What Is an Awning-Style Window?

What Is an Awning-Style Window? Everything You Need to Know

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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It is empowering to be well-informed about your options when installing a new window or replacing an old one. It will help you to choose the type of window that fits your budget and style. Awning windows naturally stand out due to their simplicity and performance. You may be asking yourself, “What is an awning-style window?”

This is a simple type of window hinged at the top and opened outward from the bottom. Awning windows work exceptionally in certain home areas and blend well with different interior design  themes.

Replacing your windows with awning windows improves the look of your home. You also save money for utility bills through energy efficiency.

According to research, the awning market is expected to reach $11.95 billion by 2026. This growth has been attributed to changing consumer preferences and increased disposable income. Therefore, whether you are renovating your house or building a new one, awning-style windows are a great choice.

This guide will cover the following areas to help you better understand the awning-style window.

    What Is An Awning Window?

    Awning windows are simple and minimalistic windows with hinges at the top and open to the outside from the bottom. They are easy to operate and available in various sizes and finishes. 

    Awning windows usually have a horizontal orientation to give a specialized look and great functionality. They are mostly rectangular with a width that is longer than the height. When the window is opened, the raised glass forms a shelter over the window opening, giving it an amazing appearance.

    How Do Awning Windows Work?

    Open awning windows

    Image Credits: Authenticwindow.com

    Awning windows are opened using a hand crank and swing upwards once opened. It takes less effort to use them, and they are much simpler to handle. The crank turns clockwise to open and anti-clockwise to close.

    Unlock the locks on both sides and unfold the crank handleto operate an awning window. Turn it in until the window is opened to the angle you want. Some awnings can open up to 90 degrees. 

    To close it, turn the crank in the opposite direction until the window is closed. Lock both sides. 

    You can make these windows more accessible by including more features. These can be extender poles that hook on the crank and turn to operate a high window. If you opt for the push-out awning windows, you get a clean, scenic glass view. These are simpler versions of the awning windows and have a hidden lock status sensor for extra security.

    Advantages of Awning Windows

    In addition to the sleek aesthetics of the awning windows, they have practical benefits like other popular window styles.

    1. Visibility And Natural Light

    Awning-style windows allow natural light to enter the room and provide excellent ventilation. If you install them in hard-to-reach spaces, you will still benefit from natural lighting and fresh air. 

    2. Versatile Design

    The versatile design of awning windows

    Image Credits: Saharawindowsanddoors.com

    Awning windows have a very adaptable design that makes them ideal for many rooms in the house. You can fix them high on the wall to allow light and fresh air into the room.

    This design makes them ideal for rooms that need privacy, like bathrooms. You can also fix them at an average height to provide an unobstructed view of the outside world.

    Awning windows are made of different sizes and shapes. Smaller awning windows are more common than large ones and fit well in most homes.

    3. Noise Reduction

    Awning-style windows feature a single pane of glass surrounded by a seal. They have fewer sections for air to escape.

    The noise is muffled when the windows are closed, and if you are in areas with high noise levels, it will help you get a quiet, restful night. 

    4. Energy Efficiency

    Due to the lack of places for air to escape, awning windows are very energy efficient like other popular windows. If you pair them with a high-quality, double-glazed pane of glass, they will help reduce energy bills. Reducing energy bills helps to increase your home’s value. 

    5. Affordability

    Awning windows are affordable, making them a popular choice for most homeowners. Their simple design and ease of installation make them the best choice for window replacement, and they can fit various budgets. 

    6. Security

    Secure awning windows

    Image Credits: Minnkotawindows.com

    Awning windows are placed high on the wall and are small in size, making them difficult for someone to break in. 

    Disadvantages of Awning Windows

    Despite their advantages, installing awning windows can have the following downsides.

    1. People Can Walk into ThemAn outward-opening awning window

    Image Credits: Milgard.com

    If you live in a high-traffic area, awning windows may not be the best choice for your home. Their outward opening is a potential crash hazard.

    People do not typically expect a window to open outwards, and they can accidentally run into them, causing damage to the window or injury to the person.

    2. Cleaning Difficulty

    Awning windows need frequent cleaning because they are more exposed to the rain than regular windows. They do not open a full 90 degrees, making cleaning complicated.

    It even becomes more difficult if they are in the upper story. 

    3. Emergency Exits Failure

    The safety regulations require you to install fire escape routes on the upper floor of your home.

    Awning windows can’t offer a quick, easy and safe emergency exit because of how they open. Their size and placement make them unfit for this job.

    Where Are Awning Windows Used?

    Awning window in the kitchen

    Image Credits: yonohomedesign.com

    The best places to put awning windows are the ones that are hard to reach, such as the sinks and counters. And because these windows take up much space, they work very well in small areas. The best rooms to fix these windows include:

    1. Kitchen

    The kitchen needs fresh air circulation throughout the day, and an awning window is a perfect choice. It is easy to open if you reach over the sink or a wide counter.

    When you need to place a window over furniture and other fixtures, an awning window will be a perfect choice because it is easy to operate.

    2. Bedroom

    You can use an awning window in your bedroom if you love to sleep with your window open. You can enjoy the fresh air while remaining safe. 

    3. Bathroom

    Air circulation in the bathroom is exceptionally vital throughout the year. The bathroom needs a lot of privacy, so get awning windows with obscured-view glass.

    This glass can be decorative andfrosted or sandblasted. 

    4. Low-level locations

    An awning window works well in the low grades, like the basements and utility rooms. They are very secure for such spaces.

    Due to their ability to remain open in all seasons and their ventilation properties, awning windows are popular for basements and ground-floor rooms.

    How to Blend Awning Windows with Other Windows   

    Awning windows blended with casement windows

    Image Credits: Somonton.com

    Awning windows are versatile. They look great independently, yet they can complement other window styles to create a balanced look. For example, you can use them alongside casement windows to create a visual appeal to your space. 

    They also work well when used together with picture windows. The awning-style window will maximize ventilation, while the picture window maximizes the view. Place multiple awning windows above the picture window to get the best results with this combination. 

    Materials Used for Awning Windows

    Awning windows strong materials

    Image Credits: Greenfoxwindows.ca

    The various components of the awning window, such as the glass, frames, and screens, are made of different materials. These materials include wood,aluminum, fiberglass, steel, vinyl, tempered glass, and a combination of wood and fiberglass. 

    The majority of people prefer aluminum awning windows. An aluminum window frame is lightweight, durable, and cost-effective. Between the glass, these windows can have authentic divided lights, simulated divided lights, or grilles. 

    All these options give the window a unique look. Choose windows with the highest quality materials to last longer without needing repairs or replacement.

    How Do Awning Windows Compare to Casement Windows?

    Awning vs casement windows

    Image Credits: Mhiwindows.com

    Awning and casement windows are quite similar and may even be difficult to differentiate. This is how they compare:

    • They are both hinged, cracked windows that are best installed in small to medium openings.
    • The awning windows have a wider width than the length.
    • The casement windows have a longer length than the width
    • Casement windows have hinges on the right or left side of the frame.
    • The awning windows open at the bottom and have a hinge at the top.

    Start Your Journey Toward Beautiful Awning Windows

    When building your home for the first time or making replacements, you will need the best awning windows. They have multiple styles – dome-style, waterfall, semi-circular, double standard, and gamble walkway. Thus, choose a window style that suits your preferences and lifestyle.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. Why Choose Awning-style Windows?

    Homeowners have several reasons to choose awning windows. These could be personal preferences, Quality, cost, lighting, aesthetics, ventilation, and the window opening. Before selecting an awning-style window, consider your home’s needs. 

    2. Can You Use Awning Windows Alone?

    Awning windows can be used independently, even though they blend well with other windows. You can use them in all rooms in the house. They are the best choices for basements and underground spaces. They provide excellent ventilation and lighting. 

    3. Are Awning Windows Cheaper?

    Due to their tendency to be smaller than other windows, awning windows are generally cheaper. They have a simple design which makes them easy to install. They also have fewer parts that may need replacing.

    Featured Image Credits: Plygem.com

    Ian Mutuli

    About the author

    Ian Mutuli

    Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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