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Awning and Hopper Window Guide

Why have a window that only opens a few inches? Depends where you put them.

Lloyd Alter

By Lloyd Alter
Thu Sep 24, 2009 10:23

Awning and Hopper Window Basics


Why we like it


Screen is on the inside. They seal tightly. They are useful at low levels in a room to get good convection effects. Good for childen's safety as they don't open very far. They are often used as part of an assembly with big fixed glass, and in highrise dwellings where window openings are controlled by law to keep kids from falling out.

What we worry about


Don't open very far.

Eco-factor of Awning and Hopper Window


Useful as part of a planned ventilation strategy.

Hopper Windows:


An upside-down awning window. Rarely seen anymore.

Why we like it


Useful at high levels for letting warm air out.

What we worry about


It's like a funnel for rain.

Eco-factor of Hopper Window


Useful in a planned ventilation strategy.


All varieties are available in different levels of complexity; some work in multiple ways. Look for ease of cleaning; old double-hungs need to be cleaned from the outside, new ones pop out for easy cleaning. Similarly, cheap casements just hinge and are hard to clean; good ones pivot out so that you can reach between the frame and the outside of the window to clean them.

More on Green Windows
Planet Green Archives: Windows
How to Reclaim a Window
Low Tech Tips: Get Working Shutters
Low-Tech Tips: Tune Your Windows 7 Great Ways to Insulate Your Windows

green materials guide


green materials guide

 
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