Awning windows are compact, versatile windows that open outward from the bottom while remaining hinged along the top. That operating style creates a canopy-like opening that can bring fresh air into a room while making the window especially useful in short, wide openings, higher wall locations, and larger window combinations.
Andersen awning windows are often paired with picture windows to add ventilation without sacrificing a broad expanse of glass. They can also work independently in bathrooms, bedrooms, basements, kitchens, clerestory locations, and other spaces where homeowners want natural light and ventilation from a relatively compact opening.
For Hampton Roads homeowners, Andersen currently offers awning windows in 100 Series, 400 Series, A-Series, and E-Series. Those products range from Fibrex® composite construction to wood-interior windows with vinyl, fiberglass/composite, or aluminum exterior protection. This guide focuses on how awning windows work and where they make sense. Our Andersen Awning Window Series & Product Options guide will compare the individual series in greater detail.
What Is an Awning Window?
An awning window is hinged at the top and opens outward and upward from the bottom. Most Andersen awning windows use crank operation, allowing the sash to extend away from the exterior wall while the top remains attached to the frame.
This creates a wide horizontal opening for ventilation. Because the open sash angles outward over the opening, an awning can also provide some protection from light rain while allowing fresh air inside. Homeowners should still close windows during severe weather, wind-driven rain, or storms.
When closed, the single sash presses tightly against the frame. Andersen identifies this compression-style design as one reason awning windows can provide strong energy performance.
Why Choose Awning Windows?
Ventilation in Compact Openings
Awning windows can provide ventilation in areas that may be too short for a conventional double-hung or casement window. Their horizontal proportions make them particularly useful when wall height is limited.
Natural Light with Privacy
Placing an awning higher on a wall can bring daylight and fresh air into bathrooms, bedrooms, and other private spaces while reducing direct sightlines from outside.
Easy Crank Operation
The crank mechanism allows an awning window to be opened without lifting or sliding a sash. Andersen also offers power-operation options on select awning series, which can be useful for windows installed high on a wall or in other hard-to-reach locations.
Strong Energy-Efficiency Potential
Like casement windows, awnings use a single operating sash that closes against the frame. Andersen describes awning windows as one of its most energy-efficient window types because the design limits potential air-leakage paths and the seal can tighten under wind pressure.
Useful in Larger Window Combinations
One of the most common design uses for an awning is beneath, above, or alongside fixed glass. Pairing an operating awning with a picture window allows homeowners to preserve a large view while still adding ventilation.
Where Do Awning Windows Work Best?
- Bathrooms: Higher placement can provide natural light and ventilation while helping preserve privacy.
- Bedrooms: Awning windows can be positioned higher on the wall or combined with larger fixed windows.
- Basements: Their shorter height can fit openings where there is limited above-ground wall space.
- Kitchens: Crank operation can be useful around counters and other areas where reaching a sliding sash is less convenient.
- Clerestory locations: Awnings installed high along a wall can introduce daylight and ventilation without occupying eye-level wall space.
- Window walls and picture-window combinations: Use awnings as the operable portion of a larger glass configuration.
Where Might an Awning Window Not Be the Best Choice?
Awning windows project outward when open, so the exterior area around the opening matters. They may be less practical directly beside a narrow walkway, heavily traveled deck, or another location where the open sash could interfere with people or objects.
Their short, wide proportions also are not ideal for every opening. A tall, narrow space may be better suited to a casement, while homeowners who prefer vertically sliding operation may favor double-hung windows.
The best window plan often uses multiple operating styles throughout the home rather than forcing one style into every opening.
Andersen Awning Window Series
Andersen’s current Hampton Roads-relevant awning lineup includes four primary series. Each uses the same basic top-hinged operating concept but differs substantially in construction and customization.
| Series | Construction | High-Level Position |
|---|---|---|
| 100 Series | Fibrex® composite interior and exterior | Value-oriented, lower-maintenance composite option |
| 400 Series | Wood interior / vinyl exterior | Andersen’s best-selling awning with broad versatility |
| A-Series | Wood interior / fiberglass & Fibrex® composite exterior | Best-performing awning with architectural and performance focus |
| E-Series | Wood interior / aluminum exterior | Highly customizable wood-interior awning |
The available sizes also vary. Andersen currently lists standard awning sizes up to approximately 4 feet wide by 3 feet high for 100 Series, 6 feet wide by 3 feet high for 400 Series, 6 feet wide by 4 feet high for A-Series, and 4 feet wide by 4 feet high for E-Series. Custom sizing is available in 1/8-inch increments across these four lines.
Our Andersen Awning Window Series & Product Options guide will go deeper into materials, sizes, colors, finishes, hardware, glass, customization, and performance differences.
100 Series Awning Windows
The 100 Series is Andersen’s Fibrex composite awning option. Fibrex material is used on the interior and exterior, creating a lower-maintenance alternative for homeowners who do not need a natural wood interior.
Andersen offers the 100 Series awning as a single unit or twin combination, and it is available as a replacement insert window. The product also offers dark interior and exterior colors and custom sizing.
For homeowners focused on straightforward composite construction, maintenance, and value, 100 Series is a logical starting point.
400 Series Awning Windows
The 400 Series is Andersen’s best-selling awning window. It combines a natural wood interior with a rigid vinyl exterior that protects the window from weather.
Compared with the 100 Series, the 400 Series introduces the character of a wood interior and a broader set of design choices. It can stand alone or be paired with picture windows and other units to create larger combinations.
For many replacement projects, the 400 Series serves as an important middle ground between value-focused composite construction and Andersen’s more architectural or highly customized product lines.
A-Series Awning Windows
A-Series is part of Andersen’s Architectural Collection and is identified by Andersen as its best-performing awning window. It combines solid wood with fiberglass and Fibrex composite materials and offers a broad selection of factory-finished wood interiors.
A-Series also offers triple-pane glass options and the largest standard awning dimensions in Andersen’s current comparison, reaching approximately 6 feet wide by 4 feet high.
For projects where performance, larger sizing, architectural detailing, or specific coastal-related product requirements are important, A-Series deserves a closer comparison using the actual specifications for the proposed window.
E-Series Awning Windows
E-Series pairs a wood interior with an aluminum exterior and is designed around customization. Andersen describes E-Series awnings as made-to-order with extensive choices for size, color, interior wood species, and finish.
This can make E-Series especially useful when the awning needs to coordinate closely with custom exterior colors, interior millwork, cabinetry, or a larger architectural window package.
E-Series is also among the awning lines that can be configured with Andersen’s PowerAssist™ power operator system, providing another option for windows that are difficult to reach manually.
Awning Windows vs. Casement Windows
Awning and casement windows are closely related. Both open outward, commonly use crank operation, and use a single sash that closes tightly against the frame. The main difference is hinge location and proportion.
| Feature | Awning Window | Casement Window |
|---|---|---|
| Hinge location | Top | Side |
| Typical shape | Shorter and wider | Taller and narrower |
| Opening direction | Outward from bottom | Outward from side |
| Common uses | High walls, bathrooms, basements, picture-window combinations | Kitchens, bedrooms, tall openings, picture-window combinations |
| Light-rain ventilation | Open sash can provide some overhead protection | Less canopy-like protection over opening |
Awnings tend to work better in short or elevated openings, while casements often fit taller wall spaces. In larger designs, both can be combined with fixed glass to provide ventilation without sacrificing views.
For a closer look at the alternative, see our Andersen Casement Window Series comparison.
Can Awning Windows Be Left Open in the Rain?
The top-hinged design creates an angled sash over the opening, which can allow ventilation during some light-rain conditions. Andersen specifically highlights this as a benefit of the 400 Series awning and of awning windows generally.
That does not mean an awning should remain open during every rain event. Wind direction, rainfall intensity, the degree the sash is open, and the window’s exposure can all affect whether water reaches the opening. Windows should be closed during severe weather or wind-driven rain.
Are Andersen Awning Windows Energy Efficient?
Awning windows can provide strong energy performance because their single sash closes tightly against the frame. Andersen notes that the seal can tighten when wind pushes against the sash.
Actual performance still varies by series, glass package, window dimensions, installation, and configuration. Andersen offers Low-E glass options across its broader window lineup, while A-Series provides triple-pane options and emphasizes enhanced energy performance.
For a Hampton Roads home, compare the performance data for the exact window and glass package being proposed rather than relying only on the awning style or series name.
Power-Operated Andersen Awning Windows
One feature that makes awnings especially useful in high locations is the availability of power operation on select products. Andersen’s PowerAssist™ power operator system is currently available for A-Series, 400 Series, and E-Series awning windows.
The system can be controlled from a wall-mounted console with an optional remote. Andersen also incorporates battery backup and a moisture sensor designed to close the window when rain is detected.
Power operation is not necessary for most conventional openings, but it can be worth considering for clerestory windows, tall window walls, and other areas where a manual crank would be difficult to reach.
Awning Windows in Larger Window Combinations
Awning windows are particularly effective when they serve as the operating component of a larger fixed-glass design.
- Below a picture window: Add ventilation while keeping the majority of the opening devoted to an unobstructed view. Compare available fixed-window options in our Andersen Picture Window Series guide.
- Above larger windows or doors: Use awnings or similar venting units as part of a taller architectural composition.
- In a window wall: Integrate operable sections into a broad expanse of glass so the room still receives fresh air.
- High along the roofline: Use awnings as clerestory windows to bring daylight and ventilation into the upper portion of a room. For openings that also require circles, arches, triangles, or other fixed architectural shapes, compare the Andersen Specialty Window Series & Shapes.
Andersen currently showcases both A-Series and E-Series awnings in large window combinations, including configurations with picture windows.
What Should Hampton Roads Homeowners Consider?
Awning windows can work well in Virginia Beach and throughout Hampton Roads, but the right product should be selected around the home’s actual conditions. Heat, humidity, coastal air, wind-driven rain, seasonal storms, orientation, and exposure can all affect which frame, glass, and performance options make sense.
The outward-opening sash also deserves attention. Consider patios, decks, landscaping, walkways, and other exterior features before deciding where awnings should be installed.
Better View Windows & More can help homeowners compare the functional advantages of awnings with casement, picture, hung, and other window styles while also evaluating materials, glass, design, maintenance preferences, and budget.
What We Recommend Comparing in Person
Awning windows may look similar online, but several differences are much easier to understand when you can operate and inspect them.
- Crank operation: Open and close the window to see how the sash moves and how far it projects outdoors.
- Frame profile: Compare visible glass area and the proportions of the frame and sash.
- Interior materials: Compare Fibrex composite with the wood interiors available in 400 Series, A-Series, and E-Series.
- Exterior materials and colors: Look at composite, vinyl, fiberglass/composite, and aluminum exterior options.
- Screens: Consider how the interior insect screen affects the appearance and everyday use of the window.
- Hardware and power operation: Compare manual hardware and determine whether PowerAssist makes sense for difficult-to-reach openings.
- Window combinations: Consider how an awning could be paired with picture windows or other units rather than evaluating it only as a standalone window.
Andersen Awning Window FAQs
How does an Andersen awning window open?
An awning window is hinged at the top and opens outward from the bottom, typically using a crank. The open sash creates a canopy-like shape over the opening.
Which Andersen series offer awning windows?
For Hampton Roads homeowners, Andersen currently offers awning windows in 100 Series, 400 Series, A-Series, and E-Series.
What is Andersen’s best-selling awning window?
Andersen identifies the 400 Series awning as its best-selling awning window.
What is Andersen’s best-performing awning window?
Andersen identifies A-Series as its best-performing awning window. Whether it is the best fit for a particular home depends on the project’s actual design, performance, and budget requirements.
Are awning windows good for bathrooms?
They can be especially useful in bathrooms because they can be installed higher on a wall to bring in light and ventilation while helping preserve privacy.
Can Andersen awning windows be motorized?
Select 400 Series, A-Series, and E-Series awning windows can use Andersen’s PowerAssist power operator system.
Can awning windows stay open when it rains?
Their top-hinged design can provide some protection from light rain, but windows should be closed during severe weather, heavy rain, or wind-driven rain.
What is the difference between an awning and a casement window?
An awning is hinged at the top and opens outward from the bottom. A casement is hinged at the side and opens outward like a door. Awnings are generally shorter and wider, while casements are commonly taller and narrower.
Compare Andersen Awning Windows at Better View Windows & More
Better View Windows & More helps homeowners throughout Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads compare replacement windows based on how each opening needs to function. If you’re considering awning windows, we’ll help you compare their operation, materials, glass, frame profiles, colors, performance options, and price alongside other window styles.
Visit our Virginia Beach showroom to explore replacement window options in person. If you’ve already decided that awning windows are right for your project, continue to our Andersen Awning Window Series & Product Options guide for a deeper comparison of 100 Series, 400 Series, A-Series, and E-Series.
For related Andersen window comparisons, you can also explore our Casement, Double-Hung, Gliding, Picture, Specialty, and Bay & Bow guides. For the complete Andersen lineup, return to our Ultimate Guide to Andersen Windows in Hampton Roads.
Call 757-689-6210 or request your estimate online to get started. Better Variety. Better Service. Better Prices.