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March 14, 2022 by Kathleen Kearns

Window style. Which is window replacement style right for you?

 

casement-vs-double-hung-replacement-windows

CREDITS: Originally posted by author Mark Mead on March 01, 2020, in Pella’s Global Blogs. Images courtesy of Pella.

Casement vs. Double-hung: Which Replacement Window Style is Right for You? The answer depends on your needs and the style of your home.

Each window style has unique benefits. Read on to explore the features and options associated with casement and replacement double-hung windows.

Increase the Amount of Light

One of the primary purposes of windows is to let light into the home. Both casement and double-hung windows achieve this goal, but there are differences. The casement windows utilize a single-window sash, whereas double-hung windows use two window sashes in the same size frame. As a result, a double-hung window will have a check rail where the two sashes meet, typically in the middle of the window. The check rail not only blocks your view but also cuts down on the light that will enter the home. If you are looking for more light, replacement casement windows may be the way to go.

window styles

Improve Air Ventilation

Most people like to open their windows to let the fresh air into their homes. Double-hung and casement windows both open, but a double-hung window can only open one-half of the total opening because the sashes slide up and down over each other. In comparison, the entire sash on the casement window cranks out, opening the whole window. The benefit of casement windows is that the sash can catch the wind and redirect it into the home when opened. That’s why it’s essential to hinge casement windows so they can catch the prevailing breeze. A plus for double-hung windows is that either sash can be opened independently of the other. For safety purposes, many people with pets and small children will lower only the top sash, allowing air in but protecting the lower part of the screen from claws and small hands.

Casement Windows Offer Optimal Airflow and Natural Light

Casement windows are hinged on one side and open outward from the turn of a handle. Their uncluttered views and outward opening design allow optimal natural light and airflow.

Both modern replacement casement and double-hung windows are easy to open. Two things for homeowners to consider are the window placement and the interior window treatment, such as blinds or shades. If the window is over a sink or counter, it may be difficult for someone to reach over and lift a double-hung sash. A casement window with an easily accessible crank might be a better option. Conversely, if you have shades or blinds on the interior of your windows, they may hang up on the casement crank and not sit properly. A double-hung window without a protruding crank may be a better choice.

Cleaning Your Replacement Window

Modern casement and double-hung windows have cleaning features that make it easy to clean the glass from the interior. For example, Pella double-hung windows pivot into the home at the bottom of both the top and bottom sash. Likewise, when open, Pella casement windows have enough clearance between the sash and the frame to allow homeowners to clean the exterior glass from the interior.

The Aesthetics of Your Window Style

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but often the style of window we use is dictated by the architecture of our home. Although there are no concrete rules, a consensus is that double-hung windows are more traditional and historic, while casement windows are more modern and contemporary. This doesn’t mean that you can’t replace double-hung windows with casement windows, or vice versa. You’ll need to understand how the change will affect your home’s overall look and curb appeal.

Replacement Window Sizes

Double-hung and casement windows come in many different sizes and configurations, but some fundamental differences. Double-hung windows can typically offer much larger operable windows than casement windows. So, if you are trying to fill a large opening and want it to open, a double-hung is probably your best bet. If you choose casement windows for the same large opening you might need to put in two casement windows, adding to the cost and cutting down on visible glass due to the additional frame and sash.

Replacement Window Screens

Another difference between double-hung and casement windows is how the screens work. Double-hung windows have a screen, either full or half, that sits on the outside of the window, so it will cover the exterior, changing the aesthetics and cutting down on the visible light that enters the home. Replacement casement windows have a screen that sits on the interior of the window frame. This screen covers the opening, hides the window’s sash, and cuts down on the visible light that enters the home.

The good news is that Pella offers a retractable hidden screen on both double-hung and casement windows. These screens are available on select products. The screen is there when you need it, gone when you don’t. When the screen is retracted, more light enters your home, the beauty of your new windows is not hidden behind fiberglass screen cloth, and your screens are protected from dust, pets, and little hands.

A Few Last Things to Consider

Since replacement windows often go into older homes, homeowners often have to deal with existing conditions and limitations. For example, if the window you are replacing goes out onto a deck, you may want to use a double-hung because a casement window, when open, would swing out and potentially impede traffic on the deck.

Another issue is egress in bedroom windows. When replacing windows in a bedroom, homeowners will want to ensure as much clear opening as possible if someone needs to exit the room through the window. Depending on the shape and size of the opening, one type of window may be better than the other.

As you can see, double-hung windows and casement windows each have their differences and different applications. In the end, it is a combination of many features and benefits that will decide which window style you choose for your window replacement project. Although getting started with window replacement decisions may seem daunting, our expert consultants will be with you every step of the way.

Schedule your free in-home consultation, and our experts at McCann Window & Exteriors will review your needs and offer the best solutions for your home renovation project.

About The Author
Mark Mead is the President of Gunton Corporation, a Pella Window and Door distributor. He has been in the fenestration industry for more than 28 years.

[fenestration: the arrangement of windows and doors on the elevations of a building.]

Filed Under: Home Exteriors, Home Improvement Tips, Pella, Replacement Windows, Replacement Windows Evanston, Replacement Windows North Shore

April 19, 2018 by Kevin McCann

Ox Eye Windows Hits the Mark

Circular windows are spot on in adding a whole new dimension to a home’s architectural outlook

An architectural detail that I find really wonderful is the round or oval windows. Placed judiciously, small circles of glass stand out in a home’s design, creating a strong architectural punctuation mark in an otherwise ordinary space while bringing additional light and often an unexpected view into the interior of a home.

The original name for this kind of window was oeil-de-boeuf, literally “ox’s eye”; it’s also called an oculus. While I’m not entirely sure how the name came about, it seems appropriate. These windows do resemble eyes looking out at the world. And just as eyes are said to be windows to the soul, these windows also can offer an intriguing and unusual glimpse into a home’s interior.

In the end, though, this wonderful architectural element’s origins don’t really matter. What does matter is that an ox-eye window could well be that bit of architectural grammar that’s needed to complete your home’s statement.

Ready to create your own statement? Contact us for a free consultation.

Published with permission from Houzz. Bud Dietrich, AIA November 23, 2012, Houzz Contributor.

See how oval windows make a statement

An ox-eye window can enrich even the most utilitarian area. Tucked into a tight alcove that’s used for a home office, this round window makes a powerful architectural statement in a relatively small space. Jan Gleysteen Architects
A round window set high up on the gable acts as a punctuation mark. In this case, it’s the period that brings the architectural statement of the arched and rectangular windows below it to a full stop. TEA2 Architects
There’s something satisfying about placing round windows high up in a wall. That little spot of light affording a bit of view out to the treetops really does create a sense of spaciousness and airiness. Smith & Vansant Architects PC

 

 

While an ox-eye window is generally associated with traditional or transitional styles, it can work just as well with a contemporary aesthetic. In a simple, spare space with plain white walls, this ox-eye window takes center stage as the room’s primary ornamentation. Andrea Swan – Swan Architecture

 

 

 

Round or oval windows are all the more refreshing when they pop up in an unexpected place, creating a sense of surprise and delight. Ike Kligerman Barkley

 

 

 

 

 

 

When an oculus is used in place of a standard window, maintaining privacy can be a challenge. Traditional window coverings will hide the unique shape; using frosted or reeded glass or installing a custom pleated shade can result in a loss of light and view. In this clever installation, a hinged interior panel preserves both of these elements while allowing for privacy. Martin Bros. Contracting, Inc.

 

 

Filed Under: Home Improvement Tips, Replacement Windows, Replacement Windows Evanston

November 17, 2017 by Kevin McCann

Rehabbing a house with McCann – one room at a time for 20 years

It’s like night and day. Our house is beautiful…like a new house. It was a magical transformation.

—Lourdes Ryczak, Chicago

The Ryczek family, longtime customers | Rehabbing a house with McCann.

Find out what a real homeowner like yourself says about working with McCann Window

Second in a Series: We don’t like to brag. Yes, we can talk all day about the benefits of choosing McCann to replace windows or doors. However, we would rather have real clients share real stories about what it’s like to work with us.

Choosing the Right Window

Lourdes Ryczek of Chicago first learned about McCann Windows 23 years ago in Evanston at the World’s Largest Garage Sale. “I was looking for a specific window manufacturer, which Kevin (McCann) happened to represent in his display,” she says. “We started talking to him about our needs as homeowners with our rehabbing projects. He explained how he could make what we want to happen.”

They met for a consultation and hired McCann to install several windows. Then when it came to replacing the dining room window, Kevin helped them choose a window that was not on their original list. “He helped us choose a more aesthetically pleasing window than I originally picked,” Lourdes says.

Rehabbing a house with McCann. house siding exterior
The new siding was “like night and day” for the Ryczek’s home.

One Rehabbed Room A Year for 23 Years

The Ryczek family continued to hire McCann for about 20 years, rehabbing about one room each year. Throughout the years, they got the window installation process down to a science.

“My husband would have the window framed,” Lourdes says. “Then Kevin and his crew removed the old window, put in the new window, and then insulate it. My husband would finish the job on the inside, and McCann would clad the window on the outside.” (Editor’s Note: When you hire McCann to replace your windows, you don’t have to do ANY of the work. In Ryczek’s case, they chose to do some of the work because of the ongoing rehab in their home.)

Time for an Exterior Makeover

Four years ago, a hail storm damaged the siding on the Ryczek’s house. This was actually a good thing.

“We had been waiting 20 years to replace the most hideous green siding we’ve ever seen in our lives,” Lourdes says. “Because we had such a successful relationship with Kevin, we called him to give us an estimate for the siding. We also got other estimates, but we were confident that even if his price wasn’t the lowest, we knew we could trust him and he would provide us with a good job.”

ugly green siding pre siding project
Lourdes Ryczek says the house used to have “the most hideous green siding we’ve ever seen in our lives.”

Lourdes and her husband hired McCann for the siding project, and Kevin and his crew did not disappoint. For starters, Kevin offered a lot of useful information to help Lourdes and her husband choose the best siding. He recommended websites where they could look at ideas, and he suggested looking around the neighborhood for inspiration. His advice was: “When you’re driving somewhere, pay attention to what you like and don’t like on a house exterior. He said it was important to take pictures, so we could show him the ideas we wanted to use for our own home.”

Kevin also recommended molded millwork above the upstairs windows to give the home a bit of an architectural accent. “This was a piece that I never thought I would need or want,” Lourdes says. “But aesthetically, it added more color and more dimension to the job.”

The Work Begins

House ready for new vinyl siding | McCann Window
Preparing the house for the new siding.

When it came time to begin the work, Kevin’s crew removed the green aluminum siding and took it away for recycling, which “was a big deal for me,” Lourdes says.

Underneath the aluminum siding, the house was covered in thick, wooden shingles, which also had to be removed. The final preparation step was to insulate the house before “the real artistry began.”

“Kevin’s workers came and didn’t just side at will. They set up scaffolding. They were as responsible as could be.” Lourdes says. “We had put on a deck before that process began, and they had to go around the deck. They were able to make that job look flawless like it had all been done together. That was good for us because it looks like it was well orchestrated.”

The end result? “It’s like night and day,” Lourdes says. “Our house is beautiful…It was like a new house. It was like a magical transformation.”

Thank you for the Referrals

At some point in every rehab, you’re sort of done with the work, Lourdes points out. “I don’t have any more windows to replace, no more siding to do. But we’ve had several friends we’ve recommended to McCann. We were really glad we could extend [what we knew] to friends who were taking on a big project. It’s a big expenditure and you don’t want the risk of not having any information about your contractor.”

What Did Lourdes Love about Working with McCann?

“Kevin is incredibly honest and decent and somebody that you can trust. He’s not trying to take advantage of us,” Lourdes says. “When we didn’t know something, Kevin would explain it to us. His team provides quality work and they do a good job.”

Schedule Your Free, 60-Minute Consultation

 

Read HGTV’s article on selecting new windows.

Filed Under: Customer Service, Home Exteriors, Replacement Windows, Replacement Windows Evanston, Replacement Windows North Shore, Vinyl Siding Tagged With: rehabbing, replacement windows

January 16, 2017 by Kevin McCann

Why Homeowners Shouldn’t Fear Winter Window Replacement

Replace your windows all year—even in the winter.

Winter window replacement during cold months is very doable. Needing or having to replace a window is never fun, and ultimately speaking there is never a good time to have to do so. But having to replace your windows during the winter months may be seen as a little more daunting than any other time of the year. You shouldn’t be afraid of the task of winter window replacement… in fact, you should embrace it. For one thing, you are taking care of a problem that could be very costly if ignored. Old windows can bring on air leakage allowing more cold air to come into your home, making your energy costs go up. When you replace your old windows you don’t have to worry about any cold air leaking in.

 

Replacing your windows during the winter will leave you in a better position in various ways when you look at the bigger picture. Not only will it get rid of the draftiness that you may be experiencing due to having old windows, but new windows are also easier to clean, they’re energy-efficient, they control noise, they have light control, and they give you better ventilation when you need it, and they will improve the appearance of your home!

Window Replacement the Easy Way.

When you replace your windows you don’t have to worry about the process taking long; you can rest assured that you will get your old windows out and your new windows put in place in no time! If you find that you need to replace your windows this winter in Northbrook, IL there’s one place for you to go. McCann Window & Exteriors is who you want to call. There is no other home enhancement company that will be able to get your new windows in place with ease. Give us a call at 847-562-1212. We are located at 3375 Commercial Ave. in Northbrook, Illinois!

Filed Under: Alside, Customer Service, Entry Doors, Home Exteriors, Home Improvement Tips, Marvin, McCann Window, Patio Doors, Replacement Windows, Replacement Windows Evanston, Replacement Windows North Shore, Roofing, Uncategorized

June 26, 2012 by Kevin McCann

Marvin: The Solid Citizen of Replacement Windows

Marvin Replacement Windows & Doors

Marvin Windows & Doors

For the past several years, Marvin has been leveraging new approaches to creative problem solving and solution design, called human-centered innovation. The goal is to foster both a space of innovation and to create new muscles that allow us to tackle strategic challenges most aptly.

Marvin builds good, solid, substantial windows. With Marvin Windows & Doors you get a classic look that will last. Marvin windows tend to be the choice of architects because of their solid wood construction and the company’s precision customization.

Marvin windows double hungWe also tend to specify Marvin windows for dark exterior colors in deep sunlight. Marvin windows hold color better than others, though Marvin does not have premium colors.

Take a look at the pictures in Marvin’s idea gallery, and you’ll see solid windows, from traditional to modern. Just what the citizens of Chicago’s North Shore want in replacement windows.

Get Started with a Free Consultation

Our McCann Window & Exteriors team has been proud to install energy-efficient windows all over Chicagoland and its north suburbs for many years now. We can recommend an energy-efficient solution that best fits your home and budget. If this is something that you’re considering for your home, give us a call today or fill out the online form for your free consultation.

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Marvin, Replacement Windows, Replacement Windows Evanston Tagged With: Marvin replacement windows Chicago, replacement windows North Shore

February 20, 2012 by Kevin McCann

Replacement Windows in Evanston Home Retain Historical Style

Old House, New Replacement Windows in Evanston

You do not have to compromise the historical style of the older home you bought in order to have the comfort and convenience of new replacement windows.
Old house new replacement windows
The Davidoff home in Evanston is an arts and crafts design. When we talked to the couple about replacement windows, we assured them that the new windows would match the history and character that attracted them to the Evanston home in the first place.

We showed them a new European-style tilt-turn window from Marvin that has the same look as their existing windows yet with an uncommon twist. Although from the street they look like traditional double-hung windows, where the bottom slides toward the top, these windows tilt open from the top. That provides additional ventilation. In a unique design, they also crank inward for greater airflow.

It’s a contemporary innovation the Evanston couple appreciated that maintains the historical design of their home.

Pella Solutions for Historic Homes

Many historic towns and districts have laws that require homeowners to replace their windows with a historically accurate product. This often means no plastic or composite materials are allowed, and replacement windows must have the same 12-over-12 or 6-over-6 pane pattern that the original window had. The Pella Architect Series is a great example of how beautiful, brand-new windows can maintain the historic look of your home, and can keep you within the limits of historic ordinances. These windows are available in a variety of styles:

  • Casement windows
  • Bay windows
  • Double-hung windows
  • Single-hung windows
  • Other custom window solutions

Filed Under: Replacement Windows Evanston Tagged With: Evanston homes, Marvin tilt turn hopper windows, Marvin windows, replacement windows Evanston

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