Your Guide to Awning Windows
By: Architectural Visions
Of the many types of windows that exist in homes today, awning windows stand out because of their simplicity and high performance. Awning style windows work wonderfully in certain places of a home and also with many types of interior design themes.
To help you get to know this kind of window a bit better, here is a guide to awning windows and why you might choose an awning window from the window experts at AVI.
Key Takeaways:
- Awning windows have hinges at the top that allow the bottom of the window to open either by cranking or pushing
- Typically, awning windows are rectangular in shape and are more wide than high
- Benefits of awning windows include great ventilation, affordability, privacy & security, and unobstructed views
- Awning windows generally work best in hard-to-reach locations, such as above sinks and countertops
- Awning windows look great in contemporary homes but are versatile enough for a variety of styles
What Are Awning Windows?
Awning windows have hinges at the top and open to the outside world from the bottom portion of the window. They are a simple and minimalist type of window that is easy to operate and that is available in a variety of sizes and finishes. These windows usually have a horizontal orientation rather than a vertical one to offer a specialized look and excellent functionality.
How Do Awning Windows Work?
To operate an awning window, you can either crank out the window using the affixed hardware or push it out, depending on how the window is built. They are usually rectangular in shape and wider than they are high. The name “awning” comes from the fact that these windows provide a shelter with the raised glass portion in a similar way that an awning on a porch does.
These windows have a single sash and may have a hand crank that turns clockwise to open and counter-clockwise to close. Additional features can make these windows more accessible, such as extender poles that hook onto the hardware and turn to operate a high window for an easier reach. Push-out awning windows are simpler versions of this window style and offer a clean aesthetic for scenic glass views. With these windows, a hidden lock status sensor is available for extra security.
Pros and Cons of Awning Style Windows
Like all types of windows, awning windows are better-suited for some household situations than others. Here are some pros and cons of awning windows to consider if you’re thinking about buying this type of window for your home.
Pros:
- Great ventilation and natural light
- Allows air flow without debris getting inside
- Can be left open during the rain
- Unobstructed views to the outside world
- Excellent for privacy and security
- Affordable, cost-effective window style
Cons:
- Smaller viewing area to look outside
- Can be difficult to clean if placed high on a wall
- Needs to be cleaned often because of exposure to weather
- Can’t typically be used as an escape route
Best Rooms for Awning Windows
Awning windows are ideal when placed over hard-to-reach locations, such as sinks and counters. They also work very well in small spaces because these windows don’t take up much room or swing inward to occupy valuable square footage.
This makes them very popular options for kitchens and bathrooms. However, awning windows also work well in utility rooms above laundry machines and in bedrooms above dressers. In these places, awning windows provide extra ventilation and light without unnecessary exposure for privacy. Awning windows are also common fixtures in basements and offer great security here.
For bathrooms and other interior spaces where privacy matters, you might consider getting an awning window with obscured-view glass, such as a decorative glass option that’s frosted or sandblasted. Grooved decorative glass can add interesting character to an awning window no matter what room of the house it’s in. If you’re placing an awning window over a bathtub or shower, consider choosing tempered glass for safety reasons.
How Awning Windows Complement Other Window Styles
Awning windows look great on their own in a room, but they can also complement other styles of windows to create a balanced look. For example, awning windows work well alongside casement windows to add diversity and visual interest to your space.
Awning windows and large picture windows also work well with together because the awning-style maximizes ventilation while the picture-style maximizes the views. With this combination, you get the best of both worlds, especially if you place a few awning windows above the picture window in the room. By mixing styles of windows in a home in these ways, you gain more control over the air flow and maximize natural light in the space.
Styles of Homes That Look Great with Awning Style Windows
Awning style windows look lovely in contemporary homes and are versatile enough to exist cohesively next to many different architectural details. You can easily add awning windows to either a traditional or modern home because of how these windows seamlessly blend into the background and offer the subtle benefits of light and air to homeowners.
Pairing awning windows with casement and double hung windows is typical in Craftsman Bungalow-style houses, and you’ll often see these combinations in groups of two or three. Prairie-style houses also look great with awning windows, especially when they are placed together in a row and high on the wall to create a border. In modern homes that feature lots of straight lines and minimalist touches, awning windows are often situated below a large picture window to let in the fresh air and extra light.
Materials Used for Awning Windows
There are various kinds of materials used to make awning windows for the frames, screens, and glass. Aluminum awning windows are a popular option because this material is lightweight, durable, and cost-effective. Wood, steel, fiberglass, and a combination of wood and fiberglass are other material options to choose from when you shop at AVI.
Depending on your preferences for ease of maintenance, energy efficiency, cost, and aesthetics, you can choose awning windows that have authentic divided lights, simulated divided lites, or grilles between the glass. Each of these options can give your awning window a unique look and a touch of personality as you look to the outside world. With whatever material options you choose, make sure they are of the highest possible quality so that they will boost your home’s energy efficiency and last for a long time without needing repairs or replacement.
Where to Shop for Awning Windows
At AVI, we have awning windows of varying types and sizes – even ones up to eight feet wide and up to eight feet high! Multiple brands that we carry offer awning style windows that either push out or crank out for maximum flexibility.
In addition to the actual window products, AVI also offers hassle-free window installation services to streamline the replacement process and save you time and money. We stand behind all of our awning window installation work with a 10-year installation warranty to give you peace of mind that you’ve chosen the best professionals to get the job done right.
If you have questions about awning windows or are wondering if they are right for your home, we encourage you to ask an AVI expert for advice and guidance. We work throughout Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee to serve both homeowners and contractors with the best window solutions for every residential and commercial space. To learn more and for inspiration, check out our project photos and videos, or visit one of our showrooms today!
Learn more about other windows types here: