Wooden windows are becoming ever more popular amongst homeowners in the UK looking to replace their existing windows. Two of the most popular styles are Flush Casement and Lipped Casement, sometimes called Stormproof. But what are the differences with these two styles of windows and how do you choose which one is right for you?
What are Timber Flush Casement Windows?
Flush casement windows are a timeless design which sees the window sitting in a hidden rebate to create a flush finish to the frame. This design style works for both modern homes looking for a clean aesthetic and heritage or period properties.
This style of window is energy efficient with a U-value of 1.3 which is a good standard for insulation of homes and outperforms standard regulations. It is an upgrade to replacing windows with higher U-values.
Flush casement windows come with a 24mm double glazed unit as standard with Low-E coating for energy efficiency. When it comes to security, this window style is high performing with a multi-point locking system.
The window can be customised by paint colour and ironmongery to suit the property style. By having the window pre-painted in the Wooden Windows factory, you ensure your windows are protected from day one from the elements and reduce the need for window maintenance over time as the factory-controlled paint environment is at a much higher standard than any hand painted finish.
What are Timber Lipped Casement Windows?
Lipped Casement windows (stormproof) feature a precision-rebated opener that overlaps the outerframe and is one of the most commonly used window styles in the UK. This window is perfect for protecting against the british weather keeping homes dry and draft free.
They are also energy efficient with a U-value of 1.4 and comes with the standard 24mm double glazing, mulit-point locking system and can be customised with a paint finish and a choice of ironmongery.
Which wooden window style is right for my property?
Both flush casement and lipped casement windows are suitable for a range of property styles. Modern homes which want a contemporary sleek and minimalist look will tend to choose a flush casement, whereas more traditional homes may choose the lipped casement. If you are only replacing one or two of your home's windows, it is best to match the existing style in your property.
Wooden casement windows can also come in a range of styles and opening functions:
Fixed Windows
You can have a fixed window that can’t be opened which is intended to create additional light into a room without needing to be opened. Fixed windows are also used as sidelights and top lights for bespoke window designs and architectural design preferences.
In the image below, the red cross indicates a fixed window.
Side Hung Windows
Side hung casement windows, mean you can open the window from one side on a concealed hinge. This allows you to get airflow into your home and also easy access for cleaning the window frames and cills.
In the image below the window to the left is side opening and the red lines point to the friction hinge and the handle will be on the opposite side. The right hand window is a fixed frame.
Top Hung Windows
When the bottom of the window opens outwards this is called a top hung window. The handle usually sits central and you can choose to have the window profile as one full opening window or a fixed window at the bottom and a top opener above.
You may also decide to have a mixed window style which includes a side hung window, top-hung window and a fixed window frame.
In the image below the window is top hung and the red lines point to the friction hinge and the handle will be on the opposite side.
This can also be designed like this with a top hung window at the top and fixed window at the bottom, in various configurations:
You can easily choose your window style with the Wooden Windows intuitive online window designer.
Are Wooden Windows hard to maintain?
There is a misconception from homeowners that timber windows are harder to maintain than a standard PVC. However, with a little care such as cleaning of the windows during the changes of seasons, your windows can look good as new for many many years. In fact, wooden windows can last almost double the lifetime of a PVC window!
The secret to having long-lasting and low maintenance wooden windows is by having them professionally factory-spray painted when purchasing them, and not waiting weeks to get someone to come and hand-finish the windows.
Pre-painted windows in a factory controlled environment means that premium paint is used for a full coverage finish, often applied with a 4-coat preservative, primer and top-coat. If you also choose a highly durable and sustainable wood material like Accoya, your windows can last for up to 50 years.
Waiting to get a professional in to paint your windows before installing, you are risking the windows being exposed to water and moisture for days and weeks, which could mean by the time your windows are painted, the damage has already been done, your paint could peel away and your windows could be exposed to rot. It may also cost you more in time and labour, than choosing a fully-painted option from the start.
What’s the best material choice when selecting a new flush casement or lipped casement window?
Wooden windows are available in Pine, Sapele, Accoya and Oak. If you are looking for a painted window we would recommend choosing Accoya.
Accoya is a modified timber which is 100% non-toxic, fully recyclable and highly durable and sustainable. Joiners love working with Accoya Wood due to its dimensional stability and virtually no risk of swelling or rotting. It comes with a 50 year warranty and when painted in a factory environment is at peak performance with a long life expectancy, improved UV resistance and extremely low maintenance.
Wooden Windows are an Accoya approved manufacturer.
Ready to start designing your new windows?
You can now enter your window measurements and choose your preferred window style and finish with the online window builder. You will get visuals of how your window will look and instant prices - when ready you can order directly online or if you need a helping hand the Wooden Windows team can support your project.
Start designing today: https://woodenwindows.com
If you need help measuring your windows read our blog ‘How to Measure Your Windows Step-by-Step Guide’