All you need to know about French Casement Windows
Push-out French window
As the main source of natural light in any home, windows are an important aspect of a room. So it is important to choose the type of window to be installed strategically – as they can change the entire appearance of a house.
With various kinds of windows available in the market, selecting the right kind style of can sometimes be difficult. This is where we are offering some help.
Among the numerous options, French casement windows are both contemporary and classic in design, so we feel they are well worth knowing more about.
so we aim to cover:
- What is a French casement window?
- What are the designs and options available?
- How much do French windows cost?
What is a French Casement Window?
French window with Juliet Balcony
Basically, a casement is really just the moving section of a window – the part that opens and closes. The French part comes, unsurprisingly, from the French origins of this particular style which goes back as far as the 16th or 17th Century.
The most frequently accepted understanding of what a French window looks like is where 2 casements (window openers) are fitted side by side within a single frame, opening from the centre and hinged on the sides.
Larger versions can be fitted as a set of double doors known as (you guessed it) French Doors. Having said that, very often the terms French door or French window are used interchangeably to mean the same thing when talking about larger versions– some folks call them windows, others call them doors.
The design is capable of being built to open both inwards or outwards, but are favoured as inward opening on upper floors and will often be seen used with a “Juliet balcony”.
What are the designs and options available?
The “classic” French window style is to have the glass area made of a series of smaller glazed panes. Depending on your door size it could be 2 to 3 panes wide by 5 panes high. That’s not to say that you can’t have them with more or less panes.
There are 2 basic kinds of French casement window available.
Double Casement
Double casement: It consists of two opening window casements that swing out from, and meet in, the middle. This design will have a central mullion (pillar).
Push-out casement: Also consist of two opening window casements that swing out from the centre but in this design there is no central mullion (pillar) so you have a totally unobstructed view. This design is great for use as a “door”.
Having only 2 “leaves” or moving sections, puts a limit on the effective maximum usable width for a set of French windows. You are going to start hitting the design limitation for use as a regular window at around 700 mm to 800 mm per casement and around 800 mm to 1000 mm per door.
For oversize openings, both height & width, you can fit additional side or top panels. The use of extra “fixed” panels is quite frequent where a French “window” is used as a door (think patio doors or conservatory doors).
What can French Windows be made from?
A classic French window, in our humble opinion, will be made from timber, either soft or hardwood.
uPVC French windows have gained a lot of ground on timber over the years due to good pricing, improved appearance combined with long lifespans & little being needed in the way of maintaining them.
Although you can get aluminium products, the most frequent use of this material is in French Door designs.
What colours can I choose?
For timber designs you can paint or stain them to any colour you like (within the boundaries of acceptable taste!). Hardwoods look better when stained. Many manufacturers offer “factory finishes” for timber, where the unit is spray painted at manufacture and delivered ready to install.
uPVC colour range extends to more than 10 basic and wood-grain effect finishes, whilst the aluminium powder coat range is huge (100+). Both uPVC and aluminium offer dual colour options, where the inside of the unit is a different colour to that of the outside.
What are the benefits of fitting French windows?
- Push-out versions offer a completely clear view once opened. There is nothing to block your appreciation of the outside with a full 90-degree opening arc (this also allows a lot of fresh air in).
- On a safety note, the fact that the windows open so wide makes them a safe & quick means of exit in the event of an emergency.
- Convenience of cleaning – on upper floors this is a bonus. The windows open inwards so every part is easily accessed when you want to clean them
- Modern French windows are all built to be energy efficient, helping to keep down those nasty utility costs. To enhance that basic energy efficiency even further, you can opt for A++ rated windows, Argon gas filled double glazing & low emissivity solar glass.
- Appearance – it’s a classic design, bringing character and charm that will never go out of style.
How much do uPVC French Casement Windows Cost?
As you would expect, there are a few basic things to take into consideration when calculating prices for French windows. To start with, you must at least consider the following:
- What the windows are made from.
- How big the windows are.
- What design features you choose (colour, glass, energy rating).
- How much work it’s going to take to remove the old and install the new window (labour cost).
So in order to give you a rough guide to French windows prices, we have gathered together the following prices from around the web for your convenience.
| Approximate Size of Window | Basic Specification | Average Prices For uPVC Casement French Windows |
| 1200 mm x 1200 mm | White uPVC, plain glass | from £320 to £350 |
| 1200 mm x 1200 mm | White uPVC, Georgian Bars | from £380 to £390 |
| 1000 mm x 1200 mm | White uPVC, Plain Glass | from £310 to £330 |
| 1000 mm x 1200 mm | White uPVC, Georgian Bars | from £360 to £380 |
The costs shown above are for “supply only” because fitting costs vary so much around the country. However the price does include:
- Handles
- Cills / internal window boards
- Trickle Vents
- 28 mm double glazing
- 10 year guarantee
- 70 mm profiles
- 6 point locking system
You can find other window prices guide here
You may want to find out more about other types of windows & doors
