What Is an Awning Window? A Guide for Homeowners

Homeowners looking to install new windows for their next home improvement project have a lot of options to choose from. A great option for energy efficiency, versatility, and air circulation is awning windows. What is an awning window, and how do you know if it’s right for your home? 

In this guide, we’ll explore the advantages of awning windows, and how they work. If you’re ready to get started with new awning windows, simply contact us at Remodel USA for a free consultation!

What Is an Awning Window?

An awning window is a window style that features a hinge at the top. The window swings outward from the bottom, which forms the awning shape that gives it its name.

How Do Awning Windows Work?

Most awning windows have a crank mechanism that opens the window in much the same way as a casement window. Unlike a casement window, however, awning windows open vertically instead of horizontally.

Because turning the hand crank gradually opens the window, you can control its angle and openness. To close your awning window, simply turn the crank in the opposite direction until the window seals.

Benefits of Awning Windows

Awning windows are a popular choice for a few different reasons. They are inexpensive and relatively easy to install. Moreover, this type of window has some great advantages in terms of functionality.

Style

First, awning windows add some visual interest to a home’s exterior. There’s something charming about the extra dimension an open awning window creates. At the same time, they often don’t require grilles or dividers, which creates an unobstructed view from inside the home.

Energy Efficiency

Because an awning window opens and closes, it has a very tight seal in the window frame. This extra insulation helps reduce a home’s energy usage. Whether you have the heat or air conditioning on, awning windows can help your HVAC system save energy.

Airflow and Natural Light

Natural light is essential to interior design. An awning window’s wide panel lets in plenty of sunlight, giving your space an inviting warmth and brightness.

The awning shape of this window style also means you can let fresh air into your home no matter the weather. Even in a rainstorm, water will roll right off the slanted surface of your awning windows and away from your home.

Safety

Protecting your home and your family is the top priority when it comes to replacement windows. Since awning windows open outward from the inside, they’re much harder to break into than other window configurations. They also tend to have tougher locking mechanisms, which adds another layer of security.

While awning windows are harder to get into from outside, they can also serve as an egress in an emergency. A large enough awning window size can make an easy emergency exit in the event of a fire.

Best Places to Install Awning Windows

While there are plenty of advantages to installing awning windows, they work better in some locations than others.

Awning windows’ ability to be left open in any weather condition makes them a popular choice for basements. Their easy air circulation also makes them suitable for rooms that might need better ventilation, like kitchens or bathrooms. Since they can be placed high up, awning windows still allow for privacy even while they’re open.

The most important thing to keep in mind when it comes to awning window placement is foot traffic. This is especially true of windows on the ground floor of a home. It’s best to avoid placing awning windows in front of high-traffic areas like sidewalks and walkways.

Energy-Efficient Options for Awning Windows

In addition to their tight seal in the window frame, manufacturers can apply extra features to your new awning windows for even more energy savings. 

Durable Vinyl Frames

While wood window frames have a classic look homeowners love, the maintenance can be expensive and they aren’t as efficient as other materials. Vinyl window frames offer the look of real wood while offering superior insulation and durability.

Low-E Glass

Low-E (low emissivity) glass has an invisible coating that lets natural light into your home while reflecting infrared light. This helps keep your home at a comfortable temperature without using any extra energy.

Double-Pane Glass

Another energy-saving window option is double—or triple-pane glass. These windows use multiple layers of glass separated by a layer of insulating gas, usually argon. The argon layer helps reduce heat transfer, keeping your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Get a Quote on Awning Window Installation Today

What is an awning window? It’s a unique window style that just might be right for your home! Still have questions? Our experts at Remodel USA can help. We offer the best windows with our high-quality window replacement. Contact us today for a free quote on new windows!