What Does Cased Opening Mean In Construction?

What Does Cased Opening Mean In Construction?

Cased opening in construction refers to a type of opening that is framed with casings—or trim pieces—which create a uniform look.

It is typically used for windows, doors and other wall openings in interior and exterior spaces. The trim pieces are placed around the sides, top, and bottom of the opening to conceal expansion gaps or framing members.

Casing also provides an aesthetic enhancement to the overall design of a space, as it can be finished with different types of molding or decorative profiles.

With cased openings, builders also have greater freedom with designing more complex window patterns like arched entries or double-hung windows.

What Is A Cased Opening On A Floor Plan?

A cased opening on a floor plan is an interior opening between rooms which has structures or trim surrounding the edges.

The structures can be either on one side of the wall, both sides of the wall, or even around all four sides of the opening.

This type of opening usually features a wider trim and provides a more distinctive look to the room. Cased openings also allow for more flexibility like additional doorways or windows.

They help break up spaces while providing a design element that adds depth and character to the overall layout of the space.

What Is A Cased Opening Window?

A cased opening window is a window that can be opened or closed by lifting or lowering a metal or vinyl framed middle section called the sash.

This type of window comes with two operational sashes, one on each side of the frame. When both are open, they meet in the middle, with the frames overlapping each other.

They also come with tilt-in sashes for easy cleaning, which allows them to tilt inward when opened and then lock into place.

Cased opening windows are designed to provide ventilation and access to natural light while keeping out dust and noise. They also offer improved energy efficiency over traditional single-hung windows.

What Is The Minimum Height For A Cased Opening?

The codes and standards dictate that there must be a minimum clear opening height, which is usually 80 inches above the floor, with an allowance for the frame head’s projection.

However, some exceptions exist, such as door closer arms or overhead stop arms, which can intrude into the required headroom as long as 78 inches of headroom is maintained.

Meanwhile, projections like electromagnetic locks were not previously considered in the accessibility standards, but the 2021 edition of the International Building Code has made it possible for automatic operators and electromagnetic locks to project down to 78 inches.

It’s important to note that there are some exceptions to the 32-inch clear opening width and 80-inch clear opening height, but these are the standard dimensions when specifying or supplying doors and hardware for accessible routes or means of egress.

How Do You Drywall A Cased Opening?

Drywalling a cased opening requires a few additional steps to ensure that the drywall is installed properly around any jamb trim.

• You will need to use a straight edge and cut off any excess drywall on either side of the jamb.
• To fasten the drywall in place, use drywall screws or nails depending on your preference and make sure they are driven at least 1/2 inch away from any edges.
• When measuring for pieces needed, be sure to add an additional 1/4 inch allowance on both sides of the cased opening to allow space for corner bead installation.
• Once secured, apply joint compound along all edges and corners using a taping knife or mesh tape.
• Finally, prime and paint as desired after sanding with fine-grit sand paper.

How Wide Should A Cased Opening Be?

The rough opening width is 1 1/4 inches larger than the nominal door width to allow for a 5/8 inch gap between the frame and the wall.

This gap is necessary to accommodate the pocket on the strike and the projection of the hinge screws.

Although frames can be installed with smaller opening widths, some adjustments to the framing may be required to provide adequate clearance for plumbing and hardware installation.

The maximum rough opening width is 1 7/8 inches, which provides a 5/16 inch overlap of the frame onto the wall.

When installing frames in wider rough openings, equal clearance should be maintained on both sides of the frame. The oval alignment slots can be used to adjust the clearance during installation.