Single Hung vs Double Hung Windows

If you are a homeowner, you’ll want to start replacing things around your house at one point or another. It includes replacing the windows, too. While older (wooden) windows do have a certain charm to them, they still can be the cause of a variety of problems and expenses, such as:

Lousy insulation allowing cold or hot temperatures in, thus increasing energy expenses
Declining safety through rotten frames, poor fits, and broken locks
An increased risk of mildew, mold and water damage as a result of moisture that found its way inside the home

Generally speaking, window replacement or renovation is not an inexpensive renovation. It is imperative you search through all of the options before you decide on the windows that work best with your house.

The most iconic type of windows are single and double-hung windows, and we have a feeling they’ve been around forever. But, what is the difference between the two, and which one should you buy?

What is a double-hung window?

The double-hung windows are more accessible to clean which makes them an excellent fit for most households. You can wash them from inside the house, especially if they are double-hung windows with a tilt-in feature. This convenience is making them a perfect option (both stylistically and function-wise) for a modern home.

How to open double hung windows

First, unlock the window by turning the locking mechanism (located in the center of the two sashes) counterclockwise. Next, slide the lower sash about three inches toward the top of the window. Squeeze the two tilt latches inward toward the window and hold to disengage the latches. Pull the top of the lower window toward you. You can now release the tilt latches. Finally, slide the upper sash down about two inches. Squeeze the tilt latches and pull the top of the sash towards you.

In regards to airflow, you can open the upper sash on a double-hung window. It is an advantage as it doesn’t let the air blow in from below. Moreover, if you’ve got small children, having double-hung windows is far safer as the lower half remains closed and prevents the kids from accidents.

What is a single-hung window?

Single-hung windows are a bit cheaper than double-hung which often makes them a more common choice for modern homes. Moreover, single-hung windows are believed to be less susceptible to leakage and infiltration since the upper sash is fixed and doesn’t allow looseness. However, in reality (i.e., while in use) window seals will degrade over time, but the difference is that, unlike a fixed sash, a moving sash cannot be sealed with caulk. Unlike double-hung windows that can be fixed or replaced by the homeowner (in case of the upper sash breaks), a glazier must come in and repair a single-hung window if it breaks.

How are they the same?

Single- and double-hung windows usually look identical from a distance; they are vertical-sliding windows that have an upper and lower sash. A sash can be in a square or rectangular frame.

Difference between single and double hung windows

The difference between single-hung and double-hung windows is that with the top half is permanently fixed while the bottom sash is the half that moves. When it comes to double-hung, both sashes slide up and down, making them safer and more weather resistant.

Which one should I buy?

When you’re shopping for a window, consider several convenience factors like the ease-of-cleaning, cost and looks. If you are looking to buy a window that enables to open both sashes as well as remove them both, choose double-hung. Double-hung windows are ubiquitous, they feature excellent prices and a lot of customizable choices, making them an excellent option for a home. If you need more consultation on the type of windows to choose, click here for a FREE estimate from 1-800-HANSONS.