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There’s nothing like sitting in front of a window, enjoying a cool breeze on a warm summer day. Of course, a rain shower can put a kink in your plans, forcing you to close the window and cut of ventilation before water starts dripping in. If you want to enjoy improved ventilation without the worry of water damage, perhaps awning windows are the right choice for your Cincinnati home. Here’s a closer look at this style of windows and how they function to improve air flow.
Awning windows are mounted on hinges placed at the top of the window frame. At the base of the window frame, there is a small crank. If you turn this crank, the window hinges open, creating open space at the bottom. Awning windows are appropriately named because when they are open, they look like little awnings over your window openings.
When you close the awning windows, it lowers back down into its place. There is then a latch you can close to lock the window into its frame for safety, security, and prevention of air leaks.
If you have double-hung, sliding, or even casement windows on your Cincinnati home, you have to close them whenever rain starts. Otherwise, you’ll end up with water in your home. This can mean a rushed drive home from work in fear that water is blowing in through windows you left open. And actually, many homeowners with these types of windows just end up leaving them closed all of the time because they don’t want to forget to close them and end up with water damage.
With awning windows, the glass serves as an awning over the open window. If it starts raining, the water falls onto the glass and rolls right off, rather than coming into the home. This means you can leave your windows open for ventilation even if there’s a chance of showers. Open them in the morning, and come home to a fresh-smelling, airy home — but no water damage.
You can use awning windows anywhere in your home, but they work particularly well in rooms where you want increased ventilation, such as in your kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room. You can place an awning window over a counter or in a hard-to-reach corner since you only have to reach the crank to open the window. Plus, you won’t have to reach the window as often to open and close it since there’s little worry about water coming in.
Including an awning window or two in your home design may help decrease your energy costs. If you’re better able to leave your windows open for air flow, you may not need to turn on the air conditioning or central fan as often. Awning windows are also a good choice for homeowners who have limited strength and therefore struggle to open double-hung windows. There’s no lifting or pulling involved — you just have to turn a little crank.
If you’re not sure whether an awning window is suited for your needs, contact Renewal by Andersen and schedule a free, in-home consultation. Our knowledgeable technicians will review your Cincinnati home’s style and your needs to recommend the replacement windows that are best for you.