In Ontario’s fenestration world, there is one type of unit that does not get enough respect: the awning window. This unit is like a casement window, except that it is hinged at the top.
The standard size of an off-the-shelf awning window is six-feet wide and four-feet high. Replacement window contractors, however, tend to offer made-to-order products, so you can buy custom-built windows in Sudbury to suit different functional and aesthetic requirements. Regardless of their dimensions, awning units are always wider than they are taller.
Why these window systems are not that popular to Ontarians is a mystery. Below are the reasons why you should strongly consider the awning type in your next window replacement.
They Reconcile Natural Ventilation and Weather Protection
Like their casement cousins, awning windows crank out. Since they move upward, though, they have the unique ability to turn into mini roofs to block incoming rainwater if natural ventilation is desired in a room during a storm. Awning units can admit fresh breezes that often come with heavy downpours while keeping the indoor space dry.
You can’t expect the same functionality from other window types. Opening a double-hung, sliding, or casement window when it is raining can lead to interior moisture damage. Without an “awning” to stop it from getting in, the water can exploit the tiniest of gaps to infiltrate your house.
They Capture Uninterrupted Views
Awning windows always built individually. You can group them, but they do not need to come in pairs to cover a single wide opening. Even casement units, their closest relatives, are sometimes built with a thick vertical rail in the middle (search: French-style casement windows).
No thanks to their staggered sashes, double-hung and sliding windows inherently break the view. Bay and bow units cover sweeping panoramas, albeit punctuated by frames separating their sub-windows.
An awning window system is the only type of unit that guarantees to capture an uninterrupted view of the outside world. It can lend itself to the addition of grilles or grids, but all of those lines are limited to the glass, which goes out of view when the window is opened completely.
They Are Excellent Insulators
Like casement units, awning windows are incredibly energy-efficient. Their sash presses against the frame on closing, minimizing heat transfer via convection. All operating glass units allow a certain amount of air filtration, but noticeably draftiness is rarely an issue associated with awning windows.
They Take Home Security to the Next Level
Awning windows can be set high on the wall, making them relatively more difficult to climb through. If you choose units with a sophisticated locking mechanism, closing and locking them at night should help you sleep more soundly.
An awning window has its share of downsides; like it can interfere with walking paths or it can get dirty more quickly. However, its imperfections should not deter you from using it. Instead, understanding what it does well and what problems it can cause should help you pick the perfect locations to install it.
