Awning window

An awning window, also known as a top-hinged window, is attached to fittings at the top and opens outwards from the bottom. The window is usually relatively small as well as wider than it is tall. It is commonly operated by a crank or with a handle and an outward pushing motion. In terms of installation, awning windows are often installed like a fanlight above a door or quite high up to remain secure while providing additional ventilation for bathrooms or basements, for example.

Although we prefer to recommend innovative tilt and turn windows, awning windows can bring the following advantages in that they:

• Effectively protect against rain and snow when open
• Shed surface water well
• Bring light and ventilation into interiors
• Can function as a fanlight above a door

To go into a little more detail, because they open outwards, the windows act like a roof so that, even when open, they help to prevent rain or snow from entering buildings. The downwards sloping exterior face also makes for effective water drainage. Because of their wide size, landscape form, and ability to be opened ajar, awning windows can provide good ventilation and brighten spaces when placed above doors for extra airing.

Although windows, like awning variants that open outwards have some advantages, other factors should also be considered. If awning windows are not installed quite high up in buildings, for example, they could cause accidents when opened onto streets if pedestrians are walking past. Although they are quite watertight, the windows' seals and surfaces can be more prone to weather damage due to constantly facing the elements. In strong winds the windows may also be hard to open given the external pressure pushing the sash inwards. The products are also not available with external roller shutters or fly screens and it can be difficult to clean their exterior.

Inward opening windows, such as European tilt-only or tilt and turn casement windows, tend to be used most nowadays and are leading the market in terms of energy efficiency and sleek design. Featuring top scissor fittings, these windows can be titled open by around 15° into interiors or swung fully open. Although this can take up more space inside and mean that items cannot be easily left on window sills, the fittings allow for more slender design than with an awning window and the products can also be installed as a tilt-only fanlight above doors. Inward opening models can additionally be cleaned more easily and feature watertight seals to provide effective weather protection.

At windows24.com we offer innovative inward opening windows with a tilt-only or tilt and turn mechanism. Using the handle, the tilted ajar or fully open positions can be set while secure, quality fittings from Winkhaus, like mushroom pins, top scissors, lock striking plates, and hinges can be relied on. To make windows tailorable to a wide range of projects, there are different options for the frame, glazing, colour, and more.

These material options can be selected in our user-friendly online configurator. There customers can also find different glass types that will tailor our tilt-only or tilt and turn windows to suit exact preferences.

Laminated safety glass featuring an invisible PVB foil interlayer can be selected, for example, for those wishing to enhance security. This makes the glazing more impact-resistant and stronger. If the glass is broken under very high force though, it then remains held on the intact foil and doesn't shatter out into sharp shards. Specialist tools are then needed to break the foil, further hindering break-in attempts.