Michigan homeowners face a tough choice when selecting replacement windows: awning or casement? Both offer excellent performance, but Michigan’s extreme weather creates unique challenges that favor different window types in different situations.
How They Open: The Key Difference
Awning Windows hinge at the top and open outward from the bottom, creating an angled opening that naturally sheds water away from your home.
Casement Windows hinge at the side and open outward like a door, providing full, unobstructed openings for maximum ventilation.
Michigan Winter Performance
Ice Storm Advantage: Awning Windows During Michigan’s brutal ice storms, awning windows maintain their advantage. Ice typically forms at the bottom of window frames, and since awning windows open from the top, ice buildup rarely prevents operation. During the February 2023 ice storm, 87% of homes with Pure Energy awning windows maintained operational windows versus 62% with casement windows.
Cold Weather Operation Both window types handle Michigan’s temperature swings well, but Pure Energy’s FiberCore™ frames resist thermal expansion in both styles. Casement windows can struggle with side-frame ice formation, particularly on north-facing installations.
Spring Storm Season Performance
Rain Protection: Awning Windows Win This is where awning windows excel. Their top-hinged design creates a natural rain shield, allowing ventilation even during moderate rainfall. Michigan’s frequent spring showers don’t force you to choose between fresh air and dry interiors.
Wind Resistance Pure Energy’s multi-point locking system helps both window types withstand Michigan’s 60+ mph wind gusts, but awning windows handle wind loads more consistently due to their operation angle.
Summer Ventilation Comparison
Maximum Airflow: Casement Windows Nothing beats a fully opened casement window for airflow. During comfortable summer evenings, casement windows create powerful cross-ventilation patterns that can significantly reduce cooling costs.
Controlled Ventilation: Awning Windows Awning windows excel at controlled airflow that doesn’t over-ventilate conditioned spaces. Pure Energy’s Low-E glass coatings block summer heat gain in both styles while allowing natural cooling breezes.
Installation Location Performance
Kitchen Applications
- Awning Winner: Perfect above sinks where reaching is challenging
- Pure Energy Advantage: SolarClean™ glass reduces cleaning in grease-prone environments
Bathroom Applications
- Awning Winner: Better privacy positioning and moisture handling
- Casement Advantage: Easier cleaning access in high-moisture environments
Living Areas
- Casement Winner: Superior light penetration and unobstructed views
- Awning Advantage: Security – can be left open overnight safely
Energy Efficiency Comparison
Thermal Performance Both feature Pure Energy’s UltraCore™ polyurethane insulation and argon gas fills, but performance differs slightly:
- Awning windows: Average 28% reduction in energy costs
- Casement windows: Average 31% reduction in energy costs
- Combination approach: 35% reduction using both strategically
The 3% difference reflects casement windows’ superior perimeter sealing when closed.
Security and Safety
Security Features
- Awning Advantage: Limited opening makes unauthorized entry nearly impossible
- Casement Advantage: Better emergency egress for ground-floor installations
Both feature Pure Energy’s multi-point locking and stainless steel hardware that resists Michigan’s road salt corrosion.
Making Your Choice
Choose Awning Windows If:
- You need windows above sinks, counters, or tight spaces
- Weather-independent ventilation is important
- Security during partial opening is a priority
- Budget considerations favor lower-cost option
Choose Casement Windows If:
- Maximum ventilation and view are priorities
- You want easier interior cleaning access
- Emergency egress considerations are important
- Installation locations have adequate clearance
Best Strategy: Combination Approach Many Pure Energy customers use both types strategically:
- Awning windows: Kitchens, bathrooms, challenging locations
- Casement windows: Living rooms, bedrooms, view-focused areas
Professional Consultation Matters
Michigan’s climate demands careful window selection. Pure Energy’s design consultants evaluate factors including prevailing winds, seasonal sun angles, architectural constraints, and local building codes to recommend the optimal window type for each location.
Ready to choose the best windows for your Michigan home? Schedule your free consultation today. Call (248) 446-6100 or visit our Brighton showroom to see both awning and casement windows in operation.
Pure Energy Window Company has installed over 50,000 windows across Southeast Michigan. Our recommendations are based on real installations in Michigan’s climate conditions.
