8 Pros and Cons of Awning Windows

Published on Thursday September 2, 2021

If you’ve been considering installing some stylish awning windows on your home, then you’ve likely been wondering specifically about awning windows pros and cons.

These non-traditional window types are ideal for both horizontal and vertical locations.

With plenty of energy-saving options and lots of different aesthetics to fit different homeowner preferences, awning windows could be the perfect option for you and your window replacement needs.

Explore awning windows pros and cons to determine if they could actually be a good fit for you and your home.

What is an Awning Window?

Before you can fully understand the benefits and drawbacks of awning windows, you have to understand what they are.

Essentially, awning windows operate like casement windows, in that they open outwards from the bottom and their hinges are located at the top.

When open, an awning-style window provides an “awning” over the window space, hence their name.

This design makes awning windows different from traditional double-hung or sliding windows.

Awning windows are stylish, secure, and energy-efficient, often outperforming sliding windows even when both are installed with standard glass and gas fills.

If you’re looking for replacement windows, awning windows make for excellent bathroom or kitchen windows and can be installed in a variety of sizes due to their flexible sizing.

Pros of Awning Windows

1. Better Ventilation

Thanks to their unique sizing, placement, and functionality, awning windows provide excellent ventilation and airflow compared to traditional sliding windows.

For example, when it rains, an awning window can remain open and allow cool air inside while preventing rain from entering.

Since they can stay open in more conditions than standard sliding windows, they help increase your home’s indoor air circulation.

2. Affordability

Purchasing and installing an awning window is typically one of the more affordable window options available for a home.

For any homeowner looking to keep to a strict budget, awning windows are a great option.

3. Energy Efficiency

Installing energy-efficient awning windows can help reduce utility bills year-round.

Awning windows seal tightly and leak less air than traditional window styles, boosting your home’s thermal performance in both summer and winter months.

4. Security

Awning windows help increase your home’s security.

While providing good lighting and excellent ventilation, they don’t increase the risk of your home being compromised since they aren’t easy to break into or open from the outside.

5. Versatility in Design

If you’re looking through different window options for your home, awning windows can be perfect to fit specific needs or preferences.

Awning windows can come in a variety of materials, shapes, and sizes. You can purchase wood or steel-framed awning windows, as well as fiberglass, aluminum, and vinyl.

It all depends on your particular budget, style preferences, and insulation needs.

Cons of Awning Windows

1. They Are Easier to Walk Into

If your awning window is on the first floor of your home in any type of high traffic area, their outward opening is a potential crash hazard.

People can run into them accidentally since they aren’t expecting a window to open outwards, which can end up causing damage to the window or injuring a person.

If you’re worried about this negative aspect of awning windows, avoid installing them near decks, patios, porches, sidewalk, or terraces.

2. Imperfect Emergency Exit

Windows that slide up or sideways make better emergency fire escape exits. Unfortunately, awning windows are not ideal for egress due to their hinge placement and outward swing.

Always check local safety codes for egress windows if you’re considering awning windows in bedrooms or basements.

3. Cleaning Difficulty

The way awning windows open outward makes them harder to clean.

Their angle creates difficult-to-reach areas for dusting and exterior cleaning, which may frustrate homeowners who want low-maintenance windows.

Are Awning Windows Right For Your Home?

Awning windows are a great option for homeowners looking for something stylish and different from traditional windows.

They are especially useful for letting in fresh air while preventing rain and debris from entering during storms.

If you want to increase ventilation, energy efficiency, and home security in an affordable way, awning windows may be the perfect fit.

However, if your priority is safe emergency exits or easy cleaning, they may not be the best choice.

If you have questions about awning window installations or would like to learn more about awning windows pros and cons, then feel free to reach out to our expert team at Long Home Products.

You can contact us online with questions, or feel free to call to schedule a service visit.