPVC, aluminium and timber alternative materials, with different profiles, colours, glazing and hardware available to suit the property.
If you’re looking at replacing your windows, it’s worth spending some time considering the style as well as the material. A window that looks right on a modern extension may not be the best choice for a Victorian terrace, even if the two products have similar performance figures.
With over 60 years of experience, we’ve worked on a wide range of homes across Surrey and South London. Here’s what to look for when choosing casement windows.
What are casement windows?
A casement window has an opening section that is attached to the frame with hinges. Most open outwards from the side, although different configurations are available.
They can be used as individual windows or combined with fixed panes to create larger openings. This makes them suitable for everything from smaller bedrooms and bathrooms to larger living spaces.
Casement windows are popular partly because they are straightforward. There’s no complicated mechanism, and modern designs offer good security, ventilation and thermal performance.
They also leave plenty of scope for getting the appearance right.
Choosing the right style
The term ‘casement window’ covers quite a broad range of designs.
A standard casement has an opening section that sits slightly proud of the frame when closed. A flush casement has a flatter profile, with the opening section sitting level with the frame.
Flush casements are often chosen for traditional properties because of their simpler appearance, but they aren’t the only option for a period home.
The proportions of the window, the number of panes, glazing bars, colour and hardware can all make a difference. It’s worth looking at the window as part of the whole house rather than choosing a style in isolation.
uPVC casement windows
uPVC remains a popular material for replacement windows, and modern systems are a long way from some of the bulkier designs seen in the past.
Today’s uPVC windows are available in a good range of colours and finishes, with profiles that can work on both traditional and contemporary homes.
They’re also relatively easy to look after. There’s no regular painting required, and the frames can generally be kept clean with little more than a cloth and soapy water.
At Elwyns, our uPVC windows come from Whiteline and Everglade.
For homeowners replacing a number of windows, uPVC can offer a sensible balance between cost, performance and maintenance.
Timber casement windows
If you’re working on a period property, timber is often worth considering.
There’s a warmth to natural timber that can be difficult to reproduce with another material. It also allows for traditional proportions and details, which can be particularly important when replacing older windows.
Our timber windows are supplied by Timber Windows.
Timber does need more care than uPVC or aluminium. Depending on the finish and exposure, it will need to be maintained and redecorated over time. For some homeowners, that’s a worthwhile trade-off for the appearance and character that timber provides.
It’s also worth considering the existing windows. If the house has traditionally detailed timber casements, replacing them with something that looks noticeably different can have a bigger impact on the appearance of the property than you might expect.
Aluminium casement windows
Aluminium is a good option if you’re looking for slimmer frames and more glass.
Its strength means that frames can be made relatively narrow without compromising their ability to support larger panes. This makes aluminium particularly popular for contemporary homes, extensions and rooms where making the most of natural light is important.
Modern aluminium windows are also thermally broken, so the performance is very different from older aluminium windows that you may remember from decades ago.
We offer aluminium windows from Sheerline and Aluco.
Aluminium doesn’t have to mean a stark, ultra-modern appearance either. The right colour and configuration can work well alongside a wide range of architectural styles.
Timber alternative casement windows
If you like the appearance of timber but don’t want quite as much maintenance, timber alternative windows are another option.
Our timber alternative windows come from Evolution, which offers designs based on traditional timber windows.
The range includes flush and lipped casements. A lipped casement has a more defined profile around the opening section, while a flush casement has a flatter appearance.
This can be useful when replacing windows on a period or character property. You can choose a profile that reflects the style of the existing windows while benefiting from a modern, lower-maintenance material.
For homeowners who want the look of painted timber without having to repaint the windows as regularly, it’s an option worth looking at.
Are casement windows energy efficient?
Modern casement windows can be very energy efficient, but the material isn’t the only thing that matters.
The glass, frame, seals and installation all contribute to the finished performance.
If you’re replacing older windows, particularly single glazing or older double glazing, the difference can be noticeable. Newer glazing is designed to reduce heat loss and modern frames provide a much better seal around the opening.
It’s also worth remembering that installation matters. A good window won’t perform properly if it hasn’t been fitted correctly.
When we’re looking at a replacement window project, we consider the product and the property together rather than simply recommending the same specification for every house.
What about security?
Security is another reason homeowners choose to replace older windows.
Modern casement windows can be fitted with more advanced locking systems and stronger glazing than many older windows. The frame, hardware and installation all contribute to the overall security of the finished window.
It’s worth discussing the options with your installer, particularly for easily accessible ground-floor windows.
Are casement windows suitable for period homes?
They certainly can be.
Casement windows are found on many Victorian and Edwardian properties, so replacing them with a well-designed casement doesn’t necessarily mean losing the character of the house.
The detail is what matters.
A Victorian terrace might benefit from traditional proportions and glazing bars, while a more modern property could suit larger panes and slimmer frames.
The colour is important too. White isn’t the only option, and a carefully chosen heritage shade can make a replacement window feel much more settled within the existing architecture.
If your property is listed or in a conservation area, check whether there are any restrictions before replacing the windows. The requirements can vary from one property to another.
How much do casement windows cost?
There’s no useful one-size-fits-all price for replacement casement windows.
The cost will depend on the number of windows, their size and configuration, the material, glazing, colour, hardware and installation.
uPVC is generally the more affordable option, while timber and aluminium tend to sit at a higher price point. Timber alternative windows offer another option between the two, depending on the specification.
When comparing quotations, make sure you’re comparing the same things. Two windows can look similar on paper but have very different glazing, hardware, profiles or installation specifications.
The cheapest quotation isn’t always the cheapest option in the long run.
What should you consider before replacing your windows?
Start with the house.
Look at the windows you already have and consider what works about them. Are the proportions right? Do you want to keep the same appearance? Are you looking for something more modern?
Then think about how you use the rooms. You may want more natural light in a kitchen or living room, while ventilation and privacy might be more important upstairs.
Maintenance is another consideration. Timber needs more ongoing care than uPVC, while aluminium offers a durable finish with relatively little maintenance.
And, of course, there’s the budget.
A good window company should be able to talk you through the options rather than simply showing you the most expensive product.
Why choose Elwyns?
Elwyns has been established since 1963, so we’ve been installing windows and doors for more than 60 years.
During that time, we’ve worked on all sorts of properties, and we’ve learnt that there isn’t one window that’s right for everyone.
Some homes need the character of timber. Others are better suited to low-maintenance uPVC. An extension might call for aluminium, while a period property could benefit from a timber alternative with traditional detailing.
We work with a selection of established manufacturers, including Timber Windows, Whiteline, Everglade, Sheerline, Aluco and Evolution, so we can look at the project as a whole before recommending a product.
We also understand that replacing your windows isn’t something you do very often. It’s a significant investment, which is why we aim to make the process straightforward and give you advice that makes sense for your home.
And because we’ve been around for over six decades, we’re still here if you need us after the installation. Our guarantees and aftercare are part of that commitment.
See our casement windows in person
Choosing new windows from a photograph isn’t always easy.
If you’re considering casement windows, you’re welcome to visit one of our showrooms in Carshalton, Dulwich or Woldingham. You can see different materials, profiles, colours, glazing and hardware and talk through your options with our team.
Whether you’re replacing one window or planning a larger project, we’ll help you find an option that works for your property.
Get in touch with Elwyns or visit one of our showrooms to discuss your new windows.