Best Casement Windows?

[NWOhioChevyGuy]

I'm currently designing a kitchen remodel for our home.
The exterior wall will be totally removed and reframed for 5 casement windows above the counter.

The boss (aka Wife) wants casements for ease of opening, having to reach across the counter to do so.
The rest of the house has double hung vinyl replacement windows from the 90's that are good, but will need replaced before I get buried.

Since the Kitchen is the most used space in the house I want to do it right the first time and never have to touch it again.
We are both 52 and have no plans to ever move from this property / house, as it will be paid off before years end.

Currently I'm looking at 5 Pella Impervia windows, odd number as wife wants one centered at sink. 29.5" x 47.5"

https://www.pella.com/shop/windows/pella-impervia/casement-windows/

Any window guys have a "better" option out there?

Don't want wood, or vinyl construction.

 

[reader2580]

I really wanted to get Fibertec fiberglass windows (fibertec.com) when I replaced my windows in 2014, but the lead time back them was something like 14 weeks. It would have been January before I would get them. I suspect any of the Marvin/Pella fiberglass windows will also be good. Another place to check is the Matt Risinger videos on Youtube. He has done quite a few videos on good windows.

My house was vacant and the windows had been removed and covered with house wrap when I was buying windows. The house was not winterized so I couldn't wait until January for windows. The contractor ordered Andersen 400 Series windows instead. The windows had to go in before the new siding could get installed. Siding companies in Minnesota don't do a lot of siding in the winter.

 

[NWOhioChevyGuy]

I really wanted to get Fibertec fiberglass windows (fibertec.com) when I replaced my windows in 2014, but the lead time back them was something like 14 weeks. It would have been January before I would get them. I suspect any of the Marvin/Pella fiberglass windows will also be good. Another place to check is the Matt Risinger videos on Youtube. He has done quite a few videos on good windows.

My house was vacant and the windows had been removed and covered with house wrap when I was buying windows. The house was not winterized so I couldn't wait until January for windows. The contractor ordered Andersen 400 Series windows instead. The windows had to go in before the new siding could get installed. Siding companies in Minnesota don't do a lot of siding in the winter.

Yeah I follow Matt Risinger on Youtube, I will go see what he has to say.
Nice thing is this project will likely happen this fall, so if I want something with long lead times, I can make it happen.

 

[congo]

Matt Risinger's advice is good, but keep in mind that he's in Texas. Anything he recommends might not be available or work well in colder climates. I'm in Wisconsin and have Pella Impervia casements in my current house. They're fine but kinda have a weird 3d printed plastic feel on the inside (imho). My old house had Marvin Infinity casements and the fit/finish was much nicer.

 

[pelletman]

I have a very good friend who was a major Marvin dealer for close to 30 years. He built a huge company from nothing and is one of the largest suppliers of building materials in our region. He recently dumped Marvin because they were having problems and wouldn't stand behind their product. I was surprised to hear that, I always thought Marvin were the best of the best. I am not a big fan of Andersen and Pella, and I have lived with both.

 

[pcmeiners]

Pella® Impervia® Casement for your size. $1,146.74 . Think I paid about $300 for a casement of that size a couple decades ago. Wonder if they offer mortgages on Bay windows.


"Any window guys have a "better" option out there?"

Have a couple options in mind. How much do you love your wife?

 

[Glemon]

Have you had experience with casement windows? Especially since your house has double hung. If you actually open them I think they kind of ****, whipped by the wind and catch the breeze too much depending on direction, and more likely to let rain in if you get an unexpected shower. Screen on the inside is not, in my opinion, attractive. But if that is what she wants you should probably get it, because of anything wouldn't work with the double things it would be your fault.

 

[Hilltopmasonry]

Have you had experience with casement windows? Especially since your house has double hung. If you actually open them I think they kind of ****, whipped by the wind and catch the breeze too much depending on direction, and more likely to let rain in if you get an unexpected shower. Screen on the inside is not, in my opinion, attractive. But if that is what she wants you should probably get it, because of anything wouldn't work with the double things it would be your fault.

Personally I prefer the screen on the inside,

Casements are nice since they have more glass area than single or double hung and let more light in

 

[loganb]

Disclaimer: In the window industry, work for a manufacturer

For fiberglass window lines aside from the one already under consideration:

Kolbe Forgent
Marvin Essential
FiberFrame (smaller company made in Ohio)
FiberTec
Milgard 650 Ultra

I feel like I'm missing something.....

There are some composite window products that have some level of fiberglass in them but are actually a mixture of multiple materials so technically aren't fiberglass. The most successful/common of those is the Andersen Fibrex material used in their A100 lines and the Renewal by Andersen product. It is a mix of sawdust, pvc, fiberglass and glue.

As for pro's/con's....over the kitchen sink is a common location for casements/awning windows due to the reach issues with the standard 24" deep counter. At the height being planned, you could use an awning window that hinges at the top and the bottom pivots outward to have a wider window, watch for any concerns on where the hardware is vs where the sink faucet is. The awning type, combined with larger side windows could allow you to go from 5 wide to 3 wide, probably at a similar if not lower price. Looks like based on your original link there is a different operator type option from the normal crank that may be easier to use in this application....see if you can find one in store to try out.

 

[MushCreek]

We have all Marvin Integrity windows, and they have been great for the ten years we've had them.

 

[racecougar]

Personally I prefer the screen on the inside,

Casements are nice since they have more glass area than single or double hung and let more light in

Ditto. After having had both, if I were building today, I'd absolutely pick quality casements over typical double hung.

 

[jar944]

Ditto. After having had both, if I were building today, I'd absolutely pick quality casements over typical double hung.

They also inherently seal better

 

[P0234]

Ditto. After having had both, if I were building today, I'd absolutely pick quality casements over typical double hung.

Same, casement rock. Last house had a few and those were the ones that we opened 99% of the time. New house is all casement. Having screens on the inside is awesome, so easy to clean (vacuum). Also washing the outside is so easy too, no screens to deal with. They also seem less drafy although that is probably mfg dependent.

The only negative I can say about casement is alarm wiring is more tricky for contact sensors.

 

[NWOhioChevyGuy]

Thanks for the comments / discussions.

Yeah windows like most everything have gone crazy in $$ over the last decade.
I have passed all types of windows past the wife and casements it will be!

Thanks for the list @loganb, gives me some more to evaluate.
Yes, we will make it to a showroom eventually to get hands on what we choose, but we live not so close to most so its a full day outing.

This location is 8-10' off the ground to the bottom of the windows, not sure if I will even install contact sensors on these windows.
Alot easier ways into the house than these will be.

 

[loganb]

As others mentioned, swinging windows like casements/awnings should seal better than hung/sliding types due to the improved weatherstrip contact and different materials the gaskets/seals can be made from.

Windows are tested for air infiltration and measured in cfm per sq ft of frame area and tested at 1.57 psf for the typical single family/residential market. The mentioned Impervia casement window has a published rating of .05 cfm/sq ft, the single hung for that same brand is .10 cfm which still is low but 2x what the casement or awning is listed for. Remember though...this is when installed properly. If it's not properly integrated with the house and air sealed it doesn't matter

If it's 8' to 10' up off grade, the concern of someone walking into the casement sash when open isn't there...and less risk of forced entry into it as long as you don't leave a ladder leaned up next to the window

 

[NWOhioChevyGuy]

As others mentioned, swinging windows like casements/awnings should seal better than hung/sliding types due to the improved weatherstrip contact and different materials the gaskets/seals can be made from.

Windows are tested for air infiltration and measured in cfm per sq ft of frame area and tested at 1.57 psf for the typical single family/residential market. The mentioned Impervia casement window has a published rating of .05 cfm/sq ft, the single hung for that same brand is .10 cfm which still is low but 2x what the casement or awning is listed for. Remember though...this is when installed properly. If it's not properly integrated with the house and air sealed it doesn't matter

If it's 8' to 10' up off grade, the concern of someone walking into the casement sash when open isn't there...and less risk of forced entry into it as long as you don't leave a ladder leaned up next to the window

Yes and the wife has bushes planted there already.
Right where my scaffolding will be rebuilding the wall and placing windows.

FiberFrame / ComfortLine is in Toledo, OH = closest city to me, so that is attractive.
I grew up in a house with Anderson casement windows, I know the ins and outs of them vs. double hung.

 

[MushCreek]

We went casements because we're out in the boonies, so no curtains on the windows. Nice clear view in all directions. I like the way they catch the wind and funnel it in, but we're not in a windy area. Ours face in all different directions, so we can catch the wind or minimize it, depending upon what we prefer that day. I don't like them on ground level because someone could bump into a wide open casement. Ours are all well off of the ground. One downside of no curtains is that you have to keep the windows CLEAN.

 

[jar944]

If it's 8' to 10' up off grade, the concern of someone walking into the casement sash when open isn't there...and less risk of forced entry into it as long as you don't leave a ladder leaned up next to the window

Or blow the budget and get some tilt and turn inswing casements.

 

[Old Moparz]

Most of the major window manufacturers aren't drastically different in quality. I've installed Andersen, Pella, Crestline & Marvin as well as a few other brands that I don't recall the names of. On my own house, I had a serious issue with Pella a while back. I also read up on a class action suit they had for this exact issue as well. The wood underneath the aluminum cladding rotted out.

Pella gave me the runaround & dragged it out beyond the warranty period & ultimately told me to f*** off. It was a 10 year warranty but since the window had rotted from the inside, I was unaware of the damage that was going on for some time. The window had to be approximately 8 years old at the time. If they stood behind their product & replaced a $150 sash I'd have stuck behind recommending Pella.

Since then I have been using Marvin & like them a lot. The structure of the window seems better than Pella as well. Of course I don't know how long they will last or if their customer service will be good, but I know it can't be any worse than what I went through with Pella. Here is a photo of what happened to one of the Pella windows in my house.....

 

[Trapps]

Been doing windows since late May '23 on our home. It's been a terrible experience with one company and a brilliant one with a competitor.

Company One got the job for two large casement windows and if it went well, we'd add 13 more. It did not go well. One of the two windows has been sent to my home 4 times, installed twice and is still not correct (the 5th delivery & install is set for early next month). Incredibly poor customer support and communication combined with laughable product (bent seals, paint scratches, gouges THROUGH the aluminum, 2 of 5 fogging sashes). These were expensive aluminum clad wood windows. We had no issues with the installers, they've all been great.

Company Two, WindowPro, has been awesome. 13 Infinity from Marvin fiberglass windows (9 sliders, 2 awnings, 2 very large 75" x 128" pictures). One slider arrived with a broken lock assembly. We had more communication and a faster resolution to that one very minor issue than I got in 3 months with Company One. They were installed earlier than promised and look / perform great.

Consider the installer very carefully; they can make or break the experience. I've now met 4 previous employees of Company One and their stories are all of degrading quality and terrible company support.

Look very carefully at whom you are considering. Here's Pella's own website reviews:


I see you're in South East MI. If you'd like to see current new product from Marvin and another major player, drop me a DM.

 

[reader2580]

I have a very good friend who was a major Marvin dealer for close to 30 years. He built a huge company from nothing and is one of the largest suppliers of building materials in our region. He recently dumped Marvin because they were having problems and wouldn't stand behind their product. I was surprised to hear that, I always thought Marvin were the best of the best. I am not a big fan of Andersen and Pella, and I have lived with both.

Marvin had a major issue with finish issues a number of years back. Marvin was for the most part unwilling to stand behind the windows. However, I thought that problem was well behind them.

 

[Old Moparz]

Here's some of the Marvin Integrity windows I installed. The 3 larger ones are sliders, the smaller one is an awning window. Elsewhere in the house I have a casement that I installed & will be putting in 3 more this spring. They are fiberglass cladded on the outside & natural pine on the inside.

 

[NWOhioChevyGuy]

The installer will be ME, so I will watch him well
Got a quote from FiberFrame......HOLY SHITKIES $1775.00 for a 29.5x47.5 Casement.
They are close, but I don't think they command a 30% premium over Pella.

Or blow the budget and get some tilt and turn inswing casements.

Showed those to the wife & with them swinging in it was a NOGO as that would interrupt her counter space.

I have more research to do on the subject for sure.

 

[loganb]

Or blow the budget and get some tilt and turn inswing casements.

LOL that will definitely blow the budget...but dang the hardware is cool

 

[Old Moparz]

The installer will be ME, so I will watch him well
Got a quote from FiberFrame......HOLY SHITKIES $1775.00 for a 29.5x47.5 Casement.
They are close, but I don't think they command a 30% premium over Pella.

Showed those to the wife & with them swinging in it was a NOGO as that would interrupt her counter space.

I have more research to do on the subject for sure.

Keep your eyes on craigslist. I managed to get several of mine from there, all brand new in the color I needed. Got both of these small windows together for $50 & the double awning for $250. Also got 6'x6' triple window with the ends that are casement for $600.

 

[NWOhioChevyGuy]

I was going to try and do the craigslist thing... But I need a whole wall of matching windows a specific size.
Still leaning towards Pella Impervia

Thought process currently is to have this layout.
QTY:2 30" x 47.5" Left hinged Casement to left of sink
QTY:1 36" x 47.5" Awning Window centered over sink (36" Farm sink)
QTY:2 30" x 47.5" Right hinged Casement to right of sink

All windows installed independently, to simplify headers and provide more traditional look with trim inside.

 

[Jeff C]

I’ve got Marvin Integrity (now essential or elevate). Been very happy with them. Would absolutely use them again.

 

[WisJim]

At least 30 years ago we put a bunch of Weathershield casements in the old farmhouse that we were making habitable. When we sold the place about 2 years ago, none of the windows had given us any problems. No rot in the wood inside, no problems with the aluminum outside, no leaks or fogging of the thermopanes. They were wood framed with aluminum extrusion exterior. When we were thinking about building a new house a few years ago, we seriously considered going with the European style tilt or swing triple insulated windows, but the total house package cost scared us off and we ended up buying a hundred year old house in town instead.

 

[Geauga Shovelhead]

I've got Marvin Ultimate casements and they have worked out very well. They are not the cheapest option but to me they were the best of the higher end units.
One thing I learned is to get quotes from multiple distributors once you have settled on a manufacturer and model. I saw price differences of thousands of dollars, the shops that did the most volume with a given manufacturer having the sharpest pencils.

 

[Monza Harry]

I know nothing about this company or have I seen their product, but they are nearish to you and they used to advertise like crazy on the US local channels. [2, 4, 7, 20 , & 50] I live just across the river in Windsor, so I had a front row seat.
https://www.majicwindow.com/ Just adding to the "analysis paralysis"! Harry

 

[egdede]

I installed a retrofit MIlgard casement window 10 years ago and love it. It seals tight. I don't have a wind issue, can see how that would be bad. fiberglass. White. My trim is white so I haven't painted the fiberglass. Ironically I chose fiberglass because I planned to paint my trim.

 

[ratflinger]

Or blow the budget and get some tilt and turn inswing casements.

Sad thing is that those types of windows and doors are pretty much standard in Germany and therefore, are reasonably priced. Kind of like the in-wall hidden tank toilets - dirt cheap over there since that's what everyone has.

 

[Uncle murph]

I have a very good friend who was a major Marvin dealer for close to 30 years. He built a huge company from nothing and is one of the largest suppliers of building materials in our region. He recently dumped Marvin because they were having problems and wouldn't stand behind their product. I was surprised to hear that, I always thought Marvin were the best of the best. I am not a big fan of Andersen and Pella, and I have lived with both.

Anderson used to be the gold standard in customer service,it’s pretty much **** now,imo.

 

[slowtwitch73]

Had our place redone... had casements.. I almost went double hug to save $, but changed back to casements at last minute.. glad I did. The view out of a casement is so much nicer without the horizontal right through the middle.

As for them catching wind as previously mentioned.. non issue at worst.. you can order them to swing either direction.. bit of forethought as to dominant wind direction would largely negate an (possible) issues.

I think it's a positive.. open those pupppys up at night to catch the cooling breeze.. really nice.

Rain is a non issue.. better than double hung 3/4 of the time. I consider interior screens a plus.. cleaner, easy to access to take off for winter.

Cost and someone being an idiot with the mechanism are the only downsides I see.

 

[Copymutt]

Happy w/ my 30 yr. old Pellas. Triple pane on the north side. Double w/ argon & coating on the south & west. Noticed the sun has done some surface damage to the sill on the west window. Easy fix.
Wouldn’t relish paying todays prices!

 

[NWOhioChevyGuy]

I installed a retrofit MIlgard casement window 10 years ago and love it. It seals tight. I don't have a wind issue, can see how that would be bad. fiberglass. White. My trim is white so I haven't painted the fiberglass. Ironically I chose fiberglass because I planned to paint my trim.

Looks like Milgard are only in the Western US

 

[jar944]

Sad thing is that those types of windows and doors are pretty much standard in Germany and therefore, are reasonably priced. Kind of like the in-wall hidden tank toilets - dirt cheap over there since that's what everyone has.

For the enterprising individual the hardware, tooling and specifications are available.

 

[Jackfre]

I did all Loewen windows on our house in ‘13. They were and are excellent in every respect. I agree on the funneling of air with casements. They worked out really well.

 

[tjansson]

If cost was no object, I'd get Sierra Pacific H3 Fusion. But, I have finite money, so I've been buying Marvin Essential. I don't like the fold out nail fins on Marvins - they are hard to flash and I don't think you get as robust of a flashing install as a one piece nail fin like an Andersen 400. That said, I think the Marvin's overall are better windows.

 

[NWOhioChevyGuy]

We are heading to the Pella Showroom “near” us next week. If I like what I see the search will be over likely be over.

Any concerns and the search will continue. I’m interested to see what they quote, if different from the online $.