For 40 years, Magic has provided the GTA with some of the most advanced residential windows in the world. Our innovative replacement windows, patio doors and Window Walls can add style and performance to any home. Welcome to our blog, where we provide consumers with the information and inspiration they need to make informed decisions about replacing their windows.
Awning windows are a popular, stylish, and functional addition to any home, providing a ton of benefits that can enhance the aesthetics and practicality of any space.
In this article, we’ll tell you all about what awning windows are, how much they cost, and what to look for when replacing or installing new units.
Browse this content:
- What are awning windows?
- How much do awning windows cost?
- What are the parts of an awning window?
- Awning windows and energy efficiency
- Fixed screens vs. retractable screens for awning windows
- Learn more
What are awning windows?
Awning windows are a type of window that is hinged at the top and opens outward. They are a popular choice for homeowners looking to add ventilation and natural light to their homes. They are often used in rooms that need ventilation and where moisture is a concern, like bathrooms and kitchens, as they provide a means of letting in fresh air while still keeping out the rain and allowing for privacy. Depending on the awning window hardware, they can open utilizing a roto-gear and crank or a simple push-out lever.
In addition to their ventilation capabilities, awning windows provide excellent natural light. The wide opening allows plenty of sunlight to enter the room, creating a bright and open space. This can help to reduce the need for artificial lighting, which can save energy and money on electricity bills.
Awning windows are also relatively easy to operate and maintain. The hinged design allows you to smoothly and effortlessly open and close them so that the windows can be easily cleaned from inside the home. Many awning windows also come with built-in screens, which can be used to keep insects out while still allowing for airflow.
View this post on Instagram
Awning windows are often combined with other types of windows, such as fixed or casement windows, to create a cohesive and functional design. Awning window sizes can typically be made up to 50” (approximately 4 feet) wide, whereas most single casement windows max out at 3 feet wide. This makes them a great option for homeowners who want large glass surfaces without the mullions (vertical or horizontal elements of a window frame that form a division between the different glass units) typically found on double or triple-casement windows.
How much do awning windows cost?
Committing to quality replacement windows is a significant investment, but it’s one worth making. Investing in quality now can mean saving time, money, and energy in the long run.
Awning Window Prices Compared to Other Styles [Updated 2023]
| Type of Window | Poor Quality | Low Quality | High Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Awning Window | $600 - $700 | $700 - $1,500 | $1,600 - $2,600 |
| Hopper Window | $400 - $700 | $600 - $850 | $900 - $1,700 |
| Single Casement | $400-$600 | $700-$1,400 | $1,500 - $2,500 |
| Double Casement | $800 - $1,200 | $1,400-$2,000 | $2,400-$5,000 |
| Single Hung | $300 - $600 | $700 - $1,400 | $1,200 - $2,200 |
| Double Hung | $500 - $900 | $800 - $1,500 | $1,400 - $2,500 |
| Single Slider | $300 - $700 | $700 - $1,400 | $1,200 - $2,200 |
| Double Slider | $500 - $900 | $800 - $1,500 | $1,400 - $2,500 |
One question we’re asked often is: Are awning windows more expensive than sliders? Both types of window frames have similar price points, so don’t factor this in when choosing one or the other. Instead, we recommend evaluating your space’s size and design plans to make the best decision.
What are the parts of an awning window?
The Frame: The frame is the structure that both surrounds and supports the entire window unit. The components of a frame can vary depending on the type of window.
The Glazing: This term refers to the cut piece of glass that fills the window frame. If a window has one pane of glass, it is a single-glazed window. If it has two panes, it is double-glazed, three panes, triple-glazed, etc. Most residential windows on the market are either double-glazed or triple-glazed.
The Sash: The moveable panel that holds the glass and the framework of the glass firmly locked in place. When you open an awning window, this is the part that swings outward from the bottom.
The Casing: The decorative mould that goes around the window frame inside the home.
The Sill: The horizontal section that forms the bottom of the window frame.
The Jamb: A vertical section that connects to the interior of the window frame.
The Head: The horizontal section that forms the top of the window frame.
Multi-Point Locks: The locking system that holds the window sash in multiple parts along the frame when closed.
Locking Handles/Levers: These handles or levers release the locking mechanisms, allowing the window to push out and open.
Roto-Gear and Crank: An alternative to the push-out system, these hardware pieces facilitate the window’s opening by turning a crank.
The Hinges: The components of the awning window that secure the sash to the window frame (jamb), allowing the window to swing outward and inward.
Awning windows and energy efficiency
Now that we understand awning window hardware, do window awnings work to conserve energy?
Awning windows are energy-efficient, as they allow for ventilation without letting in a draft. By opening the window from the bottom and allowing warm air to escape from the top, awning windows can help regulate the temperature inside your home, reducing the need for heating and cooling. This can help save energy and lower your utility bills. Additionally, awning windows are often made with energy-efficient insulating materials, such as low-E glass, which helps to insulate your home and prevent heat loss.
The energy-efficient materials that make up a Magic awning window
Low Emissivity (Low-E) Coated Window Glass: This transparent, incredibly thin coating helps the window reflect unwanted solar heat, allowing homes to cool more efficiently in warmer temperatures. It also reflects the radiant heat emitted by objects inside the house (such as an HVAC unit) back inside to reduce heat loss during the colder months.
Krypton & Argon Gas Fills: Gas fills are essential in creating an insulated glass unit. Manufacturers fill the space between the glass units with gases like krypton or argon, as these heavier noble gases can impede heat transfer through a window better than air.
Warm-Edge Spacers: Warm-edge spacers are essential to a window’s ability to remain energy efficient over the long term. These seals insulate the edges of the glass unit and keep the glass panes apart. For the best performance, inquire about duralight soft edge spacers. These are made of four-layer material that naturally expands and contracts with any movement, making seal failure virtually impossible.
Window Frames: At Magic, we combined the traditionally separate window frames of vinyl PVC and aluminum together. Plus added galvanized steel for extra strength. These Hybrid Fusion Frames not only provide the added strength and energy savings, but they’re just overall more stylish with a thinner profile. Let’s keep the visual emphasis on the awning window’s glass and the outdoors beyond not on a clunky window frame.
View this post on Instagram
Fixed screens vs. retractable screens for awning windows
Like many other operable window systems, awning windows can come with fixed insect screens. These fixed screens can block up to 50% of the natural light that streams into your home via windows. Fixed screens also accumulate dirt, dust, and other allergens over time.
Retractable screens give you complete control over when, where, and to what extent your screens are in use. With a 50% improvement in Visible Transmittance — a metric that gauges how much natural light enters your home via a window — the difference between fixed and retractable screens is hard to ignore!
You can add retractable insect screens, solar screens, and blackout blinds to your awning style windows at Magic. These retractable models allow for a cleaner, less cluttered look while retaining all the heat-saving and privacy benefits.
Want to learn more about replacing or installing awning windows? Contact us today!
Replacing or installing windows can be a stressful process. For homeowners, having the right knowledge, from cost and energy efficiency information to understanding the materials used and added features, can make all the difference. Not only will the process go smoother, but you’ll end up with a better product that you can count on for years to come.
So why not give awning windows a try? They’ll freshen up your space, save you money on electricity, and provide endless entertainment as you watch the rain roll off the awning and onto the unsuspecting passerby below. Plus, they’re low maintenance and easy to operate, so you can spend your time doing more important things, like lounging on the couch with a good book and a glass of wine.
If you’re looking for more information about awning windows, awning window sizes, or more general guidance on window replacement, we are ready to help! Book a free, no-hassle consultation today with one of our Magic representatives. We will walk you through the replacement process, answer any questions you may have, and introduce you to our innovative product line.