Unless you're an architect or builder, you probably don't know what is a double hung window, or how it's different from a single hung window. And while they look identical, there are important differences that are worth understanding. These differences are especially important if you're planning to buy or build a new home.
We hope you find this table helpful in understanding why double hung windows make more sense. That is unless you're a builder looking to save construction costs. Comparing the cost for one or a few windows might not seem like much. Comparing construction costs for a house with 30 windows, or 20 homes with 600 or … thousands of windows in big developments, and the savings are huge.
What Is a Double Hung Window?
What Is a Double Hung Window?When you look at the window above, you see the lower pane of glass framed in wood, fiberglass, vinyl or metal. This is called the sash, which moves up along tracks when you open the window. What is a double hung window? It's a window like the one shown where both the bottom and top sashes move. With a single hung window, the top glass pane is fixed and only the bottom sash moves.
Let's dig deeper to understand what the differences are between double hung windows and single hung windows.
| Double Hung Windows | Single Hung Windows | |
| Window styles | Window design options are identical. | |
| Open & close | Top & bottom sashes open. | Top glass fixed; bottom sash opens. |
| Ventilation | Good ventilation with top and bottom sashes open. | Less ventilation from one sash. |
| Product Costs | 10-20% more than single hung. | Cheaper than double hung windows. |
| Installation Costs | No cost difference. | No cost difference. |
| Maintenance Costs | No cost difference. | No cost difference. |
| Cleaning | Easy as both windows can be tilted. | Hard to clean top sash since it doesn't tilt. |
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PS There are many window brands. When we built our home in Poughkeepsie, New York, our builder recommended a regional manufacturer, and they were great windows. With my handyman business in southern New Hampshire, unless the customer specified a brand, we ordered our doors and windows from Harvey Building Products.
My mom wants to replace our windows because the current ones are old and rusty. I learned that double hung windows can be opened up and down. Moreover, it’s best to consult to professionals about window design.
My mom wants to replace our windows because the current ones are already old and rusty. It was explained here that double hung windows can be opened up and down. Moreover, it’s best to consult to professionals about window design.
I didn’t know that there’s a difference between a double and single hung window. My mom wants to redecorate our living room because her friends are coming over. My sister suggested having double hung windows and shared this article with her.