What Type of Material is the Best for My Casement Window?

When it comes to purchasing the perfect window for your household, you have to think about different factors to make sure that your decision is right. Everything from knowing your design preference, the material’s durability, and even the cost must be evaluated thoroughly.

Different types of windows serve various purposes both in functionality and interior designs. If you want a well-rounded window that hits the mark in aesthetics as well, look no further than the casement window. With many different variations and materials in the market, there’s bound to be one that suits you!

Learn about the different types of materials used for casement windows and find which one is the best for you below!

1. Wood

The wood casement window is one of the most common types of casement windows in the market. Because of how prevalent wood casement windows are, they’re generally cheaper and come in loads of different variations.

The most prominent advantage of getting a wood casement window is the fact that you can choose between different types of wood and adapt it as you see fit. You can choose from mahogany to oak and even Spanish cedar if you want your frame to be robust and last long. Wooden casement windows also give your house a more rustic and natural look that makes it aesthetically pleasing.

Depending on the type of wood used, wood casement windows can last you up to 20 years before it starts showing signs of deterioration. Maintenance for a wood casement window isn’t that costly, but you need to repaint it annually.

A disadvantage of getting a wood casement window is that it can be susceptible to insect damage. Moisture also plays a big part in how long it lasts, so you have to keep that in mind.

2. Vinyl

First things first, vinyl is a synthetic material which is made from a combination of plastic and resin. It is one of the most used materials for home and building elements.

Getting vinyl casement windows is an excellent choice if you want something relatively cheap to buy and maintain. Since they don’t require painting or finishing like most wood casement windows do, they’re a lot more cost-efficient in the long run.

What sets vinyl casement windows from the rest is their outstanding insulating properties. It insulates just as well as wood and does an even better job if you get the added foam insulation on top of it. If you live near the city where cars blare past you all the time, vinyl casement windows can block out noise very efficiently. The durability is nothing to scoff at either—most vinyl casement windows have impact resistance, which means that it won’t be breaking anytime soon.

High-quality vinyl casement windows can last you somewhere between 20-40 years, which means that you won’t be needing a replacement anytime soon! One downside that comes with vinyl casement windows is that it doesn’t fair well against harsh cold climates. If the temperature drops below -10 Celcius, you’re going to be in big trouble.

3. Steel

View more steel casement windows at Pinterest

Steel casement windows have been rising in popularity in recent years—and for a good reason. This modern type of casement window is perfect for keeping your house, and even office buildings look professional and sophisticated.

There’s a lot of reasons why steel casement windows have been all the rage recently, but one of them is because of how versatile it can be. Steel casement windows can fit any house design and aesthetic, though it does look a lot better for more modern houses. If you don’t want your windows to ruin your house’s overall look, steel casement windows are perfect!

Steel casement windows are also easy to install and adjust, so you don’t have to worry about the fit. Durability and longevity-wise, steel casement windows are on top of most casement windows. Because the casement window is made of steel, it can survive harsh environments with relative ease. Maintenance costs shouldn’t be a problem either since you don’t have to paint steel casement windows.

One problem that you have to be wary of when getting steel casement windows is rust. If you live next to a beach or in an area with high moisture getting steel casement windows isn’t a wise choice. Other than that, a well-made steel casement window should last you forever as long as you take good care of it!

4. Glass

Glass casement windows are perfect for you if you want your home to be well insulated and modern looking. Glass is lightweight and resistant to expansion or contraction because of changes in the temperature. Regardless of whether you live in a place with extreme heat or cold, glass casement windows will endure.

The simplicity of glass casement windows is one of its charms—it can fit the design of any house and further amplifies it. If you take proper care of glass casement windows, it can last you up to 20-60 years!

The glaring downside that comes with getting glass casement windows is that it can be incredibly fragile. It can easily shatter when enough force is applied—however, this depends on the layering.

Maintaining the casement window is relatively easy because you don’t have to worry about mold accumulation. However, you should make sure to check for cracks when you’re cleaning the window, as that can be a safety hazard in the future!

5. Aluminum

Aluminum casement windows are slowly becoming a crowd favorite. The low maintenance cost and the amazing functionality that comes with aluminum casement windows have gained a lot of traction in recent years. Aluminum is one of the most reliable materials you can choose from when getting a casement window.

With many pre-set designs already in the market and the availability of custom designs, it can come in literally any shape and form. It’s incredibly versatile and can be painted in any color that you want. Mild climates are where aluminum casement windows shine—in those climates, it can last hundreds of years!

Aluminum casement windows are priced similarly to wood casement windows, and some are even cheaper. It doesn’t even take much to maintain it. Aluminum is resistant to cracks and dents, so all you need to do is clean it every once in a while!

Aluminum casement windows are astounding at conducting heat and cold, which can be a disadvantage. Air-conditioning and heaters will be using a lot more energy to maintain the temperature that you desire. However, this is a fair tradeoff for the durability and strength that aluminum casement windows have.

6. Metal

Perfect for modern or traditional interiors and exteriors, metal casement windows are underrated and under-used. This incredibly versatile and durable material comes in different shapes and sizes and has the opportunity to be molded to the design that you want!

You can fully customize metal casement windows by painting on them or even adding engravings if you’re feeling adventurous! Make it fit your home’s exterior and further enhance the look of your property.

The most notable advantage of getting a metal casement window is the durability and strength that comes with it. These windows can last decades or even centuries if it’s high-quality. They should fair well against any temperature and environment as long as you keep them well maintained.

Though rusting can happen to your metal casement windows (especially in humid environments), it shouldn’t be much of a problem if you address the problem when it starts. Metal casement windows can dent if hit with enough force, so make sure to be careful!

7. Fiberglass

Last but not least—fiberglass casement windows are currently dominating the market because of the relatively low maintenance cost yet incredibly stylish looks. Not only are fiberglass casement windows strong and durable, but they’re also built to withstand harsh heat and cold. Because of this, it has become almost a staple for most modern homes.

Fiberglass casement windows come in loads of different shapes, sizes, and designs. In some cases, fiberglass can even copy the quality look of painted wood. With so many possibilities for both the design and colors, there’s bound to be at least one that can fit your home’s aesthetic and amplify it!

The overall balance of design, durability, strength, visual aesthetic, and versatility is an advantage that not many other casement window types have. Installing fiberglass casement windows are low-risk and are difficult to break during the process, so you don’t have to worry about that either!

The maintenance costs are minimal when it comes to fiberglass casement windows. Because grime can accumulate on fiberglass, make sure to wipe your windows every few days or weekly so that it remains clean and high-quality. Though mold can’t grow on fiberglass, it can grow on the insulation backing, so make sure that you keep an eye on that and replace it once it begins to deteriorate.

Fiberglass casement windows can last you up to 50 years (depending on the quality) and are easy to remove and replace.

Generally speaking, fiberglass casement windows don’t have a disadvantage aside from the high price. The maintenance cost may be relatively low, but the cost of the window itself can leave a dent in your wallet. However, it’s worth it if you consider the quality that you get!

Conclusion

With a variety of different materials on the market used to create casement windows, it can be overwhelming to choose. Since getting a casement window for your home is a long-term investment and choice, you have to make sure that you’re satisfied with your choice!

All of these materials are good in their own right—make sure that you choose one that fits your environment and your home’s exterior so that you don’t end up making a mistake.

If you want that rustic look, wood casement windows can serve you justice. If you want a more modern take, get an aluminum, glass, or metal casement window. Vinyl casement windows are perfect if you’re on a budget but want something high-quality. In contrast, fiberglass is pricey but gives you a balance of quality, design, and longevity.

No matter what you need, there will be a casement window fit for your design and budget. So, talk to the experts now and get to choose the best material!