Awning Windows in Chicago

Awning windows hinge at the top and crank outward from the bottom, so the open glass tips down like a small awning. That one design detail is why Northshore homeowners keep asking us for them: you get fresh air even during a light Chicago rain, a tight seal when the window is shut for winter, and a clean way to bring light and ventilation into spots where a standard window will not fit. McCann Window & Exteriors has been replacing windows across Chicagoland for more than 35 years, and awning units are among the styles we install most often above kitchen sinks, in basements, and paired with larger picture windows.

If you already know you want them, you can book a free no-pressure in-home consultation or call us at (847) 562-1212. If you are still weighing your options, here is what actually matters.

What is an awning window?

An awning window is a single sash that is hinged along the top edge and swings outward at the bottom, usually with a hand crank or a fold-away handle. When it is open, the glass sits at an angle above the opening, which is where the “awning” name comes from.

Two things follow from that design. First, the angled glass sheds water away from the opening, so you can leave an awning window cracked during a passing shower and keep the air moving. Second, when you crank it shut, the sash pulls tight against the frame and compresses the weatherstripping all the way around. That compression seal is a big reason awning windows air-seal so well, which counts for a lot once a Northshore winter sets in.

Where awning windows work best in Northshore homes

Awning windows earn their spot in the parts of a house where other styles struggle:

•       Above the kitchen sink, where you want ventilation you can reach with a short crank instead of a hard push.
•       In basements and lower levels, mounted high on the wall to let light and air in while keeping the glass up out of the way.
•       Above or beside a picture window, where a fixed pane brings the view and a slim awning unit on top brings the airflow.
•       In bathrooms and hallways, where privacy glass plus a top-hinged sash gives you fresh air without a wide-open opening.
•       In older and historic homes around Winnetka, Highland Park, Evanston, and Glencoe, where a short, wide awning window can match original trim lines that a tall double-hung would fight.

Because an awning window opens fully outward, it is not the right pick for a walkway, patio edge, or deck where the open sash would be in the way. In those spots, a casement or double-hung window is usually the better call, and we will tell you so on the visit rather than sell you the harder fit.

The installer matters more than the label on the glass

An average window install well outlasts a great window installed poorly. That is the core of how we work. Our production team carries 20-plus years of experience, and our install crews 10 to 15 years, and they treat the rough opening, the shimming, and the air-sealing as the job, not an afterthought. We show up, we clean up, and we do what we told you we would do.

Materials and brands we install

We are not tied to one manufacturer, and we do not push a single brand on every home. For awning windows, we fit vinyl, fiberglass, and wood-clad units from Pella, Marvin, and Andersen, and we match the material to your home and your budget rather than to whatever we happen to stock.

•       Vinyl is the practical, lower-maintenance choice for most homes and holds up well to Chicagoland temperature swings.
•       Fiberglass is the premium, dimensionally stable option that shrugs off the freeze-and-thaw cycle and takes paint well.
•       Wood and wood-clad units suit historic Northshore homes where interior trim and sightlines need to match the original character.

As a Pella Platinum Elite Certified Contractor, an Andersen Premier Certified Contractor with Marvin also available, we can show you real examples of each on the consultation, side by side, so the comparison is honest instead of one-sided.

What goes into the cost of awning windows

We do not post fixed window prices online, because an honest number depends on your actual openings. What drives the price of an awning-window project is straightforward: the size and number of units, the frame material you choose, the glass package (double or triple pane, coatings, gas fill), any custom sizing to match an older opening, and whether the trim needs careful matching. For a sense of the full picture across styles, see our guide to what replacement windows cost in Illinois.

When you are ready for a real number, we come to the home, measure, and leave you with one or two written proposals that show the price against exactly what you are getting. No games, no pressure, no “today only” line. We also offer no-interest and no-payment financing options through several lenders if you want to spread the cost.

Why homeowners across Chicagoland choose McCann

We are a family-founded company based in Northbrook, and about half of our work comes from past customers and their referrals, which is the number we are proudest of after more than 35 years. We are BBB A+ accredited, Energy Star partners, a Guildmaster Award winner for service, and were named a Top 500 Qualified Remodeler and a Nextdoor Neighborhood Fave in 2023. We serve homeowners across nearly 100 zip codes on the Northshore and through the northwest suburbs, from Barrington and Libertyville to Wilmette and Evanston.

Awning window glossary

•       Awning window: a window hinged at the top that opens outward from the bottom, forming an awning shape.
•       Sash: the framed part of the window that holds the glass and moves when you open it.
•       Compression seal: the tight seal made when a sash presses flat into the frame, common to awning and casement styles and good for blocking drafts.
•       Crank (operator): the hand mechanism that opens and closes the sash.
•       Fixed (picture) window: a window that does not open, often paired below or beside an awning unit for light and view.
•       Casement window: a side-hinged window that cranks outward, closely related to an awning but opening left or right.
•       Double pane / triple pane: two or three panes of glass sealed with air or gas between them for insulation.
•       Low-E coating: a thin, invisible coating on the glass that reflects heat to keep homes warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
•       U-factor: a rating of how well a window keeps heat in; a lower number means better insulation.
•       Egress: the size of opening a window provides for exit; awning windows are usually chosen for light and airflow rather than as a primary exit.

Frequently asked questions

Can you leave an awning window open when it rains?

In most light rain, yes. The glass tips outward and downward when open, so it acts as a small cover that sheds water away from the opening while still letting air in. In heavy, wind-driven rain, it is still best to close it.

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

Both crank outward and seal by compression, but an awning window is hinged at the top and opens from the bottom, while a casement window is hinged on the side and opens like a door. Awning units suit short, wide openings; casements suit tall openings and spots where you want to catch a side breeze.

Where should I use awning windows in my home?

They work best above kitchen sinks, high on basement and bathroom walls, and above or beside larger fixed windows. Anywhere you want light and ventilation without a large opening, and where the outward-swinging sash will not block a walkway or patio.

Do you replace awning windows across the Northshore?

Yes. McCann installs awning and all other window styles throughout Northbrook, Glenview, Wilmette, Winnetka, Highland Park, Evanston, Deerfield, and the surrounding Northshore and northwest Chicagoland suburbs.