A casement window is quite different from other windows in the sense that it has the capability of swinging outwards on a side hinge that is firmly anchored into the wall. Many casement windows being constructed these days however have more than one hinges.
A typical casement window is usually equipped with a certain type of sash that almost always opens in a ‘horizontal’ rather than ‘vertical direction.’ This type of sash is placed directly across to the hinged section of the window rather than on top of it.
This is done to help ensure that there is a constant stream of air into your home, office or any other personal space where you may have installed the casement window.
These types of windows can be installed as individual units, however they are far more common as a paired set, or in case they cover a full wall as a set of four windows with each pair facing each other. A full set of wall to wall casement windows helps ensure that the airflow is maximized.
Moreover, such a set also allows maximum sunlight in your room thereby helping you utilize natural rather than artificial light in your home. In the long run, it helps save you money on not only air conditioning but also light fixture usage as well. This effectively means smaller electricity bills as well as electronic items replacement and service costs.
However, for a casement window to remain open without crashing closed at periodic intervals during a storm, (or a stiff breeze for that matter) it is necessary that some sort of locking mechanism firmly secures it in its open position. Such mechanisms do exist and they are called “Casement Stays.”
Various Types of Casement Window Stays
Adjustable casement stays
The vast majority of casement stays simply consist of a slab of iron or steel that is fixed to the frame of the window. This slab of metal has multiple perforations drilled into it. As the window is opened, the desired angle at which it is to be secured is achieved by the simple expedient of dropping the latch on to the protruding bar of metal fixed on to the wall on which the window has been placed, as long as there is a corresponding perforation on the stay.
Fixed casement stays
These stays are mounted on the wall itself rather than the frame of the window. They are in the form of a hook that latches on to a hole placed in the window frame. These types of stays are designed to keep the window open only at a specific angle and as such are not adjustable.
Dead bolts
A dead bolt is fixed either to the top or the bottom of the window and once its slides home in its slot on the wall, the window is securely fastened and cannot be opened regardless of how inclement the weather outside may be.
Conclusion
Casement windows tend to offer far better ventilation than most other types of windows. This is why they enjoy widespread popularity not just in the USA but also other countries all over the world thanks to the inherent advantages they bring to any room where they are installed.