Awning windows have been a popular choice for residential, commercial, and agricultural building applications for a long time. Over hundreds of years, the basic design remained essentially the same – the window was simply pushed out and held in place by the use of a simple arm, block, stick, or whatever was available. Awning windows were highly valued before the advent of air conditioning, as they were useful in helping to introduce more airflow into homes and other structures while still keeping precipitation out.
Like casement windows, awning windows are another popular choice for kitchens, laundry rooms, dens, sunrooms, and other areas where you’d like to add more options for airflow. They are contemporary-looking and convenient and are designed to be easily opened and shut.
Awning windows are typically rectangular in shape, and they function much like casement windows. The key design difference between casement windows and awning windows is in where the windows are hinged. Casement windows open outwards to the side, while awning windows are hinged at the top and swing up & out. Awning windows are usually operated by an easy-to-use hand crank, chain winder, or similar mechanism, and can be locked in position. They can also be screened from the inside, as opposed to the external screening which is common on single-hung and double-hung windows.
In terms of home settings, where can awning windows be used? Pretty much anywhere you’d like to have an operable window! Awning windows can also be placed higher on the wall than some other window designs, so they work well over fixed pieces of furniture or designated wall features. For example, higher-placed awning windows are very popular in bedrooms and bathrooms. They’re also a practical solution for functional spaces including kitchens, laundry rooms, and sunrooms.
Because awning windows can be placed higher than other comparable operational windows, they allow for both light and ventilation without compromising personal privacy. The vertical tilt of awning windows also makes them particularly advantageous for wetter climates, as they open in a way that makes it hard for precipitation to enter your interior space. These are but a few of the unique features of awning windows; here are more benefits of note:
As is the case with other operable windows, awning windows can be opened to let in a little more fresh air. Plus, if you’ll choose to open windows on opposite sides of your home, you can create a nice interior cross breeze. And because awning windows can be placed higher on the wall, they offer a superior ability to help fill more of your room with natural sunlight. Awning windows can also help provide needed light & ventilation to attics and basements.
One of the biggest advantages of an awning window’s vertical tilt is the fact that an awning window can even be left open when it’s raining outside, still providing little opportunity for precipitation to enter. For this reason, awning windows are particularly nice solutions for wetter climates or rainy seasons.
When it comes to choosing the right window design for your home, aesthetics certainly matter. Modern awning windows products offer a look that’s simultaneously classic and contemporary. That’s an aesthetic combination that’s simply hard to beat!
Awning windows make a nice replacement choice for your existing window frames. Awning windows also come in handy in areas where lifting and lowering a double-hung window would be a challenge, like over counters, sinks, laundry areas, stairwells, etc. Beyond this, some awning window products can be hinged in a manner which allows them to swing either outwards or inwards, giving you even more options in terms of window operability.
Awning windows can be closed with a pretty weather-tight seal, offering built-in energy efficiency in terms of window design. They’re also available in both double-pane and triple-pane glass with low-E and Argon gas options for even greater energy efficiency. There are some very energy-efficient frame material choices too, including vinyl, fiberglass, and wood.
Awning windows don’t just need to match the look of your home; they can even be custom-designed to enhance your home’s look! There’s a wide range of both interior & exterior color options, and there are many options for grille types, patterns, screens, and hardware finishes.
In addition to providing natural light and ventilation, there are other advantages to being able to place awning windows higher on your wall. Elevated windows make it difficult for people to be able to see inside in your home, and make it even harder for thieves to be able to gain access. The ability to install them higher also gives you more usable wall space for hanging art or decorations, or for furniture placement.
Modern awning windows feature a smooth-turning crank assembly for opening and closing the sash. In fact, awning windows are easier to operate than single- or double-hung windows. You can choose how far to open an awning window with ease, from just a crack to a fully-extended position. Many awning windows also offer additional safety and security in the fact that they can be locked in essentially any open or closed position.
The placement, size, and frame design of your awning windows are really up to you. And speaking of placement, awning windows are well-suited for placing above doors. Awning windows can also be placed either above or below picture windows, architectural windows, or other fixed windows to add visual interest, along with more opportunities for light and ventilation.
At Skywalker Windows & Siding, we’re happy to be able to provide quality awning window products from many top manufacturers, including Pella, ProVia, and West Window Corporation. Plus, our awning windows come with many customization options for framing, glass, grid options, and hardware. We’re certain that these awning windows will meet – and hopefully exceed – your expectations!
But choosing the right window isn’t enough; it’s also incredibly important to have your windows installed the right way by a trained local professional! Our team has all the needed tools, training, and expertise to offer you the best window replacement & installation services in NC and VA. Got some questions? We’d love to give you answers! Connect with us today, and experience the Skywalker difference for yourself!
Luke Wilson started working on roofs with his dad when he was a teenager, and eventually launched Skywalker Roofing in 2003. Skywalker operates in 5 locations across NC & VA, and now includes windows, siding, and other exterior services. Luke also hosts the popular Roofing Mythbusters series on YouTube.
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