If you’ve been thinking of adding a new window to your home, you might find yourself lost in all the different types of windows available. Two of the least understood window options available are hopper windows and awning windows. These two window styles are less common because they are typically used in very specific spaces. Due to their similarities, homeowners are often confused when it comes to choosing between these two window options.
Our replacement window professionals at The Construction Group in Maplewood work with a wide variety of windows and partner with some of the top quality manufacturers. In today’s post, we’ll break down the difference between awning windows and hopper windows and talk about the benefits of each option.
Awning and Hopper Windows: A Few Similarities
At first glance, awning windows and hopper windows seem pretty similar. When they’re in a closed position, they look pretty much the same. They’re both small single-pane windows. But these two styles of windows open in completely different ways. That’s because they actually have completely different functions.
Understanding Awning Windows
Awning windows have a hinge at the top and open at the bottom using a crank mechanism that usually features a folding handle. They open outward and away from a house rather than inward. This makes awning windows great for ventilating basements and other low spaces. For the same reason, they also work well in kitchens. Yet another reason you might prefer an awning window is because this window design offers a clear and unobstructed view of the outdoors.
How a Hopper Window is Different
Unlike an awning window, a hopper window actually opens inward and downward from the top. These are primarily used in basements because they open in such a way that they prevent debris from coming into a home. They’re also sometimes found in bathrooms.
This type of window dates back to the 19th century when they were commonly used in Victorian homes. They’re great for ventilation purposes and work well in small spaces.
Awnings Versus Hoppers: Which Window is Better?
When it comes to choosing between awning windows and hopper windows, both are great options. The best window for your home will depend on your specific need and what you’re looking for in a window.
Let’s look at how some of the differences break down:
1. Both are fairly energy-efficient window options.
Energy efficiency is one of the top concerns for homeowners when shopping for new or replacement windows. Fortunately, both hopper windows and awning windows are fairly efficient window solutions since they both open via a single pane that opens outward. This makes both great options for cooling your home on temperate days. And due to their construction, both types of windows lock and seal tightly, reducing the air infiltration that causes heating and cooling costs to skyrocket in Minnesota homes.
2. Awning windows may be a better option if you love leaving the windows open.
While it’s true that both hopper windows and awning windows open wide and let plenty of cool, fresh air into a home, hopper windows are designed in such a way that debris can end up coming into your home fairly easily. Awning windows, on the other hand, are great at letting cool air in even during a spring or autumn rain, and due to their design, you don’t have to worry about water getting into your home.
3. Awning and hopper windows are both fairly secure options.
Home security should always be a consideration when you’re choosing a new window design. By their design alone, both awning and hopper windows are naturally more secure. Since most thieves and intruders are looking for an easy target, they’re far less likely to try to break into an awning or hopper window since these would be extremely difficult to get in through.
4. Hopper and awning windows may not be the best egress solution.
One of the reasons you may need to install windows in your basement is to create an egress point, since basements are required to have an egress window and you may need one if there’s ever a fire or emergency. For the same reason they’re tough to break in through, both awning windows and hopper windows can be extremely difficult to escape through. If you’re looking for an egress window solution, we can make a recommendation that is better for your home and the desired location.
5. Awning windows can take up exterior space.
Awning windows swing outward, which means they take up more exterior space than hoppers. If you’re installing your window up high in your bathroom, that shouldn’t be a problem. But if you’re looking for a basement window, awning windows can project out onto your walkway or patio if installed there, so you need to consider window placement when settling on a design. If you’re placing your new window near a space you use frequently, a hopper window may be your best bet.
6. Hopper windows are one of the easiest window designs when it comes to cleaning and maintenance.
Both awning and hopper windows can get pretty dirty as time passes. Since they open up, you’ll need to step outside to thoroughly clean your awning windows. However, hopper windows can usually be cleaned from inside your home with ease since they open inward and downward.
Get in Touch with our Maplewood Window Replacement Professionals
Whether you’re looking for a window for your basement or you’re hoping to create more ventilation in your kitchen with a better window, we can help. With our wide range of windows from manufacturers from Alside, we can help you find the perfect windows for your home.
We’ve got more than thirty years of experience creating beautiful exteriors for Minnesota homeowners. To learn more, contact our team at 651-731-5857 or contact us to schedule your window installation services today.