PVCu casement windows are the most popular type of window installed in homes in the UK
PVCu casement windows are fitted with one or more vents, known as casements, which open outwards either from the side or from the top, often together with fixed panes, all within the same window frame.
Generally speaking, the larger the window and the more opening vents it has, the more expensive they will be. PVCu casement windows in a woodgrain effect finish or ones with coloured window frames and decorative glass will be more expensive than plain white windows.
Whether opening from the top or the side, PVCu casement windows are fitted with metal friction stay hinges which means that when the sash is fully open it dissects the opening in two, rather than being hinged from one side, like a door.
Different types of friction stay hinges can be fitted. Some friction stay hinges on PVCu casement windows can provide almost full width fire escapes whilst others enable the outside of the window to be cleaned from inside. These are referred to as a fire egress stay and easy clean hinges.
Key locking handles generally include a night vent function. This allows the opening section of the window to be locked in a slightly open position.
A wide range of locking systems is available, from not very good such as cockspur handles to excellent, those fitted with multi-point locking in the form of shoot bolts and hook bolts.
The vast majority of PVCu casement windows installed in homes in the UK have white frames inside and outside.
However, they are also available in a wide range of wood effect finishes and solid colours. Coloured windows include red, blue and green frames, often with white frames on the inside.
Woodgrain effect windows tend to have either woodgrain effect on both sides or on just the outside. The advantage of having woodgrain effect windows which are white on the inside is to keep internal rooms brighter.