Hopper windows are a style found in basements, bathrooms, and small spaces. They open inward and from the top, resembling a laundry chute.
Hopper windows are often placed below large casement windows for increased ventilation and convenience in narrow spaces. They are particularly popular for use as basement and shower windows.
If you’re thinking about installing hopper windows in your home, here is an overview of their costs, advantages, disadvantages, and more.
Types of Hopper Windows:
A standard hopper window consists of a single glass panel that fits inside a frame. It opens inward and downward. Additionally, there are double and triple hopper windows available.
A double hopper window features two vertically stacked hopper windows, while a triple hopper window has three. Using double or triple designs allows for larger windows while still benefiting from the hopper style.
How Hopper Windows Open:
Hopper windows open by swinging inward and downward, offering easy access for cleaning and maintenance.
Hopper windows open inward and down. They can have a crank or handle. To open a window with a crank, turn it one way, and then reverse to close. For windows with a handle, simply pull it towards you to open, and push it shut to close (ensure it’s unlocked first). There are some hopper windows that open upward.
To open this style, unlock it, lift the window sash, and lock it in place.
Hopper windows are inexpensive, with small vinyl ones costing less than $100. However, prices can go up to $1,000 depending on size, material, and brand.
Most Common Hopper Window Sizes
Hopper windows come in various sizes to fit basements. Standard lengths range from 30-36″ and heights from 12-24″.
Common hopper window sizes include:
- 24″ x 24″
- 31″ x 13″
- 31″ x 15″
- 31″ x 17″
- 31″ x 23″
- 32″ x 14″
- 32″ x 16″
- 32″ x 18″
- 32″ x 22″
- 32″ x 24″
Pros and Cons of Hopper Windows
Hopper windows are ideal for awkward spaces as the entire window opens, providing maximum ventilation. However, they do have some drawbacks.
Pros:
- Maximum ventilation – Hopper windows provide ample fresh air due to their ability to fully open.
- Great for awkward spaces – These windows are available in various narrow sizes, making them suitable for basements, showers, and other tight areas.
- Inexpensive – Hopper windows are one of the most affordable options.
- Easy to clean – These windows can be cleaned from within your home since they open inward.
- Energy efficient – Hopper windows feature a tight seal when closed, effectively blocking air leaks.
- Unsuitable emergency exit – Hopper windows, being narrow and opening inward, are not suitable for emergency exits.
- Potential hazard – Any window that opens inward can pose a hazard. Exercise caution to prevent family members from colliding with it.
Hopper Windows: Pros and Cons
Cons:
Awnings vs. Hopper Windows: Which is Better for Rain?
If you need a window that can handle light rain without any issues, consider an awning window. Unlike hopper windows, which open inward and are not as weather-safe, awning windows can be left open during light rain.
What Sets Awning and Hopper Windows Apart?
An awning window is a reverse hopper window. It opens out and up, resembling an awning, which protects your home’s side and keeps rain out.
Both windows are energy efficient, secure, and reasonable basement and bathroom solutions. However, awning windows are slightly more expensive than hopper windows.
Hopper windows are not ideal egress windows. They open from the inside at a 45-degree angle, making it difficult to exit through them. Also, finding a hopper window that meets the IRC egress codes can be challenging.
An egress window must have a minimum opening width of 20 inches, a minimum height of 24 inches, and a net clear opening of at least 5.7 square feet. The best choices for egress windows include double or single-hung, casement, or horizontal sliding windows.
For basement windows, should you choose hopper or casement windows?
Casement windows hinge and open outward and to the side. They are ideal as basement egress windows. Hopper windows are a good option for narrow spaces that don’t require egress codes and are also less expensive.
Which windows should you choose: hopper or sliding?
Hopper and horizontal sliding windows come in similar sizes and are both suitable for basements and bathrooms.
Here are the key differences:
Hopper Windows | Horizontal Sliding Windows
————– | ———————–
Typical Placement | Basements and bathrooms
How to Open | Tilts inward and down | Slides open
Cost | Inexpensive | Slightly more expensive
Works as Emergency Exit | No | Yes (if big enough)
How to clean a hopper window:
Hopper windows tilt inward, making them easy to clean. You can clean the inside of the window by wiping it with a microfiber cloth and Windex. To clean the outside, open the window so that it tilts in and gently wipe it down with your cleaner and lint-free cloth.
Can a dryer be vented through a basement hopper window? Yes, you can purchase a hopper window with a built-in dryer vent hole. These windows have a regular hopper window on one side and a second panel with a place to run a dryer vent, making them a great solution for basement laundry rooms.
FAQ:
– Does Home Depot sell hopper windows? Yes, Home Depot sells a variety of hopper windows from brands like TAFCO, American Craftsman, and Clearly Secure.
– Are hopper window curtains available?
The easiest way to find hopper window curtains is to search for basement window curtains. You’ll find short curtain panels for smaller windows.
When you purchase a hopper window, it should come with a screen. If it doesn’t, you can buy one.
Air conditioners won’t fit in a hopper window unless you remove the glass panel. Even then, you might still have trouble fitting an AC unit in the opening. Your best bet is to use a portable AC unit and run the vent through the window.
Purchase a window seal insert kit to block the remaining open area.
Hopper windows cannot be installed upside down.
Unless your window specifies that it can be installed upside down, it shouldn’t. Installing a window upside down can lead to leaks and prevent it from opening.
Hopper windows open at 45-degree angles from the top and at 90-degree angles from the bottom.
Hopper windows are a popular choice for basements. They come in long, slim sizes, which makes them suitable for awkward spaces like shower areas and basement walls. Despite their small size, they provide excellent ventilation and are easy to operate.
The main drawback of hopper windows is that they cannot be used as emergency exits. Since they open inward at a 45-degree angle, they are not suitable for quick escape. However, they are still a cost-effective and high-quality option for narrow spaces.
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