The windows of your home perform several essential roles, allowing natural light into your living space, ventilation and protection against the elements. But they also form an integral part of your home design, with different window styles enhancing the aesthetics on top of their functionality.
New windows also come with the added benefit of higher energy efficiency, reducing your carbon footprint and saving you money on energy bills.
Two of the most popular window types are awning and casement windows, which, while similar, have distinct differences. This blog will examine the differences between awning and casement windows to determine which is best for your home.
Understanding Awning Windows
Definition and Description
Awning windows are single-piece windows operated with an easy-to-use crank that ensures an airtight, energy-efficient seal when closed. They take their name from their awning-like concept as they are hinged from the top and open up at a 45-degree angle allowing for air ventilation even if it is raining.
Key Features and Benefits
Being able to enjoy fresh air circulation regardless of the weather is the most significant benefit of awning windows. The crank mechanism allows for easy operation and makes this window suited for many different rooms, such as bedrooms or kitchens.
Common Materials Used for Awning Windows
The most common and popular material used for awning windows is vinyl. While a bit heavier than other materials, it is resistant to UV light and moisture, making it an excellent durable choice.
Wood frames used to be very common, as they are relatively inexpensive and can add a more natural look, but they require a lot of maintenance and must be replaced more often. If you live in an area where wildfires can occur, they can also pose a risk for fire damage.
Aluminium is another common choice, but it is more expensive and very heat conductive, making it less energy-efficient.
Suitable Locations for Awning Windows
Awning windows are an excellent choice for bedrooms as they allow you to regulate airflow and temperature effortlessly, even in the case of rain. Depending on where your window is facing, you can enjoy the sounds of nature and the calming scent of petrichor during rainfall.
They also are a popular option for kitchens as their easy-to-use crank mechanism allows you to quickly open them to get some fresh air in (or maybe get rid of some unwanted scent) or let some excess moisture out.
As awning windows are excellent for removing excess humidity, they are also ideal for bathrooms. As these rooms often produce more moisture and steam, it is essential to vent it from the room and protect paint, walls and furniture from the excess moisture. It also makes for a quieter and less expensive solution than a fan.
Pros and Cons of Awning Windows
Awning windows are an excellent choice to control airflow and temperature. They are easy to use with their crank mechanism, and their concept protects the interior of your home even when it’s raining. As they have no meeting sashes or rails, they also offer an unobstructed view of the outdoors. They are ideal for wall spaces that are wider than they are tall.
The main drawback of awning windows is that they protrude from the house’s exterior, making them a potential hazard to people walking by if they are not set high enough to avoid this risk. They also might touch outdoor furniture or bushes and doors if there is insufficient clearance. Furthermore, they can’t be used as an alternative escape exit or be cleaned from the inside.
Exploring Casement Windows
Definition and Overview
Like awning windows, casement windows are single-piece ones operated by an easy-to-use crank mechanism to open and close. The main difference is that they are hinged on the side and open outward.
Unique Characteristics and Advantages
Casement windows offer excellent, open ventilation by opening to a 90-degree angle while providing structural integrity and top-to-bottom unobstructed views.
Different Materials Used for Casement Windows
The most common and popular material used for casement windows is vinyl. While a bit heavier than other materials, it is resistant to UV light and moisture, making it an excellent durable choice.
Wood frames used to be very common, as they are relatively inexpensive and can add a more natural look, but they require a lot of maintenance and must be replaced more often. If you live in an area where wildfires can occur, they can also pose a risk for fire damage.
Aluminium is another common choice, but it is more expensive and very heat conductive, making it less energy-efficient.
Ideal Placements for Casement Windows
Casement windows are ideally suited for a home office as they allow a lot of natural light in and offer excellent ventilation for plenty of fresh air.
Like awning windows, casement windows are also an excellent choice for bathrooms to allow excess moisture to vent.
As they don’t require any grilles, the living room is another good room to install a casement window, allowing for a great unobstructed view of the outdoors.
Finally, just like an awning window, a casement window works great in a kitchen to quickly and easily air out smells or remove moisture.
Pros and Cons of Casement Windows
The most significant benefits of casement windows are that they are ideal for wall spaces taller than wide. Their ease of operation is perfect for seniors and people with limited mobility and has the bonus of being able to clean them from the inside. It provides excellent ventilation and airflow control and can be used as an alternative exit in the case of an emergency.
Casement windows open outward like awning windows, so if they are not set high enough, they can interfere with people walking by. Due to their construction, they could be a potential ingress point for burglars if the hardware breaks or fails.
Comparing Awning and Casement Windows
| Casement Windows | Awning Windows | |
| Style: | Hinged at the side, opens outward to the left or right | Hinged at the top, opens outward up to a 45-degree angle. |
| Space Requirements: | Ideal for wall spaces taller than they are wide. | Ideal for wall spaces wider than they are tall. |
| Functionality: | Operated by an easy-to-use crank handle mechanism. | Operated by an easy-to-use crank handle mechanism. |
| Energy-Efficiency: | High energy efficiency with airtight seals. | High energy efficiency with airtight seals. |
| Ventilation: | Excellent ventilation. Full airflow control. | Very good ventilation at all weather conditions, including rain. |
| Cleaning: | Can be comfortably cleaned from inside your home. | Cannot be cleaned from inside. |
| Maintenance: | Crank mechanism may require maintenance with increased use. | Crank mechanism may require maintenance with increased use. |
| Safety: | Multi-point cam locking system. Can be used as emergency egress in case of an fire or emergency. | Multi-point cam locking system. Cannot be used as emergency egress in case of an fire or emergency. |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Awning and Casement Windows
If you live in an area with a lot of rain or if the window in question faces the weather side of the house, consider an awning window, as its top-hinged construction and 45-degree angle allow you to keep it open even if it rains.
Orientation and Natural Light Requirements
Both types of windows allow a lot of natural light into the room, but a casement window is side-hinged and opens outward to the left or right, and an awning window is top-hinged and opens outward at a 45-degree angle.
Ventilation Needs and Airflow Preferences
Excellent ventilation is one of the most significant benefits of awning and casement windows. While the casement window offers controlled sail-like ventilation, the awning window has less strong ventilation but allows for airflow even when it rains.
Space Limitations and Window Size
The maximum sizes for casement and awning windows are as follows:
| Window Type | Max Width(Inches) | Max Height(Inches) |
| Casement (Double Pane) | 34 | 74 |
| Casement (Triple Pane) | 30 | 70 |
| Awning (Double Pane) | 48 | 60 |
| Awning (Triple Pane) | 50 | 50 |
Please note that the maximum square footage cannot be exceeded, so it is impossible to use both height and width maximums simultaneously.
Architectural Style and Home Design
Casement windows are an excellent choice for houses with sloped or steep roofs, or modern and bungalow homes are best paired with tall windows, which help complement the shape of the house.
On the other hand, awning windows’ horizontal orientation lends to most house types as they can also be paired with a fixed window as an additional ventilation solution.
Also Read: Top Benefits of Choosing a Local Window Replacement Company
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the Main Differences Between Awning and Casement Windows?
While both are single-piece, crank-operated window styles, the main difference is that a casement window is side-hinged and opens outward to the left or right, and an awning window is top-hinged and extends outward at a 45-degree angle.
Which Window Style Offers Better Ventilation?
Generally, the casement window offers better ventilation as it opens to a 90-degree angle. However, the awning window has the advantage of allowing you to leave it open even when it rains.
Can Awning and Casement Windows be Used in Different Climates?
Both types form airtight seals, ideally suited for different climates.
Conclusion
Both casement and awning windows are single-piece, crank-operated window styles; the main difference is that a casement window is side-hinged and opens outward to the left or right, and an awning window is top-hinged and extends outward at a 45-degree angle. This construction lets you keep an awning window open even when it rains, while a casement window offers better ventilation.
When deciding which of the two window styles fits best for your home, you have to consider the available space, as casement windows work best in areas taller than wide, while awning windows are better for wall spaces wider than tall.
Eco Choice Windows & Doors is a leading supplier and installer of quality windows and doors. We have been in business for over 15 years, installing windows and doors for many satisfied customers across the province.
We have the knowledge, experience and expertise to recommend the windows and doors that best suit your needs. Simply put, we supply the best quality products, expertly installed and built to enhance energy efficiency throughout the home.
Call us today at (416) 690-9992 or complete our convenient online form to book your free no-obligation consultation!
