Casement windows open wider than other types, so they can funnel lots of air through your home. They also insulate better, because winds push the sash more tightly against the seals. To get the screens out of the way, you usually need to pull them out.
In windows with cranks, the crank can fail. This is the biggest maintenance issue. Keeping the gears clean helps.
Lifespan: 15-20 years
Step 1: Inside your home, check the walls around your windows for dampness or staining. If you find any, it means water is getting in around the frames. Address the problem ASAP.
Step 2: Look at the frames and sills. You shouldn’t see any gaps between them and the walls. If you find gaps, seal them.
Step 3:Check for gaps where the glass meets the sash. Fix any cracked, loose, or missing sealant, glazing, or gaskets to keep drafts and water from creeping through.
Step 4: Cracked glass panes can be dangerous. Repair broken glass right away.
Step 5: Open the windows. They should open smoothly and the cranks should turn easily. If not, check for debris. Try a vacuum or a can of aerosol duster. While they’re open, check the seals where the sash fits into the frame. Replace cracked, torn, or separated seals.
Step 6: Close the windows and lock them. The locks should move easily. While locked, windows should be tightly closed with no gaps around the sash.