A casement window is hinged on one side and opens outward like a door. You turn a crank handle inside, and the window swings out. That's it. No lifting, no sliding—just a simple turn of the handle.
The way it works gives you a few things other window styles don't. When you open a casement, the entire window opening is clear. There's no sash in the way, no center rail blocking part of the view or the airflow. You get 100% of the opening for ventilation, which matters when you're trying to clear steam from a bathroom or pull a breeze through a bedroom.
When you close it, the sash presses tight against the frame. That compression creates a seal that's harder to achieve with windows that slide past each other. Sliding styles—whether they move up and down or side to side—rely on weatherstripping along the edges, but there's always a gap where the two sashes meet. Casements lock against the frame, so air has a tougher time getting through.
The glass area is also unobstructed. Picture windows give you the same clear view, but they don't open. Casements give you that wide, clean look and the option to swing the window out when you need air.
Why vinyl works: We install vinyl casement windows. Vinyl handles moisture without rotting, doesn't need painting, and holds up through freeze-thaw cycles. The frames stay stable, the crank mechanism lasts, and you're not dealing with seasonal warping or swelling like you would with wood.
