Windows style that completely opens?

[cadunkle]

I want to replace some old windows with something more insulated, double pane or such, on a cabin in the woods we use in the summer. I don't know what this type of window is called or what to look for a similar style that opens fully to get maximum airflow through the house from the window opening size. I'd rather not go double hung or similar and get half the airflow of the old windows, but it would be nice to have more insulation for the colder months. They open the glass about 45*. Doesn't have to be the same exact style, just something that will use most of the window opening size to allow air to flow and a more modern double pane to stay warm in winter.

Picture of open windows is only on one side of the house, probably go larger double hung there to take the whole height but the other three walls have just the small lower windows that open. Rough opening is for the small windows, no glass above on the other sides. I'm more of a car guy than a house guy, trying to figure out what I should be looking for or asking for to order custom sizes.

 

[The Cobbler]

casement window ?

awning window

 

[loganb]

What you're showing, where you have a top hinged window that projects outward at the bottom is called an awning window. The window above is just a fixed unit, so it's most likely (2) windows with a million horizontal where they attached the awning to the fixed window.

All the major window companies will have something like this, options and prices will vary wildly.

 

[ATC]

Double hung would get you more airflow than what you have now. Your old window being open at a 45* angle blocks more than a double hung being completely out of the way

 

[ericm]

Our old house was in a place where in summer you could cool the house in the evening by opening the windows. When we replaced them I picked windows to make that work better.

We put in a lot of casements. They can open 90 degrees and flow a lot of air. Some openings were too wide for casements and we had to go with awning windows. They don't flow as well.

Yours look like a fixed pane mullioned to a small awning. Those are poor for air flow. If you can replace them with casements you'll get a lot more air. A good window sales person would be able to help.

 

[loganb]

Bit of advice from someone in the window industry...figure out what your budget is before you start looking....you may get sticker shock...especially for a weekend cabin

The configuration you've got now, with a fixed over a vent awning is almost as expensive as this type of configuration could reasonably be....the more expensive option would be to make it a venting casement over a fixed window. You've also got wood windows right now, which are the most expensive material options of the 3 main ones (wood(with or without cladding), fiberglass/composite, then vinyl).

For improved thermal performance and good airflow, a modern double hung(2 sashes that both slide vertically up/down) will be far more cost effective then the configuration you have now.

With similar thermal performance, a single hung(upper sash is fixed, lower sash slides up down) will offer very similar "clear opening" or venting area, but upper sash doesn't come down. Some will say that makes it less effective at cooling as the hot air can't flow out the upper sash...but very rarely does an upper sash actually get opened.

Watch out for code issues as well....in bedrooms if the window serves as the emergency egress point(which it will unless there is a door opening directly to the exterior) you'll need a minimum clear opening size to comply. Generally speaking, most awning windows do not meet those requirements, so bedrooms might need a different solution.

If it was me, I'd suggest a fiberglass or composite single hung window. Good ventilation, can meet egress requirements, looks right in a cabin, super low maintenance and pretty easy to install. More expensive then vinyl, but should also live much longer and be more durable.

 

[driftpin]

Here in FL we have 'impact windows.' They're designed not to allow penetration by wind-borne debris. Vinyl or aluminum frames. Sliders, single-hung, double-hung, and casement are typical designs.

About the b.r. windows, 5.7 sq. ft. min. area to open, sized to allow a firefighter wearing an SCBA egress.

I just had new impact windows/doors installed in a 1 story ranch house, > $22K installed, w/permit. 1600 sq. ft. floor under air. "Do it yourself" is an unlikely path in FL, unless you're an architect, a G.C. or a P.E., as you need to have calculations for wind load and typical details for the bucks installation, and then the frames.

The house is much quieter w/the new 2-glass layers windows/doors. I chose an obscure glass for a large 1-light front door, facing south, so it gets a good duration of light over the course of the day, and it has a 5 ft overhang for an open porch, which helps entry in inclement weather, like today. We had the hardest rainfall in months, nearly 2.5" and it hailed for a bit, unusual for So. FL.

 

[finn]

Common in Europe. They open at the top (tilt) or swing almost completely 90 degrees.

Try searching for European windows.

We loved them when we lived in Germany, but I don’t know about screens. We never had any, but there’s not a bug problem in Düsseldorf.

 

[Fav Onefour]

Common in Europe. They open at the top (tilt) or swing almost completely 90 degrees.

Try searching for European windows.

We loved them when we loved in Germany, but I don’t know about screens. We never had any, but there’s not a bug problem in Düsseldorf.

Dang good windows. They are spendy and hard to get over here. If you want to go all out, there are doors that do the same function. The hardware used on this style is pretty impressive and the triple point lock seals well. We have used Canadian suppliers that are now doing these windows and doors. Lead time is still a bit long but not like overseas. I'm not sure how much pricing has changed with import? The last purchase was before that change.

In Germany and other parts of Europe, the outside roll up shutter often functions as the screen. It is part of the building structure and not the window assembly. The shutter system is pretty slick. When you roll the shutters down enough to barely touch, they leave opening between the slats. Unfortunately the opening are large enough to allow the little bugs through. I'm honestly surprised the shutter system isn't commonly used in hurricane zones. It sure seems better than screwing up plywood.

 

[jar944]

Common in Europe. They open at the top (tilt) or swing almost completely 90 degrees.

Try searching for European windows.

We loved them when we loved in Germany, but I don’t know about screens. We never had any, but there’s not a bug problem in Düsseldorf.

Tilt and turn would be another price level above what loganb mentioned.

 

[Junkman]

Dang good windows. They are spendy and hard to get over here. If you want to go all out, there are doors that do the same function. The hardware used on this style is pretty impressive and the triple point lock seals well. We have used Canadian suppliers that are now doing these windows and doors. Lead time is still a bit long but not like overseas. I'm not sure how much pricing has changed with import? The last purchase was before that change.

In Germany and other parts of Europe, the outside roll up shutter often functions as the screen. It is part of the building structure and not the window assembly. The shutter system is pretty slick. When you roll the shutters down enough to barely touch, they leave opening between the slats. Unfortunately the opening are large enough to allow the little bugs through. I'm honestly surprised the shutter system isn't commonly used in hurricane zones. It sure seems better than screwing up plywood.

In the early 1980s, those shutter units were the rage for expensive homes; however, I couldn't afford them when I was building my home in 1983. I haven't seen them offered in many years and thought they went out of style.

 

[TRWham]

You could look at double sliders that would open the entire height and give you more net opening than you have now, but still be less expensive than some other options.

 

[loganb]

Tilt and turn would be another price level above what loganb mentioned.

Yeah....take pricing for a casement over fixed and probably triple it. For a project where there are super high thermal performance targets they can be beneficial, but for this it's not what most would consider a reasonable upgrade if this is a summer only weekend cabin.

 

[finn]

Tilt and turn would be another price level above what loganb mentioned.

That’s why I don’t have them, in addition to the no screen issues.

Love them when in Europe, though.

 

[Steve W.]

When I had my shop built, I asked the contractor to provide awning windows. He had never heard the term. When I pulled up a picture, he said, "oh, a Raggedy Ann window". I had never heard THAT term.

In the years since, I have had visitors ask me how much more they cost, I have to answer quite honestly "I don't know". I never priced either one, let alone the difference. I just said "Here is what I want, please install. When asked about size, I only told him to find the largest one that would fit the space without getting a custom size or doing any expensive framing. I think the window fits in an opening that is about 18x38". I like them because they flow plenty of air. May not be a direct blast, but wind that hits the side of the building has to go somewhere, and some of it goes up, through the window. The main adantage (for me) is that they can stay open during a rain storm.

 

[rlitman]

That’s why I don’t have them, in addition to the no screen issues.

Love them when in Europe, though.

I have one tilt turn window in my house, and I was able to order it with a screen. Screens may not be as necessary or popular in Europe, but tilt turns can still take them. They go on the outside, since they're in-swing windows.

Tilt turns also have the added advantage of having the largest clear open area with the smallest window. If you need to squeeze in a code sized egress window without much space (that was my requirement that made me spend a whole lot on one), they may be an expensive fix to a difficult problem. But yeah, not what the OP wants.

 

[finn]

I have one tilt turn window in my house, and I was able to order it with a screen. Screens may not be as necessary or popular in Europe, but tilt turns can still take them. They go on the outside, since they're in-swing windows.

Tilt turns also have the added advantage of having the largest clear open area with the smallest window. If you need to squeeze in a code sized egress window without much space (that was my requirement that made me spend a whole lot on one), they may be an expensive fix to a difficult problem. But yeah, not what the OP wants.

I’v been wracking my brain on the screen issue. Once you responded, the light bulb went on.

Wish we had specified them when we added a kitchen and covered porch to the lake house. Would definitely been worth it.

We’re toying with the idea of a new MBR and entryway. Two more places they’d be useful.

 

[65ranchero]

consider the fact of casement window placement it may partially block a walkway or a deck area

 

[Skooterj]

You do not want an awning window that opens to 90 degrees. You need some slope to keep the rain out. At 90, the window will fill up with water, overfill, and spill into the building.

Funny story. When I was building my house, I wanted a wide, short window over my garden tub. 60 wide by 18 tall. I didn't think I would ever open it, so I had it quoted as a picture window. Tempered glass, dual pane, argon. And just for fun, I had them quote it as an awning. The awning window, with its crank and locks and all the stuff to make it move was cheaper than the picture. So awning it was, and I open it about twice a year.

 

[Stuart in MN]

If you go with casement windows, make sure they open the right direction so they catch the prevailing wind, and not block it.

 

[Glemon]

I know you said you don't want double hung windows, but if you like to actually open your windows a lot, not just look at the pretty view, double hungs are the best.

They don't care as much which way the wind is blowing.

Strong winds won't buffet them around

Cranks won't break or wear out

If it is raining and windy you can keep the window open a bit and not get a lot of rain in the house.

Less wind noise when open