Find a Dealer in Your AreaStruggling to decide whether you should replace with single-hung windows or double-hung windows? Watch our video to learn the differences and the benefits of each window type.
What will you learn in this video? Here’s the basics:
- Both single and double hung windows are operating windows.
- Both operate vertically (up and down).
- Single hung – only the lower sash opens
- Double hung – both upper and lower sashes open.
Single or Double? Which Is Better?
This really comes down to features and benefits and how you use your windows. Your preferences on how you want to vent or air out your home. When your windows are closed, single and double hung windows are not discernible from the outside. That removes aesthetics out of the equation. You can’t tell the difference from the outside.
How Do You Choose Between The Single-Hung And Double-Hung?
Benefits of Single Hung Replacement Windows:
Single hung replacement windows have fewer moving parts. Since the upper sash is fixed in place, only the balance mechanism is on the lower sash. Some single pane windows offer the tilt in feature but, not all of them. If you choose single hung with a tilt sash, you may be able to clean second story windows from inside your home. Cleaning upper story windows without a tilt sash becomes harder to do from the interior.
If you choose single hung windows without the tilt in sash you may notice that your energy efficiency numbers and your design pressure rating is better that many double hung windows. Air leakage numbers are also improved as well as overall glass surface area tends to be larger due to narrower frame profiles.
Benefits of Double Hung Replacement Windows:
Since both sashes operate vertically, you can open the bottom, or the top, or both. Venting the top offers some safety benefits for pets and children. Opening in both takes advantage of convection. Convection is where cooler air flows into the bottom sash and warmer air flows out the top sash.
Since double-hung windows offer full screens you don’t have to worry about insects coming in regardless of which window is vented.
Finally, since both windows typically tilt in, it is possible to clean the exterior surfaces of both sashes from the inside.
Do You Have To Choose One Or The Other?
No, you don’t. You may find that certain rooms in your home are better suited for single-hung and others are a better fit for double-hung. There may even be rooms in your home with extra wide windows that are better off using slider windows or mulled together combination windows.
The bottom line when choosing between the two really comes down to: 1). Cost 2). Convenience 3). Energy Efficiency. Single hung windows will cost less and be more energy efficient than double hung windows. Double hung windows offer some convenience over single hung with their operability and tilt functions.
Decisions, Decisions! We Are Here To Help!
Contact The Window Experts for a free in-home consultation and demonstration. You’ll learn all about windows – from energy efficiency to cost to styles. We will help you make the right decision for your home. If you live around Houston Metro or the Dallas-Fort Worth Metro, call or complete one of our forms and we will schedule your free, no-obligation estimate. Don’t forget about our showroom! If you live in the Houston area, come visit our showroom in the Houston Heights.
If you live anywhere else, we can still help by referring one of our vetted window dealers closer to you. Visit Jeff’s List to get started.