What Are Awning Windows?

Awning windows are one of the two types of windows that typically fall into the “crank window” type of window.

This is because of the crank mechanism that is used to open them and adjust the relative size of the window opening. This method of window construction is focused on opening the window outward through a hinge at the top of the window.

Typically, this makes the awning structure perfect for places like windows or bathrooms as it is employed where the window’s width is much greater than its height.

Rooms like the ones mentioned above do not often have the most available vertical space, so awning windows make the ideal fit.

Awning windows are also great because they are relatively cheap compared to larger windows and can be easily installed in areas that need immediate ventilation (above a stovetop or near a bathroom, for example).

So, in summary, an awning window is a window with a hinge on its top edge that allows it to open outwards. The design favors width over height, so is perfect in rooms with limited vertical space. Designs like the one on these windows also allow for it to be fully latched open, providing maximal ventilation in those areas it is applied to.

Read on to find out the other options to the awning window, any potential problems you might face using one, the many benefits the design provides, and if awning windows are good or bad overall!


What Are My Other Options For Windows?

The alternative to using an awning window design would be the casement window layout. Casement windows are organized vertically rather than horizontally – in that they tend towards being taller, not wider. As such, the hinge to open the window typically lies on the left- or right-hand edge of the window.

Casement windows are the more traditional style of window, with some windows often being arranged with several casement windows in series.

However, they do not provide quite the same design versatility as the awning window, as casement windows cannot be placed as high up vertically or made to fit as many different room shapes and sizes.

As such, there is a growing trend in those who want to make a move to update their homes to be more contemporary towards switching to awning windows.

The more modern design sensibilities within houses tend towards a solid, distinct panel-based approach, and the awning window fits that trend slightly better than the casement window design.


What Are Common Awning Window Problems?

The mighty awning window is not, unfortunately, without the occasional disadvantage.

Awning windows are crank windows, as previously mentioned. This means that whatever size you want your awning window to be, you must scale the size and relative weight of the crank used to open it with the increasing size of the window.

The unfortunate consequence of this design necessity is it places a soft cap on the actual size your awning window can be.

With windows, bigger is better, especially if you are putting windows in different areas of your home. You want a large view of the outside world, as well as options for swift ventilation control. Both factors are best dealt with by a larger window.

So, the awning window is somewhat limited by the amount of space it can feasibly take up.

On the other hand, this speaks to one of the benefits of the awning window, as will be expanded on below. Even if it cannot be used as a large-scale window solution, the awning window’s small size gives it a particular versatility in terms of where it can be placed and how little space it can take up but still provide proper ventilation.


The Benefits of Awning Windows

Now that some of the problems of the awning window have been addressed, we can move to talk about where this type of window really shines.

1. The ultimate rain-proof experience.

A simple fact of physics makes awning windows the premier choice for anyone whose home is in a place with commonly inclement weather conditions.

The upward hinge of the awning window means that when it opens for ventilation, it opens on a slope.

Gradients like this one work naturally to keep rain and snow out of your house even when open, because the precipitation naturally slides off. This makes an awning window near-essential in particularly humid, rainy areas.

You can leave your awning window open for maximum ventilation all while never spilling a drop of rainwater in your room.

2. High wall placement opportunities.

As has been previously mentioned, awning windows can be placed at staggering vertical heights within a room relative to their casement window peers

This allows for a peerless capturing of natural light, catching it as it casts down from above into the room writ large..

It is also handy for any homeowners completely redesigning a room – the tiny amount of space coupled with vertical placement possibilities allow you to really let the room shine without worrying too much about window placement as a priority.

3. Superior ventilation.

The high wall placement possibility of awning windows also provides superior ventilation to other window types.

Most awning windows can also be locked in an open position, meaning you can maximize your ventilation throughout the day without ever compromising the security of your home.

All in all, the perfect ventilation option.

4. Flexibility and versatility for the modern homeowner.

If you are a modern homeowner, then control over the minutiae of how your house looks is a top priority.  With awning windows, you can do just that, fitting your windows effortlessly to any design sensibilities you have for your room layout.

They can also be coupled easily with existing window setups to provide even further ventilation or view space.

There really is not another option that covers this many bases for the contemporary homeowner in the window design market.


The awning window makes a perfect, energy-efficient, excellent ventilation option for the average homeowner. The design flexibility and customization make it an exceptional fit within any home or room environment.