Flip up windows transform tight walls into wide‑open serving stations and breezy sightlines. They lift on gas struts or folding tracks, swinging clear of walkways while framing the view. Homeowners gain an indoor‑outdoor flow that feels built‑in, and bar owners move drinks out the window in seconds. This guide explains every style, cost factor, and design idea so you can decide if a flip up window belongs on your next project.
Flip up windows rise on hinges or struts at the head jamb, creating an awning‑like canopy when open and a tight seal when shut. They fit new builds as well as retrofit openings, and they meet modern code for egress and energy when specified correctly.
A flip up window is a single sash engineered to pivot upward instead of sliding left or right. Gas strut models use automotive‑grade cylinders that balance the weight, allowing kids to lift the panel with one hand. Bi‑fold and vertical folding versions split the sash into segments that stack overhead. Each type clears the sill completely, which turns any countertop into a pass‑through ledge.
Our team takes pride in creating pass-through windows that fit a kitchen window modern aesthetic. OpenUp Windows offers solutions that let your cooking space flow into an outdoor living area. These windows also let in tons of daylight. We design them for durability, minimal upkeep, and a refined finish that suits both traditional and contemporary homes. Take a look at our latest collection at OpenUp Windows to see how we combine strong materials with timeless appeal. A well-chosen pass-through system can make hosting simpler and transform the way you enjoy your kitchen.
Flip up windows come in three common formats. Choose the one that suits your budget, opening size, and aesthetic.
Gas strut flip ups operate like the rear hatch of an SUV. Two stainless cylinders ease the sash upward and hold it at any angle. They work best on openings up to eight feet wide. For deeper study, see our gas strut window installation guide.
Bi‑fold units hinge each panel to the next, stacking overhead like an accordion. They span up to twelve feet without a post. The track hardware costs more than gas struts, but the split sash weighs less, which reduces structural load.
Vertical folding windows split the sash horizontally. The lower section flips up and tucks behind the upper section. This style preserves the upper sightline even when closed, making it popular in retail storefronts.
Flip up windows turn ordinary walls into social hubs that link the kitchen, patio, and pool.
A kitchen pass through blends prep and patio zones without a door in between. Home cooks slide nachos out, friends slide empty plates in. Add a quartz sill to double as a breakfast bar.
On decks, flip up windows let the grill chef stay part of the conversation. The lifted sash shades the cook and keeps smoke drifting outside.
A poolside bar with a flip up window keeps wet feet off the hardwood. Tuck the fridge under the sill and the sash becomes a canopy for midday refills.
Restaurants and breweries use flip up windows as the fastest lane between kitchen and customer.
Busy cafés replace clunky takeout doors with gas strut windows. When the lunch rush hits, the full opening moves coffee six cups at a time. Health departments approve the sealed sash after hours because it locks weather‑tight.
Brewery taprooms plumb a beer wall under a flip up. Patrons order inside, step outside, and pick up a fresh pour without blocking the bar line.
Frame material shapes performance and price. Pick a species or alloy that matches both climate and curb appeal.
Powder‑coated aluminum resists rust and holds narrow sightlines. Thermal breaks and low‑E glass keep U‑factor low so the unit meets the International Residential Code for most climate zones.
Wood frames add warmth to cottages and heritage bars. Select rot‑resistant species such as cedar or mahogany, and specify high‑build exterior stain every three years.
uPVC saves budget in mild climates. The extrusions ship in white or color‑through pigments that hide scratches. Multi‑chamber profiles stiffen long spans without steel inserts.
Prices vary by width, hardware, and glazing package.
A four‑foot gas strut flip up starts near $2,000 installed. Six‑foot bi‑folds average $4,500. Twelve‑foot vertical folding assemblies with custom finish push past $9,000. Labor runs 20 to 35 percent of the total, depending on wall type and electrical reroutes.
Correct flashing and regular tune‑ups protect the investment for decades.
Hire a window contractor who understands header loading and weatherproof membranes. They will flash the rough opening, shim the frame true, and set hinge torque so the sash glides.
Lubricate hinge pins twice a year and wipe strut cylinders clean of dust. Check gasket compression each spring. Replace gas struts every 50,000 cycles to keep lift strength consistent.
Flip up windows can do more than open.
Magnetic roll screens snap to the jamb. They pull down only when the sash closes, so the canopy stays insect‑free without blocking the view.
Motorized struts lift wide sashes at the press of a wall switch or phone app. Rain sensors close the unit automatically when the first drops hit.
Browse these themes to spark your plan.
Matte black aluminum, clear low‑E glass, and a flush sill match steel pergolas and polished concrete patios.
Reclaimed wood frames, seeded glass, and iron hinges pair with stone counters and cedar beams.
Galvanized steel frames, wire‑glass panes, and exposed fasteners echo craft breweries and food halls.
Flip up windows open rooms to light, laughs, and seamless service. They lift clear, shield guests, and seal tight at night. Pick a style that fits your span, a frame that suits the climate, and a pro who flashes every seam. Whether you pass tacos to the deck or pints to the patio, a flip up window makes the hand‑off instant and fun. Explore layouts, run the numbers, and when you are ready for a quote, measure the opening and reach out.
Our team at Open Up Windows fabricates gas strut flip ups in‑house, ships nationwide, and includes pre‑installed struts tuned to your sash weight. We laser‑cut aluminum frames for millimeter accuracy, so installers square the unit faster and caulk gaps once. Every order arrives with step‑by‑step drawings and phone support from certified technicians. We back glass and hardware with a 10‑year transferable warranty, giving homeowners and contractors confidence long after the first toast through the opening. Learn more about our process at Open Up Windows.
How wide can a gas strut flip up window be?
Most residential models top out at eight feet before the frame needs structural steel. Custom units can go wider with doubled cylinders.
Do flip up windows meet egress code?
Standard kitchen pass‑throughs do not count as emergency exits. Vertical folding versions with bottom rails lower than 24 inches may qualify if the sash clears the opening fully.
Can I retrofit a flip up window into an existing wall?
Yes. A contractor cuts the opening, adds a header, and installs the unit like any replacement window, then patches siding and drywall.
Will the canopy leak during heavy rain?
Proper flashing above the head jamb and a sloped sill direct water out. Closed units seal with compression gaskets similar to commercial storefronts.
How long do gas struts last?
Quality stainless cylinders average 50,000 open‑close cycles, equal to more than 20 years of weekend use.
