Casement and sliding windows are two very popular window variants, and offer both ventilation and illumination to your home. However, both of these windows are fairly different in their construction and operation, and as such confer a number of different advantages to your home. Understanding what casement and sliding windows have to offer can help you choose the type of window that best fits your home's needs.

Casement Windows

Casement windows, sometimes also referred to as crank windows, work by turning a crank, causing the window to swing open in a similar manner to a door. They are most commonly used for windows that are taller than they are wide. Casement windows can be opened completely, allowing for a great deal of air to ventilate throughout a room. Additionally, since the window pane can be completely sealed and often locked into place, casement windows provide a great deal of insulation to your home. This reduces the overall amount of hot and cold air that leaks outside in the winter and summer, respectively, but also reduces the amount of noise that penetrates a room, which can be a major concern in a busy neighborhood.

However, casement windows can only be installed in certain window frames. There is a size limitation, as the crank mechanism is fairly fragile and can break with larger, heavy windows. Additionally, casement windows cannot be used in conjunction with a window air conditioner, as they do not open in such a way to hold a unit.

Sliding Windows

Sliding windows are windows that, like their name suggests, have a pane that slides sideways. The main advantage of sliding windows is that they are fairly easy to install, and can fit into almost any window frame, unlike their casement counterparts. Additionally, sliding windows can be used with window mounted air conditioning units, as they are able to properly hold such a unit in place. Sliding windows are also much more durable than casement windows, as they have fewer moving parts. This means that the window itself is much less likely to become damaged and need repairs, reducing long run maintenance. Furthermore, sliding windows are much easier to open than casement windows. This makes them ideal for elderly homeowners who may have difficulty turning a crank.

However, sliding windows do not provide the same degree of insulation when compared to casement windows, which can increase your energy bills and the amount of exterior noise that you can hear within your home. Moreover, as only half of the window space can open, they provide less ventilation when compared to a similarly sized casement window.

For window contractors, contact a company such as Active Hurricane & Security Protection.