blog-banner

Are you looking for a contractor?

Submit our quick form and get quotes now!

Reliable Quality and Safety with Awning Windows

By RenoQuotes.com

Updated on November 7, 2023

​​Need to replace your windows but find yourself lost amongst all the existing window models? The awning window may just be the right fit.

Whether it be for your bathroom, basement, or even bedroom, we’re going to delve into why it’s a worthwhile option. 

Definition and Characteristics of an Awning Window

awning window

Source: Canva

The term “awning window” can connote two different things: you’re either picturing the awning window, or a straight-up awning (or canopy if its roof is glazed) that shields a window or door from rainfall. However, as it pertains to us, we’re solely going to discuss the former: windows. 

In carpentry, one can account for 8 types of windows: 

  • Cross window (2 frames with inward or outward openings);

  • Pivot window (pivots horizontally or vertically on its axis);

  • Canadian window (2 out of 3 frames open awning-like);

  • Sliding (horizontal or vertical sliding pane);

  • Fixed (remains closed);

  • Awning (opens upwards, hinged at the top);

  • Hung window (single or double);

  • Casement (side-hung).

Casement and awning windows are grouped amongst those operating with a crank or lever:

  • The casement window has a multipoint locking mechanism for which the casement window opens outwardly with the help of a crank while rotating on a vertical axis.

  • The awning window is distinguished from the latter since it opens on a horizontal axis.

Crank awning window

Let’s take a more detailed look at the window crank or lever. As the awning window crank or lever is rotated, it pushes or pulls back a scissor arm, which is connected to the window frame (the bottom frame) by a friction hinge.

Once the window is opened, the mechanism locks into place with the help of a latch. The crank opening and closing mechanism is safe, but also very simple to remove and replace. In fact, it’s just screwed into the window frame and is accessible with a screwdriver. 

The awning-type crank window is also advantageous on account of the very nature of its opening system. In fact, it allows for the following:

  • To be opened even when raining;

  • Used as a transom;

  • Ensures airflow from below;

  • A multipoint locking mechanism.

Its seal renders it impervious to water seepage and significantly contributes to your home's thermal insulation.

Awning windows allow ample natural light

awning window

Source: Canva

What makes the awning window the ideal choice is its size. While it’s not as watertight as the casement window, it can measure up to 48 inches wide, compared to the 32 inches of its rival.

Therefore, the amount of natural light said window allows into a room is bar-none. We’ll delve into this matter in further detail in our basement window section below. 

Double-glazed window

In Canada—on the east coast primarily—single or double glazing doesn’t come into question. Double glazing is without a doubt the preferred choice unless specific rules apply to your dwelling in terms of architectural, landscaping, or historical value. 

Besides, if you want to add a certain time-honoured appeal to your awning windows, note that you can do so by installing spindles for a muntin-like effect that was seen on antique wooden windows. That way, you'll get to enjoy the aesthetic appeal of yesteryears, while also benefiting from the modern efficiency of new-build.

Awning windows are very well-suited to double glazing, which limits 40% of the heat loss from inside, compared to single glazing.  

If you also want to limit the amount of warm air that seeps into your home during the summertime, you can opt for high-performance windows. Given the thin metal oxide coating on one of the interior-facing panes, the glass can reflect infrared rays. 

As for the materials that make up the frame, options aren’t lacking: 

  • Aluminum; 

  • Hybrid; 

  • Wood; 

  • PVC. 

PVC window vs. heat

awning window

Source: Canva

Whether it’s wood, aluminum, or PVC, materials tend to shift with temperature fluctuations. PVC isn’t any different. If you’ve read that PVC window frames may expand under intense heat, well this is true. 

However, it isn’t solely the material that makes up the window frame that’s shifting, it’s also its hardware. And, if today PVC is one of the most used products when it comes to window frames, it’s very much because it’s a highly efficient material. 

PVC isn’t a one-and-done material. In fact, based on the specific characteristics of the finished product, it’ll be designed with either more or fewer lubricants, flame retardants, stabilizers, and other polymers. 

Therefore, PVC window frames aren’t solely designed to withstand bad weather, but also to reflect the sun’s rays. Its reflectivity is rendered possible due to its stabilizer and pigment content. These prevent the frame from reaching very high temperatures, or from doing so as often or for very little time. 

Albeit PVC frames do expand with heat, the added heat-resistant polymers in the PVC window frame formulation very much limit this from occurring. 

If you look around your neighbourhood at the different windows, chances are that the majority of them are PVC-framed. Nevertheless, have you ever had a skilled tradesperson come by to realign your windows?

What are the different types and styles?

PVC awning windows are available in a wide range of colours and can be custom-made as far as to give them a hung-like window aspect. As such, you can choose your window based on the following:

  • Your façade;

  • Your home’s style;

  • Your natural light needs. 

The last point brings us back to our next talking point: the versatility of the awning window. Indeed, the latter can be added to fixed windows, or be installed above another window, much like a transom.

Basement awning windows: Useful or not?

awning window

Source: Canva

Although we’ve already discussed luminosity, specifically in terms of basements, let’s backtrack a little. 

Yes, the awning window is very useful in basements, and for two very apparent reasons:

  • Allows for plenty of natural light;

  • Can be opened when raining.

Basements are commonly known for their lack of natural lighting and their build-up of humidity, thus rendering them moisture-prone areas. As a result, it’s essential to install windows that allow for plenty of natural light and proper airflow. 

Since it can swing open even when it's raining, such a window is ideal for coping with record-breaking weather, such as Montréal's 13 straight days of rain in 2019.

Just think about the humidity level in your basement if you can't air it out for 15 days…

Get 3 quotes for your window replacement project

RenoQuotes.com can help you get quotes for your window replacement project. By submitting your project, we’ll put you in contact with top-rated contractors. Fill in the form on the homepage (it only takes a few minutes) and get estimates from trusted professionals.

Dial 1-844 828-1588 to speak with one of our customer service representatives.

Get 3 free quotes for your project!

Submit a project and get 3 free quotes!

Looking for something else?

Table of contents

5 min read

Get 3 free quotes for your project!

Submit a project and get 3 free quotes!

Are you a contractor?

Join our network and receive real leads!

Download the price guide for renovations

We’ll be emailing you the latest market price guide for renovations.



Related articles

The latest industry news, interviews, technologies, and resources.

4 min read

RenoQuotes.com • 07 Nov 2023

Designing and Building a Patio or Deck

One of the best ways to enjoy the sunshine during the summer is to have an outdoor living space. Decks and patios are two types of common constructions for that matter. However, it’s especially important to differentiate them from one another to figure out which one will work best in your backyard. Over the course of this article, learn all the must-know deck- and patio-building facts. 

Exterior renovations
6 min read

RenoQuotes.com • 29 Aug 2024

What Is a Rubble Foundation?

A foundation is exactly what it sounds like: it's the base upon which a building’s structure is built. It provides stability, ensuring it stands the test of time. In Quebec, ancestral houses aren’t a rarity, and they’re reflective of the province’s architectural heritage. However, building materials and methods aren’t what they used to be. Nowadays, concrete formwork foundations are considerably more common. Yet, a hundred or so years ago, rubble foundations (or stone foundations) were especially widespread.

5 min read

RenoQuotes.com • 21 Mar 2024

The Best Outdoor Privacy Screen Options for Your Deck or Terrace

When it comes to relaxing in your backyard, prying eyes from neighbouring lawns can quickly become uncomfortable. Luckily, nowadays, there are numerous solutions like outdoor privacy screens for decks and terraces. Not only will these shield you from curious stares, but they’re also a nice, decorative feature. Discover below the best solutions available to fully benefit from your deck, meaning, in complete privacy. 

Exterior renovations
4 min read

RenoQuotes.com • 19 Jan 2024

How to Ensure Your Septic Tank Is Watertight

A septic tank with faulty waterproofing is evident through foul smells, drainage problems, or even wastewater backing up into your home.

5 min read

RenoQuotes.com • 07 Nov 2023

What you need to know before rebuilding a house

Whether building a custom home or redesigning one that just wasn’t cutting it anymore, taking on a home building project is exciting, but is also a huge job.


Looking for a contractor?

Submit a project and get 3 free quotes now!