3 Misconceptions About Awning Windows That May Interfering With Your Window Design Choices
If you are replacing your home windows or choosing windows for that new home you are having built or that room you are remodeling, then after browsing window types, you may have fallen in love with awning windows. However, you may have some misconceptions about them due to the fact that they are typically small in size and operate with a crank mechanism, which is a very unique feature. Read on to learn about 3 common awning window misconceptions and how you can reap all of the advantages of this window in rooms of any size and on any floor of your home.
Misconception #1: Awning Windows Only Work Well in Small Rooms Due to Their Smaller Size
The reason you don't find awning windows that are very large is due to the fact that if this style of window is made too large, the single sash that surrounds the window glass would not be able to support the weight of the larger piece of glass inside. This may lead you to think that this smaller window only works well in small rooms with small window openings.
While these windows are great for small rooms, they also work very well in large rooms and can be integrated into large window openings when paired with another window. They can be installed below, above, or to the side of any other type of window in the same window opening. In fact, you can even have two awning windows installed side-by-side in the same window opening.
A great option for a larger living space where you want the superior ventilation awning windows provide due to the fact that they can be opened in rainy weather without allowing the rain to come inside is to install awning windows below large fixed or casement windows. This configuration works best in tall window openings.
Of course, installing two or more awning windows side-by-side is a great option if you have a window opening that is wider than it is tall, yet is wider in size than awning windows available.
Misconception #2: Awning Windows are Not as Energy Efficient as Sliding or Double-Hung Windows
The two most common windows in homes today are double hung windows and sliding windows. This may lead you to believe that they are the most energy efficient windows due to their popularity. However, sliding windows are actually less energy efficient than many other window styles due to the fact that their frames are built to be flexible to prevent damage when they are opened and closed forcefully by hands. Double-hung windows, along with sliding windows, tend to have high air leakage rates. The two most energy efficient window styles are actually awning windows and casement windows.
Why are awning and casement windows so energy efficient? Due to being opened and closed with a crank, they can be sealed much more tightly than other windows, which leads to very little to no air leakage around them when they are closed. There are several other factors that contribute to how energy efficient a window is, including glass solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), R-value, frame material, and proper window installation. However, with awning windows, you don't have to worry about window "drafts" that let cold air in your home in the winter and your cool, air-conditioned air outside in the summer.
Misconception #3: You Have to Clean Awning Windows from the Outside of Your Home
Many people think that awning windows are only appropriate for the first floor of a home due to the belief that to get the window clean, you must clean it while outside your home. This may lead you to believe that if you had them installed on the second floor of your home, that you would have to get up on a ladder to clean them or hire someone else to do it.
There are two ways to clean awning windows that are on the second floor of your home much more easily. Your first option is to clean them from the outside, yet with both feet still on the ground, by attaching a special window cleaning solution to your garden hose and simply spraying them with the solution. However, you can clean awning windows, no matter what floor of your home they are on, from the inside. To do this, simply follow the easy instructions on doorandwindow.com or follow the manufacturer's instructions that will be provided when your awning windows are installed.
If you have fallen in love with awning windows due to their numerous benefits, but don't know if they will be appropriate choices for your new home windows or those you plan to install in a room you are remodeling, then make sure you know the truth behind any misconceptions you have about them. They are great options for rooms of all sizes, very energy efficient, and can be cleaned just as easily as any other window style. Talk to your contractor, someone like Four Seasons, about these options.