Awning and casement windows are stylish additions to a home, and highly versatile in function with their ability to let in lots of light, improve airflow and provide unobstructed views of the landscape. While awning and casement windows continue to be popular in architectural design, one aspect that challenges homeowners is the screening.
Advantages of awning windows
Awning windows are excellent at boosting air circulation and can remain open even during the rains. Unlike traditional casement windows, awning windows are hinged at the top, opening outwards and upwards with the glass preventing the entry of rain into the home. This also ensures awning windows will allow ventilation throughout the day, regardless of the weather.
Scoring high on visual appeal, awning windows add character to the home. Since they open from the bottom, they can be placed anywhere and will still be very accessible. Awning windows can be fitted high on a wall or low to the ground, ensuring privacy, while still providing good airflow and natural light. Very importantly, these windows are safe for homes with children as they meet the Australian Safety Standards by having safety restrictions and locks in place.
Choosing casement windows
A traditional casement window features a side-hung frame, hinged on either side, with the frame opening outwards. Similar to awning windows, they provide exceptional ventilation as they can be completely opened, or opened in the direction of the breeze to maximise airflow; this is especially true if two casement windows are fitted side by side, opening in opposite directions.
From an aesthetic point of view, casement windows offer a charming option and can either be a frame with just glass, or have timber panelling. However, unlike awning windows, casement windows will allow the rain in since they open more than most other windows, swinging completely open so you can enjoy the outdoors from inside your home.
Casement windows are a popular choice as they provide a modern, clean look to a home’s interior as well as exterior. Hook shaped locks embedded into the frame ensure the home is safe against intruders. Casement windows also provide a tight seal, saving energy and performing better than double hung windows, which will help to minimise cold and heat transfer.
The challenge of screening
Both awning and casement windows present challenges when it comes to screens. Since the windows open outwards, the screens need to be placed on the inside of the frame, which would make it difficult to operate the window.
Temporary fly screens are a satisfactory option as they can be used when required. In winter when the window is less likely to be opened, the screen can be removed so that the glass isn’t blocked. However, these screens can be tricky to fix to the frame of the window.
Using retractable screens
Retractable screens, also known as roll-up screens are perfect for awning and casement windows. Installed at the top of the window frame, the mesh of the screen is housed in a cassette, simply rolling down when needed and retracting when not in use.
Retractable screens for awning and casement windows blend right into the window frame, preserving the aesthetics of the windows. Since they can be placed both vertically and horizontally, they offer the perfect solution for awning and casement windows. Access to the windows is retained since the screen simply disappears into the cassette.
Artilux Australia specialises in retractable screens, designed to suit different window openings.
