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Pros and Cons of Hopper and Awning Replacement Windows

Picking a replacement windows Seattle means making a lot of important decisions. It can feel like a long process as you consider more than just the aesthetics of window materials, styles, and upgrades. When determining the right style you have to think about which direction the windows face, the main function, and which direction the window opens. In turn, this determines the natural light, ventilation, and comfort in your home. And two window styles you might not have considered are hopper and awning windows.

What are Hopper and Awning Windows?

Awning windows hinge at the top and push outward to open. When the window is open the glass pane creates a little roof over the opening. Hopper windows are similar, except they hinge at the bottom and can push outward or pull inward to open.

Pros and Cons of Hopper and Awning Windows

awning window

Both are unique window styles that come with advantages and disadvantages. Here is what you should know if you want to install these replacement windows:

Ventilation

Awning windows are great for ventilation. You can open them, even if it is raining outside. They allow the cooler air in and keep the rain out. Hopper windows still allow ventilation but tend to catch debris. Both window styles can create even better ventilation when placed higher up on the walls.

Energy Efficiency

Because the awning and hopper windows have only one pane that opens outward, they perform much like casement windows. They are surprisingly energy efficient because they close and lock tight. And if the window blows against these windows it tightens the seal helping to reduce air leaks.

Space

While not entirely projection windows1, these windows do take up space when you open them. This means you have to consider that space when you install these windows along walkways or outdoor patios. You do not want them obstructing the path or getting in the way of outdoor furniture.

Cleaning and Maintenance

These window styles tend to catch a lot of dirt. And of these window styles perhaps the easiest to clean would be hopper windows that pull inward to open. You can easily clean both surfaces from inside as long as they are not installed too high on the wall. Otherwise, with awning windows, you probably will need to clean from both inside and outside.

Access

Awning and hopper windows are a little more secure, and not easy to break into. On the flip side, it can be difficult to use an awning or hopper window as an escape during an emergency. Something to consider if you plan on installing these windows in a bedroom or other living space.

Where to Install Hopper and Awning Windows

These window styles can work well in almost any room in the house. Many homeowners choose to install them in basements because they can sit so high on the wall. They also work well in bathrooms where you want light and ventilation, but still want to maintain privacy.

What is the difference between an awning and a hopper window?

Awnings and Hopper Windows are two different types of windows that serve the same function but have some notable differences. Awning windows typically consist of a single sash window with a small overhang to protect from wind and rain. The purpose is to offer protection from the elements while remaining open for ventilation. An awning window is typically used on the side of your house. It’s designed to accommodate an overhang or porch so that it does not get in the way of people walking outside.

On the other hand, hopper windows typically consist of more than one sash to provide greater protection against weather conditions such as high winds or heavy rains. A hopper window is more common and can be found on both sides of your home.

The main difference between these two types of windows is their design intent – an awning will provide light but little protection; whereas a hopper will offer better protection without sacrificing light so they can be used anywhere in your home!

Do hopper windows come out?

Yes, they do. Hoppers are a type of window that can be opened outward like a door or lifted up and then secured into place like an air vent. They are the most common type of window in a house and can be found on the bottom floor or top floor as well. Hoppers allow for air to flow through them, which helps with ventilation too. Hopper windows are a great way to get natural light in your house. They allow you to see outside and also enjoy some of the fresh air that is going on around you.

Size of A Hopper Window

Hopper windows are typically a small, narrow window that opens from the top. This type of window opens downward and inward and is commonly installed as a bathroom or basement window along with fiberglass casement windows. They are usually found in pairs on either side of a door or along the bottom of casement windows. A hopper window is one foot wide by three feet tall (30 x 90 cm) when measured across its width and height respectively but may also be narrower depending on its placement within the home’s structure.

How do you use a hopper window?

A hopper window is a type of window that has two or more sashes that move up and down, allowing the user to adjust the amount of light coming into a room. They are also referred to as “vertical sliders” but are not the same thing as a slider window that moves horizontally. A hopper window can be found on many styles of homes, including craftsman style, ranch style, Cape Cod style, and others. Hopper windows have an advantage over other types because they don’t take up any extra space in your home’s design when closed and provide natural ventilation during warmer months by opening all the way.

For help deciding on awning, hopper, or other replacement windows styles, contact the experts at Signature Window & Door Replacement. Call 253-887-7792.

See What Your Neighbors Are Saying

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rachel mf profile picture
rachel mf
17:04 06 Mar 26
I cannot praise Signature highly enough. We hired them in 2012 to replace all of our windows and two sliding doors - the work was excellent and we love our Simonton windows. We just hired them again to rebuild our two-story entryway and install a Perva door and new windows. From the very thorough conversations with our salesperson, Vitaliy, to the scheduling with the office staff, to the actual installation - everything is as professional and high quality as you can find. We gathered quotes from three other companies but none of them went to any effort to truly lay out how the job would be accomplished. Photos show the old & new interior side, and the new exterior. Still needs painting but we're so happy!
G Zenkin profile picture
G Zenkin
04:19 04 Mar 26
After an extensive vetting process and comparing multiple options, I confidently chose Signature Windows & Doors for my home, and they absolutely delivered. The Marvin brand windows they installed are beautiful and of incredibly high quality—the craftsmanship speaks for itself. Beyond the great product, the installation process was truly exceptional. The crew was professional, precise, and made the entire project seamless from start to finish. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for top-tier windows and flawless execution. I had a fantastic experience with Signature Windows & Doors.
Michele V profile picture
Michele V
00:13 26 Feb 26
We called our project "The Window From Hell." It was a HUGE trapezoid window up high in a 2-story living room, and it needed to be replaced after its seal failed. I got bids, and was the most impressed with Danny L at Signature Windows. We had a tight deadline because the home was going on the market and access to the window, especially in the rain, was really challenging. Meeting the deadline, and the safety of the installers, were non-negotiable. Danny came out the very next day to measure the Window From Hell and, not only did he give me the best price, but his company was the only one that had all the scaffolding equipment readily available at no extra charge. The window arrived sooner than expected, and installation was quickly scheduled to meet the deadline. Then we hit a snag: some epic rain made the cedar roof too slippery for safe conditions. Brent and his crew of expert (and very brave) installers rigged up a safe way to haul this brand-new Mother of ALL Windows up to the second floor and install it using very long ladders, secure scaffolding, and harnesses. I think we had 4 or 5 installers for this job. It took all day to get the old Window From Hell out and the new Mother of All Windows installed. But what a job! Perfect caulk lines, perfect cleaning of the glass, perfect clean-up of the job site, indoors and out. Job done ON TIME, SAFELY, and at an excellent price. If Signature can handle my Window From Hell, I am very confident they can install ordinary double-hung windows that exceed your expectations for quality, price, timeliness, and workmanship. I highly recommend Signature Windows.
Robert Horn profile picture
Robert Horn
01:35 19 Feb 26
I highly recommend Signature. Windows look great, we are really happy with our installers too, they picked up everything each day and were real craftsmen, they took pride in the work they were doing for us.
Leanne Bough profile picture
Leanne Bough
23:41 12 Feb 26
Signature windows was wonderful to work with from the sale through the installation.
Dana B profile picture
Dana B
18:02 25 Nov 25
Everything from the initial consultation, regular updates on my order and installation was wonderful. The most recent installation was the third time I've had Signature replace old windows and I've been so pleased every time. They took the time to explain which windows needed replacement and provided options without any sales pressure. It's so nice to work with a company that believes in great customer service and offers quality products.
Amy Dahlin profile picture
Amy Dahlin
16:47 23 Oct 25
We have chosen to work with Danny and his team at Signature Window & Door twice now. We love the quality of the windows and the help they provide in the design process all the way to the finished installation. We put in a 15' folding door at our last home. It was a showstopper! Highly recommend them to bring your home back to life with beautiful windows that are built to last!
Pam Moser profile picture
Pam Moser
22:08 18 Feb 25
We bought a house that needed all new windows & sliding glass doors replaced. So we did our research and visited window replacement companies to see & touch different window & screen types. We decided to work with Signature Window primarily based on customer service as we received during the research & planning process with Office personnel (friendly, helpful, responsive) & Sales team (product knowledge, design assistance, open & honest).

1st Project (Aug 24) - 8 windows & 1 Sliding Door
2nd Project (Feb 25) - 1 ceiling to floor large window & 2 windows
Product of windows & door was excellent - we are extremely happy.

The customer service experience was superb. We worked with Sales Rep, Scheduler, Window Measuring Rep & Installers - all were friendly, open & honest, communicative, assisted with design & product knowledgeable. Installers did an awesome job with project cleanliness & kept busy all day long.

We are extremely satisfied with our overall experience with window replacement with Signature Windows 🥰
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Our Reviews See What Your Neighbors Are Saying

From the beginning to the end of this project, the Customer Care team was top-notch. They easily accommodated my difficult schedule, the requirements of the historical building I live in, and were super responsive to all my questions. The installation team was flawless. They worked around…

Kelly R.

Kelly R.

Signature always comes through, their products and work is always top notch, yes, they are a premium service but you get what you pay for, and I really enjoy having great doors and windows to my home.

Seth S.

Seth S.

I’m extremely pleased with Signature Windows. From start to finish the whole process has been wonderful. After the windows were shipped they were installed in less than a week (about 20 windows). The crew, Raymond and Walter (and Eric one of the days) was amazing. They…

Mary H.

Mary H.

Working with Signature was a pleasure. The design and product selection process was collaborative and thoughtful. The communication from start to finish was excellent. The installation crew was friendly, efficient, and skilled. We replaced a very old and very oddly installed back door on our house,…

Marc H.

Marc H.

We used this company several years ago to replace the upstairs windows and recently replaced the downstairs ones. Their costumer service is outstanding and the work was done very proffesional. Everyone involved with the project did an excellent job and we are very happy with the…

Valentina M.

Valentina M.

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