Casement Window Help

Open Casements

• Casement windows look like small doors that swing open and shut. They usually open to the outside, making the whole window prone to water damage. Maintaining a good coat of quality latex exterior house paint on all surfaces of the window keeps wooden casements from swelling and sticking. If the frames are swollen, allow them to dry completely first. Don't forget about the unseen top and bottom edges, which are easily neglected.

Hardware

• Casement windows have special hardware. Hinges allow the windows to swing. A crank and bar open and shut the windows and special locks keep them shut. Older casements often have a swing apparatus that pushes the window open and locks it in place. Casement hardware is usually manufacturer-specific. Most companies sell replacement hardware. When you contact them, you'll need to give them the part number or a description of it so you can get an exact match.

Rust

• Rust is a major problem with steel casements. Rust can freeze a window to the steel window opening or keep it from fully closing. Rusty window frames can actually push glazing out the window. Severe rust can lead to frame warping when frustrated users try to pry them open or slam them shut. Rusty windows and frames can be scraped and sanded, then primed and painted so they move easily and close tightly.

Air Loss

• Casements that don't close tightly lose heat quickly. Because casement windows are actually small doors, compression style weatherstripping is necessary to make them air-tight. 1/4- or 3/8-inch, self-stick, D-profile strips can be applied to the opening so the window compresses against it, sealing out leaks. This is effective for both wood and steel casements.

Tips

• Manufacturer and part information are often found on window hardware. If your windows are old wood casements, you might be able to use generic casement hardware from home centers or mail-order sources. If you need to open a window during inclement weather, open one that is protected by a porch, awning or overhanging eaves. If you are thinking about replacing your windows, casements can often be removed whole and recycled by an architectural salvage operation. Likewise, an Internet ad might garner interest from restorers and artists.