Not All Crank Windows Are Created Equal: Choosing the Right Style for Your Bensalem Home
When it comes to selecting the right windows for your home in Bensalem, PA, the choices can feel overwhelming. Each window style offers unique features and benefits that contribute to both the aesthetics and functionality of your home. In this blog, we’ll explore the differences between three popular types of crank windows—casement, awning, and hopper windows—to help you determine which style best fits your needs.
Casement Windows
Design
Casement windows are hinged on the side and open outward by turning a crank handle. This design allows them to open fully, offering unobstructed views and maximum ventilation, which can be ideal for homes in Bensalem, PA, where fresh airflow is essential.
Benefits
- Ventilation: Casement windows open completely, making them perfect for rooms that need maximum airflow, such as kitchens.
- Energy Efficiency: When closed, the sash presses tightly against the frame, creating an airtight seal that enhances insulation, which can help reduce energy costs in Bensalem’s changing seasons.
- Clear Views: Without a central meeting rail, casement windows provide beautiful, unobstructed views—perfect for appreciating your Bensalem yard or garden.
Considerations
- Space Requirements: Because they open outward, it’s essential to consider the exterior space. Ensure there’s enough room for the window to fully open without interfering with landscaping or other features.
- Wind Vulnerability: In areas with high winds, like some parts of Bensalem, additional support may be needed to secure the outward-opening design.
Awning Windows
Design
Hinged at the top and opening outward from the bottom, awning windows resemble an awning when open. This design is particularly effective at allowing ventilation even during light rain.
Benefits
- Weather Protection: The awning-like design enables ventilation while keeping rain out—ideal for rainy days in Bensalem.
- Versatility: Awning windows are often placed higher on walls, making them a great option for rooms that need privacy or to pair with larger stationary windows for added ventilation.
- Energy Efficiency: Like casement windows, awning windows create a tight seal when closed, offering energy efficiency to help manage heating and cooling costs.
Considerations
- Limited Opening: While they provide good ventilation, awning windows may not open as widely as casement windows.
- Accessibility: Depending on their placement, reaching the crank handle may be challenging, especially if they’re installed higher up.
Hopper Windows
Design
Hopper windows are hinged at the bottom and open inward from the top, the reverse of awning windows. This inward-opening design is ideal for basements or bathrooms.
Benefits
- Ideal for Basements: Hopper windows are often used in basement installations, providing airflow in areas where exterior access may be limited.
- Privacy and Security: Frequently found in bathrooms and basements, they can be placed higher on walls to maintain privacy while allowing airflow.
- Compact Size: Their smaller, compact size makes hopper windows an excellent choice for confined spaces.
Considerations
- Easy Cleaning: Since they open inward, hopper windows are easy to clean from the inside, saving you time and hassle.
- Limited Ventilation: Due to their smaller size, hopper windows may not provide as much ventilation as casement or awning styles.
Conclusion
Each type of crank window—casement, awning, and hopper—offers unique benefits tailored to different needs. When choosing windows for your Bensalem home, consider the specific requirements of each room, including ventilation, view, and space constraints. Casement windows offer superior ventilation, awning windows provide excellent weather protection, and hopper windows are compact, making them ideal for small spaces like basements.
For personalized advice on selecting the right windows for your Bensalem home, contact us today! We’re here to help you make the right choice that enhances both the aesthetic and functional aspects of your home.
