Single top-hung vent
One sash filling the frame. Simple, economical and common in ribbon windows and bathrooms.
Window systems
Aluminium Awning Windows
An awning window is hinged at the top and opens outward from the bottom, so the open sash acts like a small canopy that keeps rain out while air flows in. In aluminium, awning windows can be made slim, strong and thermally broken, in single vents or combined with fixed lights. Metline supplies aluminium awning window profiles, thermal-break sections and accessories to window fabricators and project buyers worldwide.
- Opening
- Top-hung, outward
- Frame
- 6063-T5 / T6, thermal break
- Glazing
- Double or triple IGU
- Finishes
- Powder, PVDF, anodised
What an aluminium awning window is
The sash of an awning window hangs from hinges or friction stays along its top edge and swings outward at the bottom, usually limited to 30 – 45° by the stay or a chain winder. Because the opening faces down, the window can be left open in light rain, which makes awnings popular for bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms and high windows that need background ventilation.
Aluminium suits this window type because the outward-opening sash presses against its gaskets under wind load, giving good air and water tightness, and because extruded 6063 profiles can carry large glass units with slim sightlines. Thermally broken frames, with polyamide strips separating the inner and outer shells, bring frame U-values into the range needed for modern energy codes.
Awning window configurations
Awning over fixed light
An opening vent above or below a fixed pane: the fixed light gives the view, the vent gives air.
Stacked awnings
Two or more vents in one frame, stacked vertically, for tall openings in sunrooms and stairwells.
Awning in a curtain wall or storefront
Concealed-vent units that open from within a glazed facade, keeping the outside appearance flush.
Louvre windows
Multiple narrow glass or aluminium blades that tilt together; maximum ventilation in warm climates, with lower air tightness.
Motorised high-level vents
Chain actuators open awnings out of reach, often linked to smoke ventilation or climate control.
Typical specifications
Representative system data (thermal-break awning series)
- Frame depth
- About 50 – 100 mm depending on series and glazing
- Profile alloy
- 6063-T5 or T6 (EN AW-6063 / 6060), wall typically 1.4 – 2.0 mm
- Thermal break
- Polyamide PA66 GF25 strips, typically 14 – 34 mm
- Glazing
- Double IGU such as 5 + 12A + 5 mm (or 5 + 9A + 5 mm in slimmer series); triple glazing in deeper series
- Vent size
- Set by sash weight and stay capacity; heavy-duty systems allow vents of about 1.5 m wide or more
- Hardware
- Friction stays or concealed hinges, chain winder or espagnolette lock, restrictors
- Seals
- EPDM gaskets, typically three lines in thermal-break series
Exact values depend on the chosen system, glazing and the project's wind-load and thermal targets.
Performance is declared by test. In Europe, windows carry CE or UKCA marking under EN 14351-1, with air permeability classified to EN 12207, watertightness to EN 12208 and wind resistance to EN 12210. In North America, awning windows are rated as type AP under NAFS (AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440), with a performance class and grade, and thermal values certified to NFRC 100 and 200.
Finishes and colours
| Finish | Typical standard | Typical film thickness | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyester powder coating | EN 12206-1, Qualicoat class 1, AAMA 2603 / 2604 | 60 – 80 µm | Homes and general projects; any RAL colour, matt to gloss |
| Super-durable powder | Qualicoat class 2, AAMA 2604 | 60 – 80 µm | High UV and long colour-retention targets |
| PVDF (fluoropolymer) coating | AAMA 2605, Qualicoat class 3 | about 25 – 40 µm (2 – 3 coats) | Coastal sites, high-rise facades, long warranties |
| Anodising | EN ISO 7599, Qualanod, AAMA 611 | 15 – 25 µm (class 15 – 25) | Metallic silver, bronze, champagne and black |
| Wood-grain transfer | Sublimation over powder base coat | as base powder | Timber look with aluminium durability |
| Dual colour | Different powder inside and out, split at the thermal break | 60 – 80 µm | Exterior to match the facade, interior to match the room |
How to specify an awning window
- LocationAwnings suit walls where an outward sash will not obstruct walkways, balconies or neighbours. Avoid positions where people walk directly outside.
- SizeWide, shallow vents work best; very tall awnings need heavy stays and project far outward when open.
- Escape and safetyMost building codes require a minimum clear opening for emergency escape from bedrooms; standard awning stays rarely achieve it, so specify egress hinges or a casement where escape is needed. Fit restrictors where children are present.
- Thermal and acoustic targetsChoose the thermal-break depth and glass to meet the local U-value limit; laminated acoustic glass helps near roads.
- AccessoriesInsect screens fit on the inside because the sash opens outward; specify drainage slots and matching locks.
References and standards
- EN 14351-1 – Windows and doors: product standard, performance characteristics
- EN 12207 / EN 12208 / EN 12210 – Air permeability, watertightness and wind-load resistance classification
- AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440 (NAFS) – North American Fenestration Standard for windows, doors and skylights
- EN ISO 7599 – Anodizing of aluminium and its alloys: method for specifying decorative and protective anodic oxidation coatings
Aluminium (aluminum) awning windows: FAQ
What is the difference between an awning and a casement window?
An awning window is hinged at the top and opens outward from the bottom; a casement is hinged at the side and swings like a door. Awnings shed rain when open, while casements give a larger clear opening and catch side breezes.
Can an awning window be left open when it rains?
Yes, in light rain. The sash forms a canopy over the opening. In wind-driven rain some water can still enter, so close the window in storms.
Are aluminium awning windows energy efficient?
With a thermally broken frame and a Low-E double or triple glazed unit they reach whole-window U-values suitable for modern codes. Non-thermal frames are only advisable in mild climates.
Can awning windows be used as escape windows?
Usually not with standard stays, because the clear opening is too small. Where escape is required, specify egress hinges that open fully or use a casement or tilt-turn window.
Which alloy is used for awning window profiles?
6063 (or 6060) in T5 or T6 temper, which extrudes into precise thin-wall shapes and takes powder, PVDF and anodised finishes well.
Planning awning windows for a project?
Send the window schedule, profile series and finish. We will confirm the profiles and accessories and quote delivered to your site.
