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Casement vs Awning Windows: 7 Key Differences

| August 10, 2024

If you’re looking for replacement windows, the chances are you’ve already stumbled upon the most sought-after windows – casement and awning windows. Now, you’re probably weighing the benefits and drawbacks of each – be it regarding their opening mechanism, ventilation, protection from the elements, or overall design.

In short, casement windows operate on side hinges, open outwards at a 90-degree angle, are ideal for unobstructed views, and guarantee perfect ventilation. Conversely, awning windows are hinged at the top, open from the bottom, and are perfect for maintaining airflow during rain. If you want to learn more, keep reading! We’ve compared casement vs awning windows in detail to help you determine which one aligns with your needs in terms of design, energy efficiency, and ease of use.

Key Takeaways

  • Casement windows are usually operated by a crank. They are ideal for taller spaces and offer expansive views thanks to their side-hinged design. This opening mechanism guarantees excellent ventilation.
  • Awning windows are best for wide spaces and ensure privacy and safety. They are hinged at the top and open from the bottom, thus allowing fresh air in even when it rains.
  • Both casement and awning windows excel in energy efficiency thanks to their tight compression seals and options for energy-efficient glass.

Casement vs Awning Windows: Key Differences

When it comes to choosing the right windows for your home, awning and casement windows are likely the most popular options, along with sliding windows. If you want to discover how they differ, keep reading – we’ve listed 7 key differences that can help you understand which one is better for your home!

1. Opening Mechanism

Casement windows, also known as crank windows, have hinges on one side – either left or right – and are usually operated by a crank mechanism. The window opens outwards at a 90-degree angle. This opening mechanism not only maximizes your view but also allows for maximum ventilation. The window can easily catch side breezes, channeling a flow of fresh air into your home, especially when installed strategically!

Although this crank mechanism seems highly convenient, it is actually mechanically flawed. In fact, it will likely prevent the windows from performing at their best before they exceed their lifespan. Luckily, Magic has developed crankless casement windows – but more about these later! First, let’s discuss the opening mechanism of an awning window.

Unlike casement windows, awning windows have hinges at the top. Therefore, awning windows open vertically from the bottom only to a 45-degree angle. This opening mechanism allows you to keep an awning window open even when the weather doesn’t cooperate, thanks to its ability to shield against rain.

2. Best Areas for Installation

Crank windows are usually taller than they are wide, so they should be installed in places that accommodate this proportion – the bedroom or the living room, for example. The hand crank mechanism, a hallmark of casement windows, makes them quite easy to open. That’s why homeowners often install them in hard-to-reach spots, such as above the kitchen sink.

Conversely, an awning window’s design allows for openings that are wider than they are tall. In addition, this window type is excellent at maintaining privacy – when it’s open, it obstructs the view from the outside, so passers-by won’t be able to see anything clearly. That’s why an awning window can be an ideal choice for a bathroom. This window is also chosen for basements that have enough space for a window.

There’s another thing to consider in this regard – both awning and casement windows require extra space on the exterior to fully open.

3. Energy Efficiency

In today’s eco-conscious world, energy efficiency is not just a buzzword—it’s a commitment to sustainability and smart living. Both casement and awning windows excel in this regard, thanks to their tight seals that lock in comfort and keep out drafts.

Their compression seal technology forms an airtight barrier between the window and the frame. This technology, combined with multi-point locking systems, ensures that every nook is sealed and your home is well-protected against the elements. It can also help keep your energy bills in check.

Ultimately, it would be impossible to provide a final answer regarding the energy efficiency of casement and awning windows. Why so? Because their insulation and energy efficiency depend on:

  • the number of glass panes
  • whether there are any low-E coatings, and if there are, how many
  • how much gas is used for the space between the glass panes (spoiler alert – Magic windows have roughly 25% more gas than other products on the market because our hardware and frame material allow us to produce Insulated Glass Units with more space between panes)
  • the quality of the Insulated Glass Unit spacer

As such, by selecting double-glazed or triple-glazed energy-efficient windows, homeowners can improve the insulating properties of their casement windows. Awning windows with only one glass pane will obviously be less energy-efficient in this case. That’s why the final answer to this question depends on multiple factors.

4. Ventilation

When it comes to ventilation, casement windows undoubtedly take the lead. Their outward-opening design allows you to open the window fully. When installed strategically, casement windows can make for the best ventilation system one can have.

On the other hand, an awning window opens only to a 45-degree angle, so it doesn’t let too much air in. However, if you install multiple awning windows in the same room, we’re sure you’ll enjoy plenty of fresh air! In addition, the fact that these windows can be left open when it rains is a major advantage.

5. Cleaning and Maintenance

Both casement and awning windows have a major drawback when it comes to cleaning and maintenance – you cannot easily access the exterior glass pane from the inside. Cleaning it requires a bit of stretching and maybe even considering doing it from the outside. If you live in a high-rise building, this is virtually impossible.

Another drawback of casement and awning windows is that their crank mechanism and hinges require regular maintenance to prevent failure.

On the other hand, if you choose Magic casement or awning windows, you won’t have to worry about these issues – thanks to our technologically advanced Parallex hardware, our windows are much more easy to clean and require little to no maintenance! By the end of the article, you’ll learn about all our products’ features!

6. Locking Systems and Safety

Security becomes paramount as we find comfort and safety within our homes. Windows are among the most vulnerable points in a home’s armor – that is, if they’re not equipped with a proper locking mechanism. Luckily, while not as safe as a fixed window, casement and awning windows do guarantee a higher level of safety thanks to the way they open and close.

In other words, casement and awning windows cannot be opened from the outside because the crank handle is on the inside. If equipped with various burglar-proof measures, like security window film or laminated glass, both casement and awning windows can withstand any forced entries efficiently or at least delay the intruders!

Even if the burglar can somehow open an awning window, for example, getting inside your house through the opening is virtually impossible.

Furthermore, your windows can be equipped with multi-point locking systems. Magic windows, for example, feature our stainless steel locking mechanism with a 40-grade security system – the highest attainable for a window!

7. Suitability as Egress Windows

Windows aren’t just for allowing fresh air and natural light in – some of them also serve as egress windows. In short, an egress window is a window that allows for quick escape in case of an emergency, such as a fire or flood. In this regard, there’s a major difference between casement and awning windows – the former make for excellent egress windows due to their wide opening, while the latter aren’t suitable for this purpose. This aspect can influence your final decision.

Casement vs Awning Windows: Final Decision

To make things easier for you, we’ve prepared a short recap that can help you make the final decision.

Casement Windows: Pros and Cons

Here are the advantages of a casement window:

  • Easy to open
  • Suitable for hard-to-reach areas
  • Energy-efficient if equipped with double- or triple-glazing or low-E coatings
  • Excellent for increased ventilation
  • Easy to clean on the inside
  • Can be equipped with multi-point locking systems
  • Quite safe thanks to the fact that the crank is on the inside, and its mechanism creates a tight seal
  • Suitable as an egress window

Here are the disadvantages of a casement window:

  • Cranks are mechanically flawed, and the window may develop “sash-sag” and other mechanical issues
  • It requires unobstructed space on the exterior to fully operate
  • The outside glass pane is difficult to clean
  • It cannot be left open in the rain
  • The crank mechanism requires regular maintenance

Awning Windows: Pros and Cons

Here are the advantages of an awning window:

  • Easy to open
  • Can be left open in the rain
  • Enhanced privacy when open
  • Suitable for hard-to-reach areas
  • Can be installed alongside other windows, like a picture window, for versatility
  • Easy to clean on the inside
  • Excellent for bathrooms and basements
  • It is safe thanks to the fact that the crank is on the inside, and its mechanism creates a tight seal
  • Can be equipped with multi-point locking systems
  • Energy-efficient if equipped with double- or triple-glazing or low-E coatings

Here are the disadvantages of an awning window:

  • Opens only up to a 45-degree angle
  • Less ventilation
  • The crank mechanism requires regular maintenance
  • The exterior glass pane is difficult to clean

Here’s Why Magic Crankless Windows Are The Best!

What if we told you that most of the disadvantages mentioned above become obsolete with Magic products? Why? Easy – thanks to our patented award-winning Parallex Hardware!

Magic’s Parallex Hardware replaces the crank mechanism altogether. This improves a window’s functionality and ensures smooth operation.

The internal part of our sash has a large galvanized steel rod, and our windows slide on tracks. This rod connects the two parallel tracks on the top and bottom of the window frame. This means that when our casement windows open, the top and bottom move in complete tandem, which eliminates the risk of sash-sag.

When open, the window stops at a certain point along the track, which means that you have simultaneous access to the interior and exterior glass sides. Without a doubt, this design makes it so much easier to clean the windows!

In addition, our revolutionary hardware makes our casement and awning windows maintenance-free! It also allows for a tighter seal between the sash and the frame, thus acting as an additional security measure.

We almost forgot to mention that you can install our retractable insect screens, solar shades, and blackout blinds – the latter make our windows 40% more efficient and serve as a third pane of glass!

Summary

All in all, it’s clear that both casement and awning windows are excellent at doing what they’re intended to – casement windows open outward at a 90-degree angle to ensure proper ventilation, while awning windows open from the bottom at a 45-degree angle to let fresh air in even when it rains. That’s why the ultimate choice depends on your preferences, home design, and the space that requires window replacement.

If you want to learn more about Ontario’s most technologically advanced casement and awning windows, contact Magic today for an in-home, no-hassle consultation!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between casement and awning windows?

The main differences between casement and awning windows lie in their design and operation. Casement windows are ideal for taller openings, while awning windows are better for wider openings. Casement windows are hinged on one side and open outwards, while awning windows are hinged at the top and open from the bottom.

Are casement windows more energy efficient than awning windows?

Both casement and awning windows are highly energy efficient, although their energy efficiency depends on how many glass panes they have, whether they are equipped with any low-E coatings, and what frame material they feature.

Can awning windows be left open in the rain?

Yes, awning windows can be left open in the rain because their top-hinged design diverts water from the home. This can help maintain airflow and ventilation in your space even during light showers.

How do I clean awning windows from the inside?

Cleaning the exterior glass of awning windows from the inside can be challenging due to their design and may require cleaning it from the outside or using specialized tools.

Can I customize the colour of my casement or awning windows?

The windows can feature colour on one side or be painted on both the interior and exterior. We can match nearly any paint colour, making the colour options virtually endless.

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