Choose the Best Awnings and Sliding Windows

When it comes to window styles, double-hung and casement windows tend to get the most recognition. And indeed, these are the most popular styles of windows to see throughout a home. However, there are a couple of other window styles that work well in specific scenarios and spaces. You would probably not replace every window in your home with an awning or sliding window, but you may put one in a single, specialized window opening.

Here is a closer look at often-overlooked awning and sliding windows, their benefits, and instances in which you may want to use them.

Awning Windows

Awning windows are usually longer than they are tall. They’re mounted on a couple of hinges, which are placed at the top of the window frame. To open an awning window, you turn a small crank at the bottom of the frame.

Benefits of Awning Windows

Awning windows are easy to open and close. You don’t have to lift a heavy window sash or worry about hurting your fingers when trying to operate a complicated locking mechanism. Since awning windows tend to be small, they are often secure; it would be tough for a grown adult to fit in through most awning windows. When they are closed and locked, the locking mechanism is very tough to “pick.”

Awning windows offer good airflow into the home when they’re open. You don’t even have to worry about rain coming in since the open window glass hangs over the window opening and shields it.

Where Do Awning Windows Work Well?

Awning windows are a popular choice above kitchen counters. They fit well into the narrow space above a counter, and the ventilation they provide helps exhaust cooking vapor from the space. Many homeowners also use awning windows in the bathroom. When placed high up on the wall, they bring in air and sunshine without allowing passersby to see inside.

Sliding Windows

Sliding windows, sometimes known as gliding windows, consist of two side-by-side sashes. One sash slides or glides past the other, sometimes on a rolling mechanism. You just push on the side or bottom of the window sash to slide it open. Like awning windows, sliding windows are typically longer than they are tall.

Benefits of Sliding Windows

One advantage of sliding windows is the lack of necessary maintenance. These windows have a very simple design; you don’t have to worry about hinges or spring-loaded mechanisms breaking.

If you have limited dexterity in your fingers, you’ll find sliding windows easier to open since there are no small cranks or buttons to operate. Many homeowners also like that sliding windows are easy to reach when opening and closing them. You only ever have to reach the bottom of the window frame–not push it upward as with double-hung windows.

Where Do Sliding Windows Work Well?

Sliding windows are a popular choice for horizontal window openings that are set against patios or porches. The window does not swing outward when you open it, so it does not create an obstruction on the patio. You may have casement windows throughout most of your home, but choose a sliding window for the room against the patio.

It’s easy to pass things like grill utensils and drinks through a sliding window when you’re entertaining on the patio. Sliding windows are easy to integrate with screens, so you can keep the bugs out.

When choosing replacement windows for your home, keep in mind that you don’t need to use the same style of window in every window space. For instance, it’s completely okay to use double-hung windows in most window openings, but put an awning window in the bathroom and a sliding window in the kitchen. To learn more about these window styles and their various benefits, contact the experts at Arch Design today.