Casement windows usually achieve lower leakage rates than awning windows. However, the best choice for your home can depend on where the window is installed, how it’s used, how much space the window has to operate, and how much you want to spend. 

In Canadian winters, we need to pay special attention to how our homes combat the cold, harsh weather. Informed vented window choices matter to keep the cold out and the heat in. Casement and awning windows are two of the top operable options for vented windows, but sealing performance varies between the two, as do a few other factors.

Continue reading to discover the key differences between casement and awning windows, including air infiltration ratings, hardware/seals, and their respective use cases.

How to Know if Windows are Fit For Winter

When shopping for replacement windows in Canada, look for windows that meet standards set by the CSA (Canadian Standards Association) and the AAMA (Architectural Manufacturers Association). 

These tests measure the amount of air that can pass through a closed window under pressure, providing insight into which window offers the best winter insulation and draft protection. 

Air Infiltration Rating

This measures how well the window seals out drafts. Windows that meet these standards allow no more than 0.3 cubic feet of air per minute per square foot. Lower air infiltration means fewer drafts, better overall comfort, and, consequently, lower heating costs. 

Leakage Categories

Consult leakage categories, such as A2 or A3, which are part of the CSA performance classifications for windows. These ratings indicate how much air passes through a closed sash under test conditions. 

• A2 represents the standard level of airtightness.
• A3 represents a higher level of airtightness and better resistance to drafts

Generally, opt for windows with an A3 rating for enhanced protection against air leakage, making them a better fit for harsh Canadian winters.

‍Casement windows (also known as crank windows) typically achieve lower leakage values than awning windows because they have stronger compression seals.

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Sealing Mechanics of Awning and Casement Windows

When comparing casement vs awning windows, understanding how each one seals against cold air helps pick between the two. Their hinges, locks, and compression gaskets all influence how well they keep winter drafts out.

Casement Windows

Casement windows are hinged at the side and crank outward. This design allows the sash to press firmly into the frame when closed. Because of their vertical orientation and slimmer profile, casement windows often deliver superior performance in harsh Canadian winters..

How do casement windows prevent drafts?

• Multi-point locking systems pull the sash tightly into the frame for consistent, even pressure.
• Full-perimeter compression seals create strong airtightness, helping keep warm air in and cold air out
  

Awning Windows

Awning windows are hinged at the top and open from the bottom. While they offer great ventilation in warmer seasons, they’re typically not opened during winter. Their horizontal layout means the sash must seal securely along the bottom edge, which can be more challenging to compress evenly, especially in wider units.

That said, high-quality awning windows built with durable gaskets and dependable hardware can still perform well and provide clear, unobstructed views. For many homeowners, awnings remain a stylish and functional option when properly manufactured.

Winterized Performance in Canadian Climates

How do casement and awning windows fare in Canada’s four distinct climates? These zones help determine the energy ratings a window must meet based on local temperature swings, snowfall, and seasonal storms. 

In the following sections, we will examine the key factors that significantly influence the performance and durability of casement and awning windows when subjected to harsh winter conditions. Understanding these elements is crucial for making informed decisions.

Air Infiltration

Air infiltration measures how easily cold drafts can enter your home. Casement windows typically offer better protection because their sash compresses more tightly into the frame when locked. This gives casement windows an edge for maximum winter airtightness.

Wind-Driven Rain or Snow

Both awnings and casements can perform well in heavy or blowing snow when properly manufactured, but casements offer a tighter seal. Its side-hinged design allows stronger clamping pressure along the sash’s full perimeter.

Hardware Longevity

Canada’s freeze-thaw cycle can put extra strain on hinges, hand crank mechanisms, and gaskets. 

• Casement windows offer a more secure seal but rely on more mechanical components, which may see greater wear over time.
• Awning windows use top hinges that must stay precisely aligned to maintain an effective seal, which can require maintenance.

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Casement Windows Best Home Placement

Casement windows are ideal for main living areas, bedrooms, and walls that take the brunt of winter winds. Their side-hinged design and tight compression seal give them excellent airtightness, making them a wise choice for homeowners comparing sliding windows, casement, or awning windows for harsher climates.

Where are casement windows best used?

• Wind-exposed sides of the home where maximum draft protection is needed.
• Tall wall spaces where a vertical opening provides better ventilation
• High-traffic rooms that benefit from more natural light and fresh air

Casement windows also deliver strong summer ventilation, making them one of the best operable window styles for year-round comfort.

Awning Windows Best Home Placement

Awning windows shine in areas where space is limited or where you want ventilation without exposing your home to rain. Since awning windows open vertically outward from the bottom, they’re a practical option in rooms that need airflow but lack the clearance for a taller casement window.

Where are awning windows used?

• Over sinks, countertops, and workspaces where reaching a side crank is easier
• Bathrooms and basements that benefit from added airflow in compact spaces
• Southern or sheltered walls with lower wind exposure
• Above other fixed windows to create stacked, modern sightlines from the window frames

When comparing an awning vs casement window, consider that awnings also have the unique benefit of allowing light rain ventilation thanks to their angled design.

Note: If you intend to use casement or awning windows as emergency egress windows, ask a professional window company. Our local installation experts at Clera can help you place each window style strategically to meet local building codes, and so your home stays comfortable, efficient, and cost-effective year-round.

Learn more: Everything You Need to Know About Egress Windows

Cost-to-Performance Comparison

Before buying and installing casement windows, consider the chart below. It highlights how each style performs in terms of value, winter comfort, and everyday functionality.

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Awning Vs Casement Window FAQs

Takeaways: Comparing Awning and Casement Windows

There’s no firm answer on which one is better, only which one might perform better under certain circumstances.

• Casements are generally the best choice for Ontario winters due to superior compression sealing and lower air infiltration.
  
• Awnings are still strong contenders when space, placement, or ventilation style demands them.
  
• Installation quality, glazing (double/triple), and ongoing maintenance matter as much as window type for long-term winter performance.

Prepare For Winter With Durable Awning and Casement Windows

Winter is here. Now’s the perfect time to make sure your home stays warm, cozy, and draft-free all year long. If you’re ready to upgrade after learning more about casement vs awning windows, our team can help you choose the right style for your space and climate.

Enjoy high-quality, Energy Star-certified windows at factory-direct prices when you partner with Clera Windows + Doors. Book your winter-readiness consultation and get a free quote today.