Single or Double Hung Windows: What Does Your Home Need?

 Have you ever seen a house without any windows? Sounds impossible to find one, doesn’t it?

Well, that’s just because windows are considered integral elements in a home that allow natural light to enter indoors, enable cross ventilation to keep the room from feeling too stuffy, and give the homeowner a chance to enjoy the outside view. Apart from the functional aspect, windows increase the visual appeal of homes, increasing the resale value of the house.

That’s all for establishing the point ‘why windows are used in a home,’ but did you know there are different types of windows that can be used in a residential building? Two of the most popular styles are single-hung windows and double-hung windows.  

 

What is a Single Hung Window?

A single-hung window consists of two sashes — one permanently fixed on the top, while the bottom sash can be moved in the vertical direction. Note: A sash is a rectangular or square shape frame consisting of the glass window and may (or may not) include smaller supporting bars called muntins for division.

Single-hung windows have been around for fairly long, which is why they’re found in historic homes. They also predate their counterpart, the double-hung windows.

 

Advantages of Single Hung Windows

The single-hung windows and their favorable characteristics have allowed them to remain in fashion to date — modern homeowners prefer single-hung windows because they’re more affordable than other windows with additional operable sashes. You’ll be able to have more potential cost savings when replacing multiple windows with single-hung windows.

Moreover, a single-hung window is less susceptible to leakage or air filtration because the upper half of the window is fixed, allowing it to remain sturdy, unlike the ones with moving sash. This makes them energy efficient and the overall approach as an eco-friendly one. They’re also assumed to be more secure in this regard as the homeowner only needs to shut and lock one sash rather than two, thus minimizing the chances of locking system failure.

Things You Might Need to Worry About When Considering Single-Hung Windows

Unfortunately, the lower operable sash tends to become problematic for homes with pets or children as it compromises their safety.

In addition, when cleaning a single-hung window, cleaning the stationary sash would be quite challenging if it doesn’t tilt in and you live on an upper floor. But you’re pretty much sorted if you can remove the bottom sash from the frame altogether.

But most importantly, if you wish your house had an extra airy ambiance, it’s best to consider double-hung windows instead that create more flexibility for rooms.

What is a Double-Hung Window?

The double-hung window looks identical to a single-hung window as they both have two vertically sliding sashes (i.e., lower and upper) and guarantee ease of operation. However, unlike one movable sash of single-hung windows, a double-hung window has two operable sashes that can go up and down.  

Advantages of a Double Hung Window

Homeowners are rapidly laying their hands on double-hung windows because they’re far easier to clean. Their tilt-in or out design allows the window to be cleaned from within the house. For this reason, if you live on the upper stories of a building, it’s best to install a double-hung window as they’re easy to maintain.

Secondly, moving both sashes halfway can allow you to create a minor recirculating effect — as per physics, the warmer air may be pushed out of the sash through the upper half, while the lower sash allows for cooler air to enter the house. This feature is particularly helpful for humid areas around the house as it allows the homeowner to keep moisture out of the walls.

Thirdly, this window style is ideal for homes with kids and pets as the double-hung window’s top sash can be pulled down for ventilation while the lower sash remains closed to keep the children from hanging out the window or the pets from escaping!

 

Things You Might Need to Worry About When Considering Double-Hung Windows

Unfortunately, a double-hung window is far more expensive than a single-hung window as it has more mechanical parts, such as the cord or chain hanging over a pulley to move the shutters vertically.

 

About EcoView Windows in the South

EcoView-WDS is a leading service provider of windows and doors in the South. This is a factory-direct replacement home windows provider operational in regions of Pensacola, FL, and Daphne, AL. 

This company offers the most energy-efficient windows (up to 30 percent) for Florida and Alabama homeowners as they use SolarFlect™ Low-E Insulating Glass technology with their vinyl frames windows and multiple pane glass. In addition, these are impact-resistant windows made from impact-resistant laminated glass to keep the hurricanes out of your home! All of these features are present in both single-hung windows and double-hung windows installed by EcoView Windows.

EcoView Doors is a sister company of EcoView Windows, providing door replacement services in Pensacola, Florida, and Daphne, Alabama. Browse their exclusive range of steel doors and fiberglass doors for exterior door replacement.

Get a free quote for windows or exterior doors in Pensacola, Florida, and Daphne, Alabama, from a PRO-Advisor at EcoView-WDS.