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 pros and cons of awning windows, you have to understand what they are.

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

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

This helps make awning windows a bit different from your average, more traditional upwards-opening windows.

Awning windows are stylish, secure, and can offer your home increased energy-efficiency when compared to sliding windows, even if 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 are able to offer your home better ventilation and lighting than traditional sliding windows.

For example, when it rains, an awning window is able to remain open and continue allowing cool air into the home while preventing rain from getting in.

Since they can remain open in more situations than standard sliding windows, they help increase your home’s ventilation.

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

Making your home as energy-efficient as possible can end up saving you a lot of money over the course of time from savings on your electric bills.

Awning windows do a great job of closing your home off to the weather outside, and they leak less air than traditional windows, so they help increase the energy efficiency of your home 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 open upwards make for great fire escape exits, and unfortunately, awning windows don’t do a great job of this.

They aren’t able to offer a quick, easy, or entirely safe emergency exit due to how they open.

Be aware of any local safety regulations when it comes to fire escape routes if you’re considering installing these window types.

3. Cleaning Difficulty

Due to how awning windows open, they can be challenging to clean.

Their slant creates a few difficult areas to reach when it comes to dusting and cleaning, which can get annoying for some homeowners.

Are Awning Windows Right For Your Home?

Awning windows are a great option for homeowners looking for something that’s a little bit different from traditional windows, and that’s stylish for their home.

If you like to have the windows open to let in the spring air, they’re a great option since they help prevent the rain and other debris from getting in if the weather happens to get stormy.

If you’re looking to increase ventilation, energy efficiency, or the security of your home—all in an affordable way—awning windows may be the perfect fit for you.

However, if you are more interested in having windows that help increase emergency exit safety, they are not ideal.

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.