Historically, awnings have been sheets of fabric supported by a frame that jut out from a building in order to provide shade and climate control. Though this style of awning dates back to ancient Egypt and Syria, they can still be seen today above shops and over windows. 

Using a hinge and operator arm system to open vertically, awning windows are ideal for spaces that need more ventilation like kitchens and bathrooms. They can also be opened in nearly any type of weather, including rain, to create airflow. 

Awning windows are incredibly versatile and can stand alone or be installed in a group. Industrial-style buildings will often place an awning window in the center of a larger window to invite more natural light into the space while also encouraging airflow.

Unlike a single- or double-hung window that uses a balance system to operate the window, an awning window is attached to the window frame with a hinge, and it’s operated by turning the handle which moves the operator arm to open or close the window. 

If you’re having problems with your awning window, there is a high likelihood that the crank or arm is the culprit, but let’s take a look at all of the parts of an awning window in case other parts may need attention.

Parts of an Awning Window

If your awning window begins to have issues opening or closing, it can be difficult to decipher which part of the window is actually the culprit. The first step to identifying the problem is understanding the anatomy of an awning window. 

Frame: The frame surrounds the entire window and contains all of the window’s parts and is set into the structure.

Sash frame: The sash frame is the operable part of the window that holds the glass and opens and closes to allow airflow into the room.

Hinges: Located along the top of the sash frame, the hinges are attached to the window frame and allow the awning window to swing upward.

Operator arm and crank: The arm connects the sash to the operator handle and stabilizes the sash as it opens and closes. The cranking mechanism moves the arm to open or close the awning window. This system can be located on the bottom sill of the window or on the side of the window frame. 

Locking handle or locking cam: It locks the sash in the closed position for added safety and security.

How To Repair an Awning Window

As with any window with operable parts, sometimes the parts wear out and break over time. Luckily, repairing an awning window by replacing the parts can be much less expensive than replacing the entire window.

Here at Fenster, we offer replacement parts for awning windows, which allows you to fix the existing window rather than purchase an entirely new one. This saves both time and money and allows you to maintain the same style of window throughout your home.

The first step to repairing an awning window is to determine which part is defective. 

Be sure to check the operator, the hinges and the sash frame.

How To Replace the Operator

The operator consists of the crank and the arm that guides the window to an open or closed when the crank is turned. Replacing a faulty operator can often restore the awning window to working order without having to replace the entire window.

Tools

• Phillips head screwdriver
• Needle nose pliers
• Putty knife or pry bar

Process

1. Determine whether the arm operates from the bottom or side of the window frame.
2. Remove any sill pieces or handle cover that covers the operator.
3. Detach the operator arms from the sash frame by disconnecting the clips.
4. Remove the operator from the window frame.
5. Attach the new arm to the sash brackets and extend the arms.
6. Attach the operator to the frame and check to make sure the window opens and closes smoothly by turning the crank.
7. Replace the sill cover or handle operator cover.

How to Replace the Hinges

When the hinges on a window are broken or damaged, the window won’t open smoothly or the sash may disconnect from the frame, causing even more damage and need for repair. Replacing the hinges can make the awning window open smoothly and prevent further damage to the sash itself.

Tools

• Phillips head screwdriver

Process

1. Release the existing hinges and remove the sash — this will likely take two people.
2. Remove the hinges from both sides of the sash and window frame.
3. Replace the hinges on both sides of the sash and window frame — you may need to use the original screws, so make sure you keep track of them.
4. Connect the hinges on the sash back to the hinges on the window frame and replace the sash — again, this will likely require two people.
5. Test the window to make sure it opens and closes but doesn’t swing freely.

How to Replace the Sash

The sash consists of the sash frame and the window glass. It should be replaced if either the sash frame or glass is broken or cracked or if the sash frame rotten.

Tools

• Flat head screwdriver
• Phillips Head screwdriver
• Drill with the appropriate drill bits

Process

1. Remove the screen if there is one.
2. Remove the operator arm from the existing sash and turn the crank so the arm is in the closed position.
3. Remove the hinge arm from the frame on both sides.
4. Remove the sash from the track — this may take two people
5. Remove the hinge arms from the original sash if you’re not purchasing new hardware.
6. Attach hinge arms to the new sash.
7. Place the new sash into the tracks on the window frame and reattach the hinge arms to the frame.
8. Attach the operator arm to the new sash.
9. Crank the window open and closed to make sure it works.
10. Replace the screen.

Find the Right Awning Window Replacement Parts with Fenster

At Fenster, we know that repairing your awning windows can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. We offer complete custom-engineered replica sashes and a variety of replacement window hardware and parts that will allow you to repair, rather than replace, your windows. 

Contact our experts today to shop our hardware catalog and discuss how you can repair your awning windows.