5 Differences Between Awning and Casement Windows

Awning vs Casement Windows: What is the Difference?

Among the most popular window choices are awning and casement varieties. However, just what are the differences between the two? 

When shopping for a new, more energy-efficient window for your home or business, you’re hardly short on options. This makes it more difficult to narrow down your choices, especially if you’re unsure which window would work best – not to mention look its most beautiful – in a certain spot.  Let’s examine them in closer detail. 

Hinge and Opening Direction

While both window types are traditionally openable via a hand crank, how awning and casement windows open in response to this form of user input is where they differ. Casement windows are normally hinged from the left or right-hand side. This means, when they open, they do so horizontally. Awning windows, just as the term implies, open vertically due to the hinge being located at the top. This resembles an awning shape when the hinge is fully extended outward. 

Lite Configurations

Due to the way they are designed, being relatively short but longer, awning windows can be configured in single, double, and triple-lite setups. Again, casement windows are manufactured in the opposite orientation, meaning there’s more vertical space per lite, so they can generally be configured with up to five of them. Both options are excellent at improving ventilation and fresh air intake since the crank is capable of fully extending the hinge, and a benefit to awning windows being configured with a top hinge is that rainwater can’t be drawn inside.

Window Lite Size/Views/Daylight

In the case of casement windows with two or more lites, the vertical breakups tend to be more frequent widthwise due to their taller and narrower form. With an awning window lite, you have a viewpoint and source of natural light that is more squat and generally wider. You can’t go wrong with either option, though discussing your plans with a window installation expert may help you make the best possible choice for rooms lacking daylight or those with access to a great view. For instance, our Performance Series awning windows, for instance, offer the largest unobstructed views per opening.

Use as an Emergency Exit

Realistically, unless you go for a larger-sized version, awning windows aren’t ideal as alternative emergency exits should the need arise. Of course, nobody wants to think about such things happening – understandably so – but this is a key consideration to bear in mind if installing a window in a room that has no other means of escape in the event of a fire, home invasion, or otherwise. This is where casement windows can really shine as their ample height and sufficient lite width (especially on larger configurations) makes the process of escaping as easy as cranking the window open 90 degrees, removing the screen, and climbing out. This makes them an optimal choice for bedrooms, though sufficiently large awning windows may still serve this purpose for basement rooms – just bear in mind that it might be a bit of a tight squeeze vertically regardless of how large or small the individual is. 

Cleaning

Awning windows are usually positioned relatively low or high on a wall, so it’s a bit more work to reach and give them a good cleaning on either side. This is especially true if your ceilings are relatively high. Since casement windows are typically installed in the mid-section of a wall, they’re more easily accessible for cleaning and maintenance. That said, should you choose awning or casement windows from a reputable brand known for quality and long-lasting efficiency, they’ll hardly need any upkeep for years to come. Therefore, this way, you can’t go wrong with either.

Interested in learning more about our awning, casement, and other varieties of high-efficiency windows? We’re happy to assist you here at Aztech. Reach out to our team today to narrow down options, ensuring you make a well-informed decision on the installation of your choice.