Dana1, Is there such a thing as push-out casements? What keeps them out? I guess a handle would be needed to close them.

Yes there are, I know Marvin makes some.  I believe they also call them European casements as well?  The ones I have tried you simply twist a lock handle and push it out. However I am not sure how pushouts resist windy places such as my area.

I grew up with awning windows. Good seal, simple, don't catch the wind (for better or worse) and they help keep the rain out. They had a bar (no crank)that you pushed out to latch and pulled in to close. The bar would then fold against the window. Downside was that you shouldn't let it slam shut if your fingers were in the way.

With so many people using AC and/or whole house fans, most of the need for windows that provide the maximum vent area is gone.

that stupid pesky egress crap...if only we could avoid that....

Maybe we could avoid the egress problem by sticking a sign to each window saying "IN CASE OF FIRE, BREAK WINDOW" The downside would be that a tool to break the window would have to be in each room.

Tilt-turn windows have been in the market for a number of years. One big problem is no screen on the European design.  The screen version doesn't have a multipoint locking system like the  awning and casement  windows today

A fixed but removable (ie, no hinges) window would be simple, provide a good seal and allow egress. Just unlatch/unbolt it and push outwards (or pull inwards) and it falls away. So simple that one could make them.

Alton- google

push out casement windows

You'll find they're not rare at all. Mechanisms for resisting/locking against wind-bang vary by manufacturer.

You get about 2x the egress area per square foot of glazing out of casements than you can get out of sliders & double-hungs. It's a great way to reduce glazed area in bedrooms to cut down on whole-wall U-value. It's far cheaper to cut the glazed area in half than it is to cut the U-value of a window in half to achieve comparable thermal performance. And in a real emergency a push-out will always work (and quickly), whereas a crank-out can add many seconds to the escape.

Dana1, Thanks. I have always specified the crank-out type. Wasn't aware of the push-out type. This should lower the quote somewhat.

Yes it is triple glazed and the sash and frame are filled with foam which increases the whole window u value. It's made by a small window manufacturer in Pa. They only cover NY,NJ PA, CONN, MASS and some other states in this region. I've been using their windows for 15 years and am quite happy with them.

smartwall,

Do you have the name or website of the manufacturer?  I'm in NJ 07960.

Thanks.

edit: sent you a pm