Hopper Windows

{{Infobox
|title = Hopper Windows
|image        = [[File:Space holder.jpg|215px|alt=Block Glass Windows]]
|header5 = Other Names
|data6   = Hopper Replacement Windows
|header7 = Description:
|data8   = Small rectangular windows which are hinged along the bottom sash and open either into or out of a room.}}

A hopper replacement window is a type of casement window which opens by tilting vertically, either into the room or outwards from the room.

== Hopper Windows ==
Hopper windows are an attractive [[Replacement-Windows|replacement window]] option for many homeowners who want to increase a room's ventilation but need to find a window alternative that works well in a small space. Many homeowners appreciate the hopper replacement window because its opening angle prevents outside debris, including dirt and sand, from blowing into the house. 

=== Operating Modes ===
Hopper windows swing open from the bottom frame, allowing the homeowner to adjust the opening at will and change the opening easily when necessary. Some replacement hopper windows operate as dual-functioning windows -- they can swing in like a door or tilt the sash’s top into the room for ventilation. Options for operating Hopper Windows include cranking the window open or closed with an attached crank or ordering the window with a push mechanism so that the homeowner can push it open and closed. A homeowner should consider the window's location and accessibility when deciding whether to purchase a crank-in/out hopper window or the slightly less-expensive push-in/out version. 

Hopper windows are often installed at or near ground level, making a secure locking system a necessity. The hopper window’s locking mechanism is located at the top of the sash which fits into the lever-style handle for enhanced security. 

=== Benefits ===
Replacement hopper windows are a successful window option which provides for increased ventilation and light into a room while maintaining privacy. Hopper window provide weather protection and excellent ventilation control. Hopper windows open completely, ensuring that all available surface is used for ventilation. 

=== Placement ===
Hopper windows are a popular window addition to kitchens, living rooms, dining areas, bedrooms, garages, attics and basements. Some replacement hopper windows operate as dual-functioning windows -- they can swing in like a door or tilt into the room for ventilation. Hoppers are frequently placed in conjunction with other window styles such as above or below a bay or bow window or as an accompaniment to a double-hung or fixed window. Hopper windows are a good choice when a homeowner is looking for a way to provide optimal ventilation in a small area, such as a bathroom. Hopper windows can serve as a code approved egress emergency exit replacement window for homeowners who are remodeling a basement area as a bedroom. 

=== Options ===
Homeowners can order replacement hopper windows as single-frame hopper windows, double-frame vertical, triple-frame vertical, double-frame horizontal or triple-frame horizontal window.  

=== Sizes and Shapes===
Hopper replacement windows are designed to fit small openings, either alone or at the bottom or a large, stationary window. Hopper windows are available as a square or rectangle window. Standard-size replacement hopper windows average at between 16 inches in either direction to 72 inches in either direction. Hopper windows are available as standard-size orders or as custom orders. 

=== Energy Efficiency ===
Replacement hopper windows are an energy efficient insulating option if they are manufactured using the proper insulating materials. Homeowners who are concerned with installing good insulating replacement hopper windows should check the window’s U-Factor to determine if the level of insulation that the window offers will suffice for the climate in which the home is located. Some window construction materials are inexpensive, resulting in a lower window expenditure for the home’s remodeling budget. Poorly insulated windows are a questionable choice because, in the long run, they result in higher energy costs and create a more costly window solution. In addition, well-insulated windows can increase the resale value of a home. 
==== Rebates ====
Homeowners should check their states' policies regarding financial assistance for energy efficient remodeling costs. Many states offer rebates to homeowners who use energy efficient materials while building or remodeling a home. 
=== Framing Materials ===
Replacement hopper windows are available in a variety of framing materials including wood, aluminum clad, vinyl, fiberglass and composite materials. Homeowners must weigh the pros and cons of each framing material when choosing which type of replacement hopper window to purchase. 
Manufacturers of windows made from any framing material produce a full line of windows with their specialty framing alternative, ensuring that a homeowner can match the replacement hopper windows to the other replacement windows in the home.
==== Vinyl ====
Vinyl hopper windows are a low-cost, easily maintained window frame. They are available in a wide variety of colors. Vinyl frames may need to be strengthened with a metal frame for increased durability. Vinyl fits in well with many types of home construction including wood frame, block construction and brick. 
==== Aluminum ====
Aluminum windows can prove problematic in cold weather as the aluminum conducts the cold from the outside, causing moisture to build up on the aluminum frame. This results in an increasing moisture level in the home. Newer and better grades of aluminum may address this concern. The homeowner should always check to make sure that the aluminum window carries the Energy Star certification of the United States Department of Energy and the United States Environmental Protection Agency which certifies the window as offering a satisfactory U-Factor rating.
==== Wood Frame ====
Wood frame windows are susceptible to the weather's elements and can rot or warp if not painted or varnished annually. A recent innovation, aluminum clad windows, answer the desire of homeowners to have a traditional wood-frame window by covering the outside of the window with a treated aluminum cladding which insulates the window frame. These cladding products are available in a wide range of colors. 
==== Fiberglass ====
Fiberglass windows are a sturdy replacement hopper window alternative. They are more expensive than aluminum or vinyl windows but stand up against weather extremes and require little maintenance.  
==== Composite Windows ====
Composite windows are manufactured using a blend of different materials. The resulting frames are weather-resistant and durable. Replacement composite windows include frames manufactured from mixes of wood and recycled plastic, vinyl and metal or fiberglass with a wood veneer. The fiberglass replacement hopper window is a long-lasting, well-insulated window options. 


=== Glazing ===
The insulation provided by thermal glazing provides a more energy efficient window option. Energy efficient glazing alternatives such as the Low-E coating and multi-pane windows enhance the home's ability to regulate its internal heat without resorting to the use of excessive energy. 

==== Low E Low Emissivity Costing ====
Many window manufacturers offer the Low-E option for their windows as an optional window add-on. The Low-E (Low Emissivity) coating is widely used and is appropriate for windows produced with any framing material. Low-E helps to prevent heat gains in warm climates and heat losses in cold climates by slowing the transfer of heat and cold through the window's glazing.  Low-E glazing is applied by the manufacturer before the window is shipped to the customer.  There are varying levels of Low-E glazing, dependent on the climate in which the home is located. 

==== Multi-Panes ====
Window manufacturers who produce and sell windows which are made from any one of a variety of framing materials will supply windows with double or triple panes. These multi-panes serve to further insulate the window. The manufacturer can also pump an insulating gas, including argon gas or krypton gas, into the gaps between the window panes which increases the window's energy efficiency.

=== Accessories ===
Homeowners can order replacement hopper windows with a variety of add-ons and accessories to increase the functionality of the windows as well as their attractive presentation.
==== Privacy Glass ====
Hopper windows are often placed in areas where increased privacy is desired. Hopper windows can be custom ordered with clouded, patterned or other types of privacy glass to offer seclusion. Homeowners frequently choose replacement hopper windows with privacy glass for basement windows and bathrooms.
==== Screens ====
Full screens are available for hopper windows to protect the homeowners from insects and, for low-lying hopper windows, other creatures which otherwise might crawl into the house. The screens can be installed on the outside of an inward swinging hopper window or on the inside of an outward swinging hopper window.
==== Grilles ====
Window manufacturers offer grilles of varying sizes, shapes, patterns and colors to enhance the replacement hopper window. Grilles include installed grilles which are factory-installed between the panes of a multi-pane window or clip-on grilles which can clip-on to the inside or the outside of a hopper window. The clip-on grilles are easily removed for cleaning purposes. 
==== Hardware ====
The hardware needed for replacement hopper windows includes handles, cranks and locks. These are included as hard plastic items as part of the window's order. Homeowners can upgrade the hardware and order brass or bronze hardware.

[[Category:Replacement Windows]]