Wood French or In swing Casement! Kolbe, Andersen or Marvin?

7 years ago

we're getting ready to build a house and given the style of the home were aiming to use casement inswing windows. But after doing research on all the window Brands I'm left feeling slightly more confused. So my question is what brand of Windows do you all suggest for casement inswing windows? Casement windows are already a great window style and are very energy efficient so I don't need a break the bank getting the best of the best. Windows are expensive as it is as everyone knows. So for the windows that are out there which brand do you think has a good reputation of quality and price?

Our current frontrunners are Anderson, Marvin, and Kolbe. Andersen however only carries push out French casement. Well Marvin and Kolbe have inswing. Pella also has inswing if I'm remembering correctly but I've read too many negative things about Pella from those who have used them in their home.

or if there's anyone out there who has had great experience with another brand of inswing Windows or push out French casements please let me know. where in central California so we basically have seven perfect months of moderate weatherand sometimes up to five months a very hot summer weather that extends from May to October. So heavy rain and snow is not an issue.

Featured Answer

One Devoted Dame

7 years ago

In-swing casement lover here.

Well, "infatuated with inswing casements" is closer to the truth, since I have yet to actually have experience with them, lol.

My rationale for them....

(1) Here in the US South, we have bugs. Lots of bugs. Big-as-Texas bugs. Naturally, we need bug screens if we want to open our windows and keep the little devils outside, where they won't meet an untimely demise via a rolled up newspaper. The thought of bug screens on the *inside* of the window (the logical solution for out-swing casements) doesn't appeal to some folks.

....Although, I reckon they'll appeal quite well to some cats....

And retractable screens can get a wee bit pricey. So, bug screen outside = great argument in support of in-swings.

(2) I'm short, with a proportionate arm span. It's much easier for me to clean windows if they swing *into* the house, where I can use a step stool instead of a ladder. Because cleaning birdie doo doo *outside* (while precariously hovering above rose bushes) is NOT fun.

(3) In-swings, when opened, won't disturb the herbs and flowers in the window boxes. :-D

(4) I very much love drapery. Fabric is just so lovely. Who needs tie backs when a 180* in-swing casement can pin the curtains against the wall? Granted, I haven't yet figured out how to do blinds with 'em... Outside-mount, maybe, and string 'em up high prior to opening the window? Or are blinds a complete no-go with in-swings?

(5) They're just... I dunno... romantic? In-swing casements on the inside, with real working shutters on the outside. Aaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh....

Anyhow, I'd love to have the same info that Miss Angel is looking for, since my own (non-professional, therefore fairly limited) research has led me to Marvin and Kolbe as well. Which are probably great options, but it's always nice to feel like I've considered every option available when it comes to house stuff.

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Comments (9)

PRO
Anglophilia
7 years ago
My first in-laws had casement swing-in windows. They are a real pain where curtains and blinds are concerned. Be sure this is what you truly want.
Angel Florek
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks @anglophilia. My husband mostly wants in swing and I prefer push out. We'll probably have a combo but I still want advice on them since they're not the most common to have. Luckily were on some land and far from the road so curtains are basically for looks in very few rooms. And I hate cleaning blinds so they're not in the cards. But for decorating thats a very good point.
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PRO
eastbay10
7 years ago
Re Marvin in swing casements: these are available but they are a Signature (special) item. Also agree with Anglophilia that they can be problematic compared to the standard outswing casement.
J M
7 years ago
I have Marvin outswing casements. I love that opening them up is like letting the outside in, much more so than a double hung or slider. With inswings, think about your furniture placement too. If I had inswings instead of outswings, I would be really limited in where I could put our desks.
Miranda33
7 years ago
Why do you want inswings? I don't see their advantage. They'd feel quite intrusive into a room, so I am trying to find out why a person would choose inswing instead of outswing casements.
Mid America Mom
6 years ago
I had an old home with some inswing . I did not like being limited on window treatments. I had to plan for the swing space (near the corner - where I would have loved to put a floor lamp but NOPE the door would bump. Had to worry about tall pieces of furniture too). Yes they are kind of romantic . Breeze to clean. But if I had choices no to inswing.
Angel Florek
Original Author
6 years ago
Very good points you guys. Where we live we have a terrible fly and mosquito problem. So @one devoted dame that screen preference is EXACTLY why my hubby wants in swing. And yes retractable screens are a pretty little extra. I recently was recommended to look into Sierra Pacific windows so I'm checking them out too. I'll share my price comps with you once I have them. But mostly we're trying to build a very true to tuen of the century home. And with that was in swing windows or push out french. We're minimal in home decor so aside from beds by windows I'm hoping in swing wouldn't present too much of an issue. Any other brands anyone can suggest for french casement that's comparable to Kolbe/Marvin/Andersen but not quite that high of a price point?
One Devoted Dame
6 years ago
We're minimal in home decor so aside from beds by windows I'm hoping in swing wouldn't present too much of an issue.

The casements can still be in-swing -- without being French -- and if they open in opposite directions away from the bed (assuming you have windows flanking the bed), it shouldn't be a problem. Unless you want lamps on your nightstands. ;-)