Awning Windows
Awning windows provide ventilation in a compact, versatile design. Hinged along the top, the sash opens outward from the bottom, creating a wide horizontal opening while maintaining a clean architectural appearance.
Valdicass installs Pella® awning windows throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, with options available for different architectural styles, materials, glass requirements, and project types.
Awning windows can be installed individually or combined with larger fixed and operating windows to introduce ventilation into a more expansive window design.
As a Pella Platinum Elite Certified Contractor, Valdicass can help you compare current Pella awning-window options and determine the appropriate product, configuration, glass, and installation method for your home.
What Is an Awning Window?
An awning window is hinged along the top and opens outward from the bottom.
Rather than sliding vertically or horizontally, the sash projects away from the exterior wall when opened.
Their horizontal proportions make awning windows useful in locations where homeowners want ventilation without requiring a tall operating window.
They can also be incorporated into larger window combinations where the primary objective is natural light or a view, but some ventilation is still desired.
Where Do Awning Windows Work Well?
Awning windows are versatile enough to work in several areas of a home.
Depending on the size, configuration, accessibility, and project requirements, homeowners may consider them for:
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Bedrooms
- Living areas
- Basements
- Contemporary additions
- Window combinations
- Locations above or below larger fixed windows
The best application depends on the opening and how the window needs to function.
Because the sash opens outward, exterior clearance should also be considered when determining whether an awning window is appropriate for a particular location.
Awning & Picture Window Combinations
One of the most useful applications for an awning window is combining it with a larger fixed or picture window.
A picture window can provide a substantial area of uninterrupted glass, while an awning window incorporated into the overall configuration can provide ventilation.
For example, an awning window may be positioned below a large fixed window to create a broad area of glass without giving up the ability to introduce fresh air.
Multiple awning windows can also be combined horizontally or incorporated into larger architectural window arrangements.
Pella Awning Windows
Pella offers awning windows across different product families, allowing homeowners to compare materials, architectural details, finishes, glass, and performance options.
Current product availability and configurations vary, so Valdicass can confirm which awning-window options are available for your particular project.
Pella Reserve™ Awning Windows
Pella Reserve™ provides wood-window options for projects where architectural design and customization are priorities.
Reserve can be particularly relevant when window proportions, grille patterns, interior wood, exterior finishes, hardware, and other architectural details contribute significantly to the design of the home.
Homeowners can explore both traditional and contemporary design directions depending on the selected Reserve product.
Pella Reserve Contemporary Awning Windows
For modern architecture, Pella Reserve Contemporary combines real wood interiors with clean lines, narrow sightlines, expansive glass, contemporary hardware, and aluminum-clad exteriors.
Awning windows can be used individually or coordinated with Reserve Contemporary picture, casement, corner, and other architectural window configurations.
This can be particularly effective for contemporary renovations where homeowners want ventilation without interrupting a larger glass composition.
Pella® Lifestyle Series Awning Windows
Pella Lifestyle Series provides wood-window options for residential replacement and renovation projects.
Depending on the selected configuration, homeowners can explore different interior and exterior finishes, glass packages, grilles, hardware, screens, and performance options.
The Lifestyle Series may be worth considering for homeowners who want the look of real wood along with a broad selection of residential design and performance choices.
Pella® Impervia® Awning Windows
Pella Impervia provides fiberglass window options for homeowners interested in a durable, low-maintenance frame material.
Fiberglass differs from wood and vinyl, making Impervia another option when selecting windows based on appearance, maintenance preferences, performance requirements, and project conditions.
Available awning-window configurations, colors, glass, hardware, and other options depend on current Pella product offerings.
Pella® 250 Series Awning Windows
The Pella 250 Series offers vinyl window options for homeowners seeking a low-maintenance replacement window.
Vinyl does not require the routine painting or staining associated with traditional wood interiors and can be a practical option for many residential replacement projects.
Available styles, sizes, colors, glass packages, screens, and other features vary by current product configuration.
Wood, Fiberglass or Vinyl?
The operating style doesn’t determine the best frame material for the project.
Pella provides products across three primary material categories.
Wood Awning Windows
Wood can be particularly attractive when homeowners want real wood interiors, architectural details, and additional finish possibilities.
Pella Reserve and Lifestyle Series provide different approaches to wood-window design.
Fiberglass Awning Windows
Pella Impervia provides a fiberglass alternative for homeowners interested in a durable, low-maintenance frame material.
Vinyl Awning Windows
Pella 250 Series offers a vinyl option for homeowners who prioritize relatively simple maintenance and practical residential configurations.
The appropriate material depends on the architecture, desired appearance, maintenance preferences, product availability, performance requirements, and project budget.
Awning vs. Casement Windows
Awning and casement windows both open outward, but they operate differently.
An awning window is hinged at the top and opens outward from the bottom.
A casement window is hinged along the side and opens outward from the opposite side.
Their different proportions can influence where each style works best.
Casement windows are commonly taller than they are wide, while awning windows frequently use a wider horizontal configuration.
Both styles can also be combined with fixed windows to create larger arrangements.
The choice should be based on the opening, desired ventilation, view, accessibility, exterior clearance, and overall design.
Glass & Energy Performance
Window performance depends on more than operating style.
Frame construction, insulating glass, Low-E coatings, weatherstripping, size, configuration, orientation, and installation all contribute to the performance of the complete window.
Depending on the selected Pella product, different insulating-glass and Low-E configurations may be available.
When comparing specific windows, standardized ratings such as U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)can help homeowners evaluate performance.
Valdicass can review the applicable ratings and glass options for the specific Pella windows included in your project.
Screens for Awning Windows
Because awning windows open for ventilation, screens are an important consideration.
Available screen options depend on the Pella product and configuration selected.
Valdicass can help homeowners consider the screen along with the window’s operation, appearance, ventilation requirements, and other design details.
Colors, Grilles & Hardware
Awning windows can be customized to complement different architectural styles.
Depending on the selected Pella product, available options may include:
- Interior finishes
- Exterior colors
- Wood species and stains
- Grille patterns
- Hardware finishes
- Glass packages
- Screens
A contemporary awning window may use clean profiles and minimal grille patterns, while a traditionally styled wood window may incorporate different proportions and architectural details.
Current options vary by product and configuration.
Awning Windows for Replacement Projects
When replacing existing windows, Valdicass evaluates more than the dimensions of the opening.
We consider factors such as:
- Existing frame condition
- Opening dimensions
- Exterior materials
- Interior trim
- Existing insulation
- Window configuration
- Architectural proportions
- Installation method
These conditions help determine both the appropriate replacement window and how it should be installed.
Pocket & Full-Frame Installation
Depending on the existing windows and project requirements, awning windows may be installed using a pocket or full-frame replacement approach.
With pocket replacement, portions of the existing frame remain when conditions are appropriate.
Full-frame replacement involves more complete removal of the existing window and provides greater access to the opening and surrounding conditions.
Full-frame installation may be particularly relevant when existing frames need to be removed, trim is changing, or the project involves modifying the window configuration.
Valdicass evaluates the existing conditions before determining the appropriate installation approach.
Professional Pella Awning Window Installation
Valdicass has served Chicagoland homeowners since 1997 and specializes in Pella window and patio door installation.
As a Pella Platinum Elite Certified Contractor, we can help you evaluate the complete awning-window project, including:
- Pella product selection
- Frame material
- Window size and configuration
- Glass
- Grilles
- Colors and finishes
- Hardware
- Screens
- Pocket or full-frame installation
- Interior and exterior finishing
Whether you’re replacing a single awning window or incorporating several awning windows into a larger architectural configuration, the product and installation should be planned together.
Explore Pella Awning Windows
Awning windows can provide ventilation while fitting naturally into both traditional and contemporary window designs.
Valdicass can help you compare Pella Reserve, Lifestyle Series, Impervia, and 250 Series options and determine which products and configurations fit your home.
Call Valdicass at 708-255-5231 to discuss your window project.
