If you’re considering a home renovation project or hunting for ways to brighten and ventilate your living space, the term “awning windows” might have crossed your path. But what are awning windows, and why are they becoming a staple in modern home design? Below, we’ll cover the basics of awning windows, from their structure and function to how they can elevate your home’s sustainability and style.
Windows 101: What Are Awning Windows?
Windows come in various shapes, designs, materials, and opening styles. Different types of windows — slider, casement, hung, bay and bow, and awning — serve different purposes, and options vary based on the architectural style or function.
Slider windows slide horizontally, providing easy access and a contemporary look. Casement windows, hinged at the side, swing outward to offer full top-to-bottom ventilation. Hung windows come in two varieties — single-hung and double-hung — with the latter offering greater ventilation flexibility, allowing both upper and lower sashes to move. Bay and bow windows extend outward from the home, creating a small alcove and adding a decorative element to the exterior.
What are awning windows? The simple definition is that an awning window is a window that is hinged at the top and opens outward from the bottom. Awning windows are crank-operated, opening and closing in increments by turning a crank handle.
When are awning windows used, and what situations call for awning windows? A variety of benefits help them shine.
Benefits of Awning Windows
Ventilation
Awning windows are recognized for enhancing ventilation and are better at ventilating than sliding or hung windows. Top-hinged awning windows create an “awning” effect when opened, and this unique design is responsible for one of this window style’s key benefits: it can provide ventilation and airflow while still protecting against the rain.
Their outward-opening mechanism also makes them particularly well-suited for hard-to-reach areas like over the kitchen sink or in a bathroom. They’re also a great addition to kitchens and bathrooms because adequate ventilation is essential in these rooms.
The unique design of awning windows makes them especially good at catching a breeze from nearly any direction and funneling that into a room, encouraging better airflow and ventilation. This natural circulation is vital for preventing stagnation and moisture buildup. Beyond basic ventilation, awning windows can be a useful addition to homes or buildings in areas prone to light precipitation, giving homeowners an easy way to let fresh air in while still keeping moisture out.
Flexible Placement
Awning windows are also helpful for spaces short on vertical room and can be especially convenient for walls with an opening space that is wider than tall. Most commonly, awning windows will be found in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements, although homeowners are not limited to these rooms alone. In homes where space-saving is less of a concern, awning windows can be paired with or hung alongside casement or double-hung windows to improve ventilation and maximize natural light. Adding an awning window near a stationary window, picture window, or any otherwise non-operational window can be a smart way to preserve certain design features without sacrificing ventilation or airflow.
Security
Awning windows are easy to secure with multi-point locks. And since awning windows do not require much vertical space, they can be placed higher on walls, lowering the chances of forced entry and providing better privacy.
Additional Benefits
High wall placement also means that awning windows are well-positioned to let out the summer heat. Awning windows also tend to withstand high wind more easily than other windows. And since they seal tightly, awning windows are also energy efficient.
_____
If you have more questions about awning windows or are ready for replacement windows of any kind, American Window Company can help. We have a variety of windows that are perfect for your home and budget. Since 1999, we have offered an extensive collection of high-quality windows, doors, shutters, blinds, and more. We are a small, family-owned business committed to providing excellent quality and on-time installation. In addition, we are licensed and insured to protect our employees and provide our customers with peace of mind. Please contact us today for a free estimate or more information about our products and services.
