Restoring the Charm: A Guide to Old Casement Window Hardware

Casement windows have been a popular choice in homes for centuries. Their simple yet elegant design, along with their functionality, has made them a mainstay in architectural styles ranging from Tudor to modern. However, as time passes, the hardware on these windows can become worn, outdated, or damaged. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the world of old casement window hardware, discussing the various types, how to maintain and restore them, and where to source replacement parts to keep your windows looking and functioning at their best.

A Brief History of Casement Windows

Before we dive into hardware, it's important to understand the history of casement windows. These windows, which are hinged on one side and swing outward to open, have been used in homes since the medieval period. In fact, they were the most common type of window before the invention of the sash window in the 17th century. Casement windows gained popularity due to their ability to provide excellent ventilation and their ease of use, as they could be opened and closed with a simple crank or push.

Types of Casement Window Hardware

There are several types of hardware that you may encounter when working with old casement windows. Some of the most common include:

1. Hinges: These are the essential components that allow the window to swing open and closed. There are several types of hinges, including butt hinges, pivot hinges, and friction hinges, each with their own unique characteristics and advantages.

2. Operators: Also known as cranks, these devices are used to open and close the window. They can be either manual, using a handle to turn a gear that moves the window, or automatic, using an electric motor to perform the same function.

3. Locks: To secure the window when closed, a variety of locks can be used. Some common types include hook locks, which use a hook-shaped bolt to secure the window to the frame, and multi-point locks, which engage multiple locking points along the window's edge.

4. Handles: These are used to manually open and close the window, and can come in many different styles and materials, from simple wooden knobs to ornate metal levers.

5. Weatherstripping: This is the material used to seal gaps between the window and frame to prevent drafts and improve energy efficiency. Weatherstripping can be made from a variety of materials, including rubber, vinyl, and metal.

Maintaining and Restoring Old Casement Window Hardware

Proper maintenance is key to preserving the beauty and functionality of your old casement windows. Here are some tips for keeping your hardware in top shape:

Cleaning: Regularly clean your hardware using a mild soap and water solution. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as they can damage the finish or scratch the metal.

Lubrication: Keep all moving parts well-lubricated to ensure smooth operation. Use a silicone-based lubricant for best results, as it won't attract dirt and grime like oil-based lubricants can.

Inspection: Periodically inspect your hardware for signs of wear or damage. If you notice any issues, such as loose screws or worn weatherstripping, address them promptly to prevent further damage.

Replacement: If your hardware is damaged beyond repair, you may need to replace it. When sourcing replacement parts, try to find ones that match the style and material of your existing hardware to maintain the aesthetic of your windows.

Sourcing Replacement Hardware

Finding replacement hardware for old casement windows can be a challenge, but there are several places you can turn to:

1. Architectural salvage yards: These businesses specialize in salvaging and selling old building materials, including window hardware. You may be able to find matching hardware or parts that can be adapted to fit your windows.

2. Online retailers: Many online retailers sell reproduction hardware designed to match the look and function of old casement window hardware. This can be a great option if you're unable to find original parts or if you prefer new hardware with an old-fashioned appearance.

3. Custom fabrication: If you're unable to find a suitable replacement for your hardware, you may need to have a custom piece fabricated. This can be done by a skilled metalworker or a specialized window hardware manufacturer.

Final Thoughts

Old casement window hardware may require a bit more care and attention than its modern counterparts, but with proper maintenance and restoration, it can continue to serve your home for many years to come. By understanding the different types of hardware, knowing how to maintain and restore them, and being aware of where to source replacement parts, you can ensure that your old casement windows remain a beautiful and functional feature of your home.

Casement Window

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Casement windows are the most common style of window. They feature hinged panels that swing open and closed. Casement windows are available in single panels or multiple panels. The direction a door swings, either to the right or the left, is called the handing. In addition to handing, window are identified as either inswing or outswing depending on whether they open into the house or towards the outside.

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This newly built private house is in Sydney, Australia. The area occupied by the fenestration system in our scheduled design drawings was up to more than 110 square meters. A wide range of design details made the perfect mix of modern aesthetics and traditional sophistication, the simulated vertical hung windows with tilt & turn opening systems in this home are absolutely breathtaking. SDLS (Simulated Divided Lites with Spacer Bar) brings some historical vintage feeling to the whole building without losing any energy saving performance. Long narrow fixed windows creating larger-than-life expenses, coupled with German high-end systems made this project stand out from the rest.

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The client's idea was to maintain a certain vintage feel, and our aim was to meet the energy efficiency needs and standards of modern houses as much as possible while maintaining a retro design. Doorwin’s 61S simulated hung windows with tilt & turn openings is a respectful modernization of a classic architectural masterwork.

Why choose the tilt and turn opening method?

Because it generally has better air seals than sliding, single hung, or double hung window frames. Tilt and turn windows form a complete seal when fully closed, this means they are less prone to water leakage, and cold draughts and you’ll keep more of your heating indoors where it belongs. They can be opened in the upper tilt way to ventilate at a minimum opening status and are easy to clean outside of the glass; when there’s a good day, they can be opened as normal inward casement windows.

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Huge, fixed glass walls up to seven meters long and two meters high bring great lighting and open views, making it really refreshing to the mind. Five meters high long narrow windows give the whole building a contemporary aesthetic.

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Doorwin energy-efficient integrated glazing units feature double-pane glass, warm-edge spacers, argon gas fill, Low-E coatings, and fully tempered glass, they can not only create a comfortable and natural indoor environment but also save electricity bills and heating bills of more than 100 USD for the owner, it’s a real bargain compared to choosing a regular glazing set.

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Aluminum Door offered an air of uniqueness and elegance to a home. With their luxurious patterns and beautiful finishes, it provides this house with a bounty of aesthetics and security. Aluminum entry doors allow you to resist any weather extremes, corrosion, and pests. So aluminum is one of the most resilient and durable materials you can select for front doors considering the price/performance ratio.

With pieces of double panes, and Low-E tempered glass. The door provides a good insulation performance.

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In this project, we use SDLS (simulated divided lites with spacer bars), these bars permanently adhere to both sides of the glass, and spacer bars are installed between the glass, this is the most energy-efficient way to create the look of classical décor grilles. The windows in the bathroom bedroom and study have an Arch Transom Design, making these rooms, which are often used by the owner, have some traditional aesthetics.

BTW, Doorwin offers free design assistance, so if you need a custom design like this one, contact us right away and we will provide you with the most aesthetically and functionally pleasing design solution.

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For windows and doors, hardware is as important as the engine is to the car. The continuous technological innovation of the European hardware industry has strongly promoted the performance improvement and functional innovation of windows and doors. In this project, Doorwin uses Hoppe™ multi-point locks, hinges, and handles from Germany.

Multi-point lock systems provide not only the burglar-resistance but also a tighter compression seam, making the window keeps good energy-efficient performance. Together with Technoform Bautec’s insulation edge bond and sealant strips, these make up our products' top insulation and energy-saving performance.

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Before production, we will provide accurate sample drawings, which will clearly show the cross-sectional pattern, size, opening method and direction, pattern of the warm spacer, and the installation nodes. We will not go into production until you have signed off on the drawing to ensure that you receive a final product that meets the exact requirements of your project.

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Doorwin's professional packing system guarantees all products are delivered safely and without any damage. We apply a four-point packing system. Firstly, adhesive plastic film is applied on interior wood frames and exterior aluminum frames to avoid scratches on the surface. Then, a paper board is applied after we apply air bubble film surrounding the whole windows/ doors to avoid any destruction or clash. Lastly, we place them into a durable non-fumigation plywood crate to avoid any possible damage during transportation.

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