Comparing Single Hung Vs. Double Hung Windows
Ever wonder the difference between a double hung window and a single hung? Instead of having two operable sashes, a single hung is a vertical window that has a fixed upper sash and an operable bottom sash. The amount of air ventilation is more limited with a single hung since only air comes through one opening, and it can be challenging to clean the outside of the upper sash on the 2nd or 3rd floor of your home since the single hung doesn’t come with tilt sashes
Double hung windows are some of the most commonly used window types in the nation. And for good reason. While not only budget friendly, double hung windows are also versatile, durable and easy to customize, making them the ideal choice for new window installations or even window replacements.
You probably can’t tell the difference between single and double hung windows from afar. They look the same. The differences are all in the design. That second operable sash on a double-hung window unlocks a number of benefits. Replacement Window Center has a wide variety of Double Hung Windows, all complete with the benefits and features listed below.
Advantages of a Double Hung Window
Double Hung Windows Tend To Be Durable Windows
Double Hung windows last a long time. They are incredibly durable, and match up well against wind, weather and rain, while working to reduce stripping. The average life expectancy of a well-maintained Double Hung Window can be much higher than alternative window options, while their durability and simple design help to prevent corrosion, rotting and leakage. While the average double hung window can last a homeowner upwards of 20 years, some options, such as double hung vinyl windows, can remain efficient for upwards of 40 years. Not only does this minimize replacement costs down the line, but it ensures a future potential home buyer that window replacement is one item they can check off their list for the foreseeable future.
Convenient Window Cleaning
Double Hung Windows are very low maintenance and easy to clean, which means a homeowner will spend far less dollars and hours maintaining what they already paid for. Both sashes on a Double Hung Window tilt inside, which makes cleaning easy and accessible, and ultimately can assist in extending the life-span of your windows as well. This accessibility is a major difference between Single Hung Windows and Double Hung Windows, in that Single Hung Windows possess an outside hash that is almost impossible to clean from the inside of a home. This saves a homeowner a lot of hassle, while also ensuring that the cleaning process is simple enough to be done correctly every time.
Double Hung Windows Are Energy Efficient
In addition to increased and optimized ventilation and air circulation, Double Hung Windows are also great at letting in natural light, without necessarily conducting the heat that comes with it. Choosing Low-E glass for your windows can also add to their ability to prevent heat emission. This reduces the amount of air conditioning needed to cool your home down in the summer, saving valuable dollars on energy bills every month. Double Hung Windows will often feature a double-lock mechanism as well, which can ensure a tight seal around the window and work to improve insulation, ultimately making your home much more energy efficient & improving its overall energy efficiency.
Increased Ventilation & Air Infiltration
Improved ventilation is one of the best advantages of a Double Hung Window, as they allow for the ability to control air flow. For maximum ventilation, you can simply open both the top and bottom sash, allowing cool air to enter at the bottom, and hot air to escape at the top. For mild ventilation, simply open only one of these sashes. Another convenient benefit of Double Hung Windows is that the bigger the window, the greater its ability to ventilate. This ensures that no matter how big your window replacement project is, installing Double Hung Windows will still provide an immediate upgrade in home ventilation and air filtration.
Design Versatility
Double Hung Windows come in a variety of shapes, sizes and designs, which ultimately means that matching the overall aesthetic or exterior design of your home is relatively easy. This is especially true with Replacement Window Center’s assortment of window options. Our Double Hung Windows’ simple and efficient design also makes them very easy to dress, with additions such as curtains, shades and shutters commonly installed and utilized. Double Hung Windows also come with a variety of frame options, including wood, vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass and composite, ensuring that a homeowner’s ability to mix and match functionality with their design preference remains intact. They also feature a slide open system, which means that they don’t require any sort of additional interior space to operate. Since either sash opens on a Double Hung Window, this also allows homeowners with children to keep the bottom one closed for safety while opening the top one for air ventilation.
Double-Hung Windows Have Classic Appeal
Double-hung windows are a rarity in that they look great on just about any type of architecture. They can also be manufactured in a range of different sizes, colors, styles, and finishes, which helps them complement any home even further. So, whether your home is contemporary or traditional, this type of window is always an aesthetically pleasing choice.
Double-Hung Windows Are Very Accommodating
Double-hung windows offer the best in flexibility because they can easily accommodate a window air conditioner or screen. Since the sashes move up and down, they can safely secure a heavy window air conditioner better than any other type of window.
Double-Hung Windows Are Very Accommodating
Double-hung windows offer the best in flexibility because they can easily accommodate a window air conditioner or screen. Since the two sashes move up and down, they can safely secure a heavy window air conditioner better than any other type of window.
Enhanced Safety
There are a few ways double hung windows are safer than single hung. First, if you have small children and feel that leaving windows open can be a danger for them leaning over and falling out, just open the top sash of a double hung window. You’ll enjoy the fresh air without the safety concerns. If leaving windows open at night is a concern, opening the top sash is a safer option than lifting the bottom one.
What are my size and design options?
Double-hung windows are highly customizable, a byproduct of their popularity. There’s a large selection of standard sizes, ranging from 24 by 24 inches to 48 by 72 inches. The standard common size is two feet by two feet. It’s known as a 2020 window because it’s 2’0” by 2’0”. 3838 windows — 3’8” or 44 inches on both sides — are also common.
Standard sizes make it easier to find a double hung window to fit your home. And are typically less expensive than a custom-sized or oddly-shaped window. It also allows you to build unique window situations out of different-sized double-hung windows. Or add transom and adjacent windows with special shapes like half circles and small rectangles.
When you’re searching for a window replacement, you’ll likely find that double-hung windows tend to offer the functionality and flexibility to fit just about any room in your home. With the number of sizes, combinations, and other features, you can get a standard window that looks anything but and fits your window style.
Contact Replacement Window Center For New Windows
At Replacement Window Center our double hung windows are made of high-quality vinyl, which offers benefits over wood such as resistance to peeling, cracking, chipping, and warping. A sloped sill design drains water towards the exterior, reducing the chances of water entry. Highly durable, the mainframe and moveable sash entrances are fusion welded. The windows even lock in the open position thanks to dual ventilator locks that enhance security.
These windows inherently provide access to fresh air. We’ve taken things a step further by adding a wind flap and bulb seal, which provide a barrier against dust, moisture, and noise. Our windows are also available in a range of interior and exterior colors, and with decorative and privacy glass options.
Double Hung Windows are energy efficient and can be uniquely setup to regulate the ventilation in your house. It is also easy to clean and maintain because of its removable and operable sashes.
Replacmement Window Center provides outstanding, high quality products and pairs them with our professional, versatile and experienced installation teams. Find your nearest store in Madison, WI, Milwaukee, WI, Nashville, TN, Knoxville, TN, Asheville, NC, Hickory, NC or Mobile, AL. Contact us today for a free consultation to get started.
