Which is better awning or sliding window?
We might not realise just how much difference it can make to have awning or sliding windows until we come to have one installed ourselves. Both have their perks and their downsides, so a simple question—which is best?
Awning windows and sliding windows are both beneficial to a home, with good ventilation, sizes, airtight sealings, and natural lighting. Awning windows are more energy-efficient and have double-glazed glass. Sliding windows are easier to install and open. Both can range in cost from $150 to $1,100.
Since they both have quite a few advantages, picking the best window for you might come down to budget or window placement.
Read on to find out more.
What are the advantages of awning windows?
One of the biggest advantages of awning windows is that they are more energy-efficient. They are better at sealing airtight with full perimeter pressure seals.
Awning windows are also double-glazed which can reduce your room heat loss by 30%, which is just what you want in winter! And, if it’s a stormy summer, you can keep many awning windows open to let the muggy air out. Since they open at an angle, the rain should run straight off the window and onto the ground. This is great for Aussie summer storms where the air is really sticky and muggy, but there is a lot of rain.
They can also be put side-by-side so that all the windows can be opened, unlike sliding windows that only open one side.
Awning windows have the advantage of being able to be installed higher on walls than other window types. This is great for letting in more natural light and reducing your electricity use.
Another advantage of awning windows is that, in most cases, offer greater ventilation, too. This is because of how well they open up to allow air in.
One downside to awning windows is that your house is more likely to need an alteration to fit this window. This can add a cost to the window installation because it could require cutting house bricks and then laying wall bricks again. With a good diamond brick saw blade, this can be done fairly quickly but will cost more.
So, then, what are the advantages of sliding windows?
What are the advantages of sliding windows?
There are also many advantages to sliding windows, including the fact that they are generally much easier to open. You just need to hold the catch open and then the window will slide easily open.
Sliding windows also can be installed easier than other windows. This means you could have this window almost anywhere you would like!
There are fewer moving parts in a sliding window, which means less of a chance that something will break and need replacement. This is another advantage of sliding windows; the maintenance is much lower than other windows.
Sliding windows are also good for natural lighting because they are typically made from big glass panels. These panels can be removed for a good clean too! Something that isn’t possible with lots of other windows.
Again, this type of window can also be opened up well, letting lots of air into the house. You can easily air out your home and get all of the freshness of outside air throughout the house.
Sliding windows are a cheaper window option, but still come with all of these benefits!
When should you use a sliding window?
Sliding windows are great to use for large spaces and openings that are wider than they are tall. They can sometimes have three or four panels which suit a large space nicely and provide a great view. Sliding windows offer wide, horizontal designs, with a larger view of the outdoors.
They are also a great option for smaller houses. By providing a wider and uninterrupted view of the outdoors, sliding windows can make spaces seem larger than they are.
Not only could you use a sliding window to make a space appear bigger, but it is also good to increase ventilation in smaller homes. If you live in a condo or unit that only has front and rear windows, sliding windows should be used. Because of how wide they open up, it will provide better ventilation throughout the space.
You should use sliding windows in spaces with low ceilings because they are made to be lower and wider than most windows. They will fit better with the structure of the room and, again, make the space seem bigger.
When are awning windows used?
You should use awning windows for smaller and harder to reach spaces, or in a higher window position. Awning windows are typically placed higher on walls to get more natural light and better ventilation.
They are good for kitchens and bathrooms because of their privacy and ventilation. Since the window opens at an angle, the glass isn’t moved to the side, which can stop people from being able to properly see into your house.
With their ability to seal air-tight, awning windows are more energy-efficient. You can save money by putting them in the rooms that you use most around the house. This could be the lounge room, bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen.
Anywhere you want to group a lot of windows together is a good place to use awning windows too. You will find lots of schools use awning windows because they can line a wall and all still open them all. Sliding windows are harder for this purpose.
Are awning windows more expensive?
An awning window can be expensive compared to other styles, with a price range between $250 and $1,050 per window. The placement, size and material of the window will influence the cost. Sometimes part of your house will need to be altered so that the awning window can be installed where you want. This alteration will also increase costs. You will need to factor in labour costs too, potentially investing in a bricklayer as well as flat glass workers.
But with the advantages of the energy efficiency, airtight sealing and good light offered, awning windows can be worth the extra cost.
Which is more expensive sliding or awning window?
Sliding windows often cost less than awning windows, starting at around $160, which is $90 less than an awning window. Sliding windows can be cheaper to install than an awning window too, which reduces labour and house alteration costs.
Both windows have the potential to cost just over $1,000 though, depending on their size. It’s best to consider where you want the window installed if extra work on the house is needed to install them and the window specifications. Bigger windows, whether sliding or awning, will cost you closer to $1,000. But if you are looking for smaller windows, you could save a few hundred dollars by choosing sliding windows.
In saying this, sliding windows aren’t as energy efficient as awning windows, so the money you save now you might lose later.
Ultimately, you should consider the benefits we have discussed and decide which window type will suit the space you are creating. Both windows have great benefits and could both be within your price range.
If you do need to make house alterations to install your windows, make sure you’re using quality cutting and bricklaying tools. Check out our range of diamond saw blades for your alteration needs! Looking for more house building advice? We have plenty of information in our Paragon Tools resources! Take a look at the 11 benefits to rendering a house.
