Gas Strut Windows Custom Built Up to 16' Wide
The Thruvue™ INFINITY gas strut window lifts open on factory-tuned commercial gas struts, turning a wall into a wide-open counter between your kitchen, bar or service area and the outdoors. Each window is built to order in thermally broken 6063 aluminum with 1" insulated glass, in sizes up to 16'0" wide by 8'0" high.
Gas Strut Window Specifications at a Glance
Maximum size: 16'0" (192") wide x 8'0" (96") high, up to 65 sq ft
Frame: 6063 architectural aluminum, thermally broken frame and sash
Sash depth: 2.652"
Glass: 1" insulated, argon-filled, tempered or laminated
Opening: 90° standard; operable from inside or outside
Struts: commercial grade, factory installed and tuned, rated 30,000 cycles
Frame types: 1½" nail flange, retrofit or block frame
Colors: 14 standard powder-coat colors, split finish, or custom color
Lead time: 4 weeks standard; express ship available
Delivery: ships fully assembled
Design Your Gas Strut Window Live
Build your window in the LiveVue™ Window Designer below. Choose size, sill, glass, color and screen, and watch the drawing update as you go. Send your design to Optvue when you're done.
What Is a Gas Strut Window?
A gas strut window is a top-hinged window that swings outward and up on a pair of gas struts. The struts carry the sash's weight, so it lifts with light effort and holds itself open at 90°, leaving a full-width, unobstructed opening with the sash overhead like a canopy. It's also called a gas strut awning window, strut window or pass-through window.
How a Gas Strut Window Works
Each strut is a sealed cylinder of pressurized gas. Optvue sizes and tunes the struts at the factory to your window's exact width, height and glass weight, so the sash rises smoothly, stays put when open and closes under control. There is no bottom track, so the opening is completely clear from side to side.
Key Benefits of Gas Strut Windows
A gas strut window opens a wall in one clean motion. • A true indoor-outdoor connection with one wide, clear opening • Maximum fresh air and natural light • A single uninterrupted pane, with no middle stiles • A built-in canopy over the counter when open • No floor or counter track to trip over or clean • Ideal for kitchens, bars, restaurants and service counters
Gas Strut Window Sizes: How Big Can They Go?
Optvue gas strut windows are built up to 16'0" wide by 8'0" high, with a 65 sq ft maximum. That's larger than the maximums other leading gas strut window brands publish.
Maximum width: Optvue 16'0" (192"); other leading brands publish 8' to 10'
Maximum height: Optvue 8'0" (96"); other leading brands publish 4' to 7'
Maximum area: Optvue 65 sq ft
Size increments: any size, to ⅛"
Need it bigger? The Thruvue™ INFINITY Motorized Window goes up to 72 sq ft, and our XL - XS Motorized Window or Door reaches 20'0" wide by 10'0" tall, up to 200 sq ft. Transoms can be added above any gas strut window.
Why Choose an Optvue Gas Strut Window
Every Optvue window is handcrafted to order in Oceanside, California, and engineered to look like architecture, not an add-on.
Construction and Materials
Frames and sashes are 6063 architectural-grade aluminum. The 2.652" deep sash gives the rigidity to span large openings without flexing. Windows ship fully assembled, with struts installed and tuned.
Energy Efficiency
Thermal breaks in both the frame and the sash stop heat and cold from passing through the aluminum. Standard 1" insulated glass is argon-filled with a LoE³-366 coating, and other low-E options are available for your climate.
Smooth, Safe Operation
Commercial-grade struts are tuned to each window's weight and size for smooth, quiet, controlled motion. The window opens to 90° as standard and can be operated from inside or outside. Each strut is rated for 30,000 open and close cycles, and replacement struts stay available.
Grab Handles Placed for Reach
An exterior grab handle is centered in the bottom sash rail. Windows 48" wide or less get one handle; wider windows get two handles, 24" apart and centered.
Customize Your Gas Strut Window
Every gas strut window is made to order. Choose each detail below, or try them live in the designer above. Want push-button operation? See the motorized window. For a sash that pivots at a set height, see the Pivot Gas Strut Window. Already have a window you love? AutoMate™ motorizes outswing and fixed units from other manufacturers.
Frame Material
Choose all aluminum, or aluminum outside with real wood inside. • All aluminum, thermally broken • Aluminum exterior with a real wood interior, thermally broken: a ¾" hardwood interior face in Sapele Mahogany, White Oak, Walnut, Vertical Grain Douglas Fir, Hard Maple, Pine or another species. Wood is supplied unfinished for your stain or paint.
Frame Colors and Split Finishes
Choose from 14 standard powder-coat colors: Bright White, Sea Shell, Bone White, Cream, Oyster White, Brown Grey, All Taupe, Starburst Silver, Dusty Grey, Tarpaulin Grey, Iron Grey, Dark Bronze, Classic Bronze and Beyond Black. Pick a different interior color for a split finish, or ask for a custom color.
Glass Options
All glass is 1" insulated and argon-filled, tempered or laminated. • LoE³-366 over clear (standard) • LoE²-272 over clear • LoE-180 over clear • Impact glass: low-E over DuPont SentryGlas • Triple glaze for cold climates • Custom glass: tinted, frosted, textured, privacy and more
Sill Options
Eight sills let the window meet your counter exactly the way you want. 1. No sill, flush countertop 2. Drainage channel, flush countertop 3. Step sill, step countertop by others 4. Full bound sill 5. Hybrid sill 6. Minimal sill 7. No sill, thermal flush countertop 8. Step sill, thermal step countertop by others No-sill and drainage-channel installations are best under cover. We review water exposure with you before ordering.
Frame Types
Three frame types fit new construction, replacement and masonry openings. • 1½" rigid nail flange for new construction • Retrofit frame for replacing an existing window • Block frame (no flange) for masonry and recessed openings
Insect Screens and Shades
Add a screen or shade to keep insects out when the window is open. • Surface mount roll-down screen, up to 90" wide • Concealed roll-down screen, up to 120" wide • Premium manual surface mount or concealed roll-down screen, up to 144" wide • Surface mount or concealed motorized screen, up to 20' wide • Motorized shade, up to 20' wide • Pleated side-to-side screen (with full bound sill) Manual 90" and 120" screens fit units up to 72" total height.
Glass Layout and Divided Lites
Keep one clean piece of glass, or add simulated divided lites in any grid. Bars run from ¾" to 6" wide, all the same width or each set individually.
Transoms
Add a fixed transom above the window at the same width and any height you choose, with its own divided-lite pattern if you like.
Gas Strut Window vs. Folding and Sliding Pass-Through Windows
A gas strut window gives the cleanest opening of any pass-through window: one pane, no track, and the sash overhead instead of stacked in the opening.
Open area: gas strut opens the full width; folding loses width to stacked panels; sliding opens about half the width
Counter track: gas strut has none; folding and sliding windows usually do
Glass when closed: gas strut is one uninterrupted pane; folding and sliding windows have several panels with stiles
When open: the gas strut sash forms a canopy; folding panels stack at one side; sliding panels overlap
Best for: gas strut suits kitchens, bars and service counters; folding suits very wide walls; sliding suits tight exterior clearance
Gas Strut Windows for Homes
A gas strut window is one of the most requested upgrades in modern kitchen and outdoor-living design. See finished projects in images and video.
Kitchen Pass-Through Windows
Serve straight from the kitchen to the patio, with a counter that runs uninterrupted from inside to out. Pair a flush or step sill with an exterior bar top for seating.
Indoor-Outdoor Bars and Outdoor Kitchens
Open the bar to the deck, the pool or the barbecue. Add a concealed or motorized screen to keep insects out when the window is open.
Pool Houses, Lake Homes and Coastal Homes
Thermally broken frames and a full range of glass suit mountain, lake and oceanfront homes. Homes within 1 mile of salt water follow the coastal care schedule in the Optvue Care & Maintenance guide.
Commercial Gas Strut Windows
Restaurants and venues choose gas strut windows for fast service, open-air seating and storefront appeal.
Restaurants, Bars and Breweries
Turn a dining-room wall into an open-air bar or a walk-up service counter. Brand-color and split-finish frames match your design standards.
Coffee Shops, Concessions and Venues
Walk-up windows for coffee shops, concession stands, ticket booths, stadiums, resorts and event venues. Motorized operation suits high-volume counters opened many times a day.
Gas Strut Window Installation and Planning
Optvue gas strut windows arrive fully assembled with struts installed and tuned, so installation is straightforward for a professional or an experienced builder.
Rough Opening
Order the window ½" smaller than the rough opening in both width and height.
Waterproofing
Flash and install sill pans per ASTM E2112. Custom sill pans are available.
Countertop and Clearance Planning
Plan the counter and the space around the open sash before you order. • Plan countertop height and depth, backsplash, and faucet or fixture clearance • Keep at least 2" of clearance above the sash when fully open • At 90°, the open sash's top edge sits 1⅜" below the top of the window
Installed Height and Reach
Common installed heights are 36" and 42" above the floor, the usual countertop heights. Plan the height so the people using the window can reach the open sash to close it. Operation may vary from user to user based on height, weight, reach and physical capability. The opening height and angle can be adjusted on request, and your shop drawings show reach for your exact window.
Who Should Install It
Professional installation is recommended but not required. Basic construction experience is enough for most installations.
Lead Time, Shipping and Delivery
Standard lead time is 4 weeks from signed shop drawings, with express ship available for tight schedules. Read the shipment receiving instructions before delivery day.
How Your Window Ships
Windows ship fully assembled with struts installed. Freight orders travel in protective wood crates by ABF Freight or an alternate carrier, and local deliveries arrive uncrated. Delivery is tailgate or curbside; oversized units (90" or more wide, or 84" or more high) need the purchaser's labor or equipment to unload.
Technical Drawings and Downloads
Download drawings for your architect, builder or installer.
Warranty, Care and Support
Every Optvue gas strut window is backed by the Optvue Limited Warranty and manufacturer support before, during and after installation. Keep your window looking new with the Optvue Care & Maintenance guide.
Warranty Coverage and Care
Insulated glass is covered for 10 years on units up to 50 sq ft. Replacement struts and components stay available.
Gas Strut Window FAQs
What is a gas strut window?
A gas strut window is a top-hinged window that opens outward and upward on gas struts, which hold the sash open at 90° like a canopy. It creates a full-width, track-free opening, which makes it a popular kitchen pass-through and bar window.
How big can a gas strut window be?
Optvue gas strut windows are built up to 16'0" wide by 8'0" high, with a 65 sq ft maximum. For larger openings, the motorized window goes to 72 sq ft and the XL - XS Motorized Window or Door to 20'0" by 10'0" (200 sq ft).
Can a gas strut window be opened from inside and outside?
Yes. Optvue gas strut windows can be opened and closed from either side.
How far does a gas strut window open?
The standard opening is 90°, with the sash level overhead. The opening height and angle can be adjusted on request.
Are gas strut windows energy efficient?
Yes. Optvue frames and sashes are thermally broken, and the 1" insulated glass is argon-filled with a low-E coating; LoE³-366 is standard.
Do I need a sill on a gas strut window?
No, but the sill you pick affects water protection. Optvue offers eight sills, from no-sill flush countertop designs for covered areas to a full bound sill for exposed walls.
Can I add an insect screen?
Yes. Choose a surface mount or concealed roll-down screen, a premium manual screen up to 144" wide, a motorized screen or shade up to 20' wide, or a pleated side-to-side screen.
How long do gas struts last?
Optvue's commercial-grade struts are rated for 30,000 open and close cycles. Replacement struts and components remain available.
How high should a gas strut window be installed?
Most are installed at countertop height, 36" or 42" above the floor. Choose a height that lets the people using the window reach the open sash to close it; your shop drawings show the reach for your window.
Can I get a wood interior?
Yes. The aluminum exterior, wood interior option has a ¾" real wood face in Sapele Mahogany, White Oak, Walnut, Vertical Grain Douglas Fir, Hard Maple, Pine or another species, supplied unfinished.
Is a motorized gas strut window available?
Yes. The Thruvue™ INFINITY Motorized Window opens at the push of a button, in sizes up to 72 sq ft.
What is the lead time for a gas strut window?
Standard lead time is 4 weeks from signed shop drawings, and express ship is available. Every window ships fully assembled with struts installed.
Do you ship gas strut windows nationwide?
Yes. Optvue ships crated windows across the continental U.S., Alaska and Hawaii by ABF Freight or an alternate carrier, with delivery to the curb or tailgate.
Get a Free Gas Strut Window Quote
Tell us your opening and we'll build the window around it. Call (760) 760-0110, email info@optvue.com, or start online.
Related: Images & Video | Motorized Window | Pivot Gas Strut Window | Blog