Casement vs Hopper Windows

When you decide you want to get new windows for your home, your first research may be to find out what type of window will suit your home needs. While there are various types of windows you can use for your home, you may want to consider a comparison between window types to help you make a great choice.

In this article, we will be doing a casement vs hopper window style comparison, we will tell you what each type of window looks like and when to choose each for your home.

Casement vs Hopper Window Style

To give you a better view of each window type is, let's first define them.

What is Casement Window?

A casement window has its hinges by the side of the window and opens outward, it can open up to 90 degrees outward and provides good ventilation and light to your home. It can also be called a crank window since cranks support the window arm when opening it.

What is Hopper Window?

A hopper window has its hinges either at the top or bottom but opens inwards to the home. It is usually rectangular and can open all the way to 90 degrees or 45 degrees. Their latch can be at the top or bottom depending on the design. It looks like an awning window but is positioned in the opposite direction.

How Do Hopper and Casement's Windows Compare?

Orientation

A casement window has a vertical orientation while a hopper window has a horizontal orientation.

Opening

A casement window typically opens outwards from the home while a hopper window opens into the home.

Size

Casement windows are usually bigger in size than hopper windows, hopper windows are usually smaller.

Use

A casement window is placed at a level that is easily reachable because of its use. They are used in places that require maximum ventilation and have high traffic. A hopper window is usually placed either on high walls or in basements. High walls to let ventilation in a closed space or basement to let light and ventilation in.

Energy efficiency

Casement windows offer one of the best energy efficiency you can find for an open window, the sashes press tightly on the frame to keep out cold air. They also have a seal on all four sides of the window. Hopper windows should provide similar efficiency as a casement window.

Having looked at the two styles of windows, you may want to know when to use each, read on to learn what we recommend.

When Should I Choose a Casement Window?

When choosing a window style for your home, you should what needs your home has, here are some important ones:

Energy efficiency

If you are looking for an energy-efficient window that seals tightly and reduces draft, then a casement window is your best bet. This is because casement windows have very low heat emissivity↗ and retains heat.

Ventilation

Casement windows allow ventilation into your home without obstructing movement, they are usually used in high traffic areas like living rooms, kitchens, sunrooms, etc.

Aesthetics
Homeowners often choose casement windows because they don't have a horizontal bar across the center of the window. Create a gallery effect with your windows by choosing casements or add custom grids with a contemporary design.

When to avoid casement windows
Remember most casements open outward, so you should consider what the space outside the window is like as well—you wouldn't want someone to walk into the window. If the casement window will obstruct a walkway, it should be avoided. Instead opt for a horizontal sliding window to create the look of two casement windows side-by-side.

When Should I Choose a Hopper Window?

Tight space with high walls

If you are looking to ventilate a tight space with a high wall and also require some bit of natural light, a hopper window will be your best choice. They often do well in places where there is no high traffic because it opens inward. Hopper windows are used in basements, powder rooms, and bathrooms.

Conclusion

Choosing a window style requires careful consideration of what you want to achieve in your home, knowing what use you want and understanding the space where you want your window placed will help you determine which of them will be most suitable.