What is Window Swing?
Window swing refers to the direction and arc through which a window moves when opened and closed, which plays an important role in design, space planning, and accessibility.
Double Casement Window Swing Types
Here at PINKYS, all of our double casement windows are available in 2 different swing options, both of which will swing out, but will have one main active panel. These 2 swing options are described below:
Right Hand Out Swing
From the exterior, right window is the main active window, hinges on the right side, main active window swings out towards the right
Facing the window, while standing on the exterior of your space, the right window will be your main active window. This window will have it's hinges on the right exterior side, and will swing towards the exterior of your space, from left to right.
The left window, while standing on the exterior of your space, will be your inactive window. This window will have it's hinges on the left exterior side, and will be locked into the frame via flush bolts on both the top and bottom of the windows edge. Disengaging these bolts will allow your inactive window to swing towards the exterior of your space, from right to left.
Left Hand Out Swing
From the exterior, left window is the main active window, hinges on the left side, main active window swings out towards the left
Facing the window, while standing on the exterior of your space, the left window will be your main active window. This window will have it's hinges on the left exterior side, and will swing towards the exterior of your space, from right to left.
The right window, while standing on the exterior of your space, will be your inactive window. This window will have it's hinges on the right exterior side, and will be locked into the frame via flush bolts on both the top and bottom of the windows edge. Disengaging these bolts will allow your inactive window to swing towards the exterior of your space, from left to right.
Swing Angle: Up to 90°
Swing angle refers to the number of degrees a window can open from it's closed position. Our double casement windows have the ability to open up to a 90° angle.
This swing angle will be reliant on the fact that there are no objects located within the window swings arc path. This will include any hanging objects, furniture, etc. You will also want to consider any adjacent doors that could directly impact the windows swing angle.
Casement Window Net Clear Opening & Egress
Net clear opening refers to the unobstructed space provided by your active window leaf when opened at a 90° angle. In other words, it is the clear opening width & height given for one to adequately maneuver through the active window's opening, which plays an integral role in terms of egress requirements.
Egress code, while there are some exceptions, typically requires a minimum net clear opening height of 24", and a minimum net clear opening width of 20", and a minimum net clear opening square footage of 5.7 Square Feet. Once you calculate your net clear opening width and height, you will be able to use those figures to calculate your net clear opening square footage.
To calculate the approximate net clear opening width and height of your specific casement window, please refer to the below chart.
Window Handle
Our double casement windows will each include a handle to operate the window open and closed, which works in conjunction with it's paired window stay. These handles, depending on the height of the window itself, will have either a single, double, or triple point locking system, all of which are operated via a single handle.
Window Stay
Each of our casement windows will include a window stay, which works in conjunction with the window handle to operate your window open and closed. The stay provides the ability to hold the window at your desired open angle (up to 90°) via a butterfly thumb turn located on the stay itself. In order to close the window, simply loosen the thumb turn and return the window to it's closed position.
Flush Bolt
Our double casement windows will have flush bolts that lock the inactive window panel in place when not in use. To operate your inactive window, simply disengage both the top and bottom flush bolts on the windows edge.
Hinges
Our casement windows use steel bullet hinges that come pre-welded to the windows and their frames. These are not removable or adjustable, however, each window comes pre-fit and tested with the exact frame that you receive to ensure seamless operation.
Zerk Fitting
On top of each window hinge, you’ll see a Zerk fitting (brass nipple) that makes greasing your window significantly easier using a standard grease gun. These fittings do not have caps and are meant to be uncovered as an industrial design choice.
Copper Crush Washer
One copper crush washer will need to be placed on each bullet hinge before hanging each window. Since copper is softer than steel, these copper crush washers are made to allow easy operation that stops the steel on one side of the hinge from grinding against the other.
How to Grease Hinges
Greasing the hinges is very easy via the included hinge zerk fittings. All you need is a standard grease gun and petroleum grease. Once your grease gun is loaded and primed, place the nozzle directly on top of the brass nipple and press straight down until you hear a click. Once you hear the click, keep the gun pressed down and pump the lever 1 to 2 times. If grease starts to seep out where the hinges meet before you finish the full two pumps, stop, wipe off the excess grease, and move on to the next hinge.
Cleaning your Windows
The glass and the metal should be cleaned with our Iron Door Spray on a regular basis to protect it from UV rays. This spray is specially made to leave a protective coating on your window, as well as keep the door clean from dirt and grime.
Spray our Iron Door Spray directly onto a microfiber towel, then wipe evenly along the surface of both the glass and metal. Spraying directly onto the window itself can more easily create streaks along the surface of the glass and window.
FAQs
What does “window swing” mean?
Window swing refers to the direction and arc through which a window moves when opened and closed, which plays an important role in design, space planning, and accessibility.
What is window handing, and how is it related to window swing?
Window handing determines which side of the window, when facing the window from the exterior, your hinges are on, as well as the direction that the active window panel will open.
Can I buy an out swing window and then install it as an in swing?
All of our casement windows are out swing models, and cannot be flipped in reverse to install as in swing windows. Each window must be installed in it's intended swing.
Is there a center post on your double casement windows when I have both window panels open?
No. All of our double casement windows are designed with the window stops around the perimeter of the frame, but not down the center, providing an unobstructed view and larger single opening.
Do you offer screens on your casement windows?
We do not offer or have available screens for our casement windows.
Do building codes dictate window size?
Yes, building codes can dictate window size in certain situations. For example, every sleeping room requires one egress window (or door) that allows occupants to escape during an emergency, or first responders to gain access during an emergency.
Egress code, while there are some exceptions, typically require a minimum net clear opening height of 24", and a minimum net clear opening width of 20", and a minimum net clear opening square footage of 5.7 Square Feet. Once you calculate your net clear opening width and height, you will be able to use those figures to calculate your net clear opening square footage.
Please refer to our Casement Window Clearance Calculator in PINKYS Information Center to calculate these numbers based on your specific casement window configuration.
Best practice is to always check and follow local codes and ordinances to remain compliant.