Awning windows that ventilate through the rain
An awning window hinges at the top and swings outward from the bottom. The open sash forms a small canopy over the opening, so the window can stay open during a rain shower that would force a casement or slider shut.
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Where awning windows suit a home
Awnings go where you want air without a view: high on a wall above kitchen cabinets, in a bathroom where the glass is obscured anyway, over a stairwell landing, or as a ventilating strip beneath a large fixed pane.
The rain tolerance matters more in practice than it sounds. Ontario summers deliver a lot of short, heavy showers, and an awning is the one operating window you do not have to run around closing. In a bathroom, that means the window can stay cracked to clear humidity through a wet week, which is exactly when a bathroom needs it.
They are also the standard answer for a basement or lower-level opening that sits below grade at the top of a window well.
Features
- Top-hinged sash sheds rain while the window stays open
- Crank operation reaches openings set high on a wall
- Compression seal on closing, the same mechanism as a casement
- Pairs beneath fixed picture units to add ventilation without breaking the sightline
- Available with obscured glass for bathrooms and ensuites
Models we fit
| Model | Style | Description |
|---|---|---|
| AW1 | Quad-Seal awning | Opens outward from the bottom, forming a weather shield over the opening. |
| AWL1 | Legacy awning | Bottom-opening awning on the Legacy profile. |
How they compare
Against a casement: same crank hardware and the same quality of seal, but the awning trades clear opening height for rain tolerance. A casement gives far more airflow and can serve as an egress window; an awning generally cannot.
Against a hopper: the two are mirror images. A hopper hinges at the bottom and tilts into the room, which suits a basement where an outward sash would foul a window well. An awning hinges at the top and opens out.
Against a slider in a bathroom: the awning wins on privacy, because the opening sits above eye level and the sash screens it.
What is the difference between a casement window and a slider?
A casement window is hinged at the side and cranks outward, while a slider moves horizontally along a track. Casements seal tighter because the sash compresses against the frame when closed, which suits exposed walls and windy sites. Sliders cost less to operate and suit wide openings where a projecting sash would obstruct a walkway, deck or driveway.
Why is there condensation on my new windows?
Condensation on the interior glass means the indoor humidity is higher than the glass surface temperature can support, not that the window has failed. New windows seal a house far more tightly than the ones they replace, so moisture that used to escape through leaks now stays inside. Running bathroom and kitchen fans and lowering the humidistat in cold weather resolves it. Moisture sealed between the panes is a different matter and is covered.
Can windows be replaced in winter in Ontario?
Yes, windows can be replaced through an Ontario winter. Installers work one opening at a time, so the house is never broadly open to the cold and each room is exposed for well under an hour. Modern sealants and foams are formulated to cure at low temperatures. Winter is often the fastest time to book, since demand drops after the autumn rush.
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We measure every opening, talk through the options that suit your home, and give you a written quote. No pressure, no obligation.