What Are Double Hung Windows?

They are windows that are meant to operate sashes are operational. You can open the bottom sash as well as the top sash.

When you’re buying replacement windows in Houston, you have a ton of options in terms of design and features. However, the two most popular types of windows sold for Houston homes are Single Hung windows and Double Hung windows.

Both are available in a wide range of styles, and both have their unique benefits all while being somewhat similar. There are a few differences between the two that might affect your preference either way. So, let’s compare the two so you can make a well-informed decision should you be unsure of which type to get.

A Single Hung window is also referred to by some manufacturers as a single-sash type window. It is exactly as it sounds, a window with a single moving sash on the bottom and a stationary upper sash. Ventilation on this type of window flows through the bottom sash.

A Double Hung window is also called a double-sash window in some circles, and has two functional sashes. Both sashes; top and bottom, can be open to a certain degree at the same time. Since heat rises, the top sash can allow heat to escape from the home. Cool air, on the other hand, flows from the outside through the bottom sash and this adds to the comfort of your home. These are very popular with multi-story homes.

What Is The Price Difference Between a Single Hung and Double Hung Windows?

While price shouldn’t be the only deciding factor when choosing windows, but we understand for many it’s the main one. When comparing the cost of Single Hung vs. Double Hung windows—the additional function of Double Hung windows naturally makes them more expensive. Single Hung windows have fewer moving parts so, manufacturing costs are less. This trickles down to the retail cost, but there’s other factors that can impact the price as well.

For example, the material the windows are made of will have a significant influence on the overall price. Wood is often one of the most expensive materials, especially with the current lumber shortage. This is why most of our customers go with vinyl windows whether single or Double Hung.

Vinyl offers a great value because they offer many color options while also lasting upwards of 25 years or more. They are also very low-maintenance, so things like painting, sanding, swelling and warping are not an issue.

So, when deciding between these two window types, there are a few things you need to consider.

5 Things To Consider When Choosing Between Single Or Double Hung Windows

As we briefly touched on, Single Hung and Double Hung windows are available in a variety of materials such as wood, composite, and vinyl. However, there are several other things you want to think about before making a decision for your home windows.

Maintenance And Cleaning

If you want your windows to last a long time and look great doing so, they need to be cleaned regularly. Both Single Hung and Double Hung windows are fairly easy to clean, but Double Hung do have a slight advantage here.

With Single Hung windows cleaning the bottom sash from inside your home isn’t difficult. It just takes a solution of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Just spray it on the glass and wipe it until clean with a lint-free cloth. Don’t forget to wipe down the frames, the trim, lock hardware, and the tracks. Some Single Hung windows even tilt inward to make cleaning easier for the bottom sash.

However, when it comes to cleaning the top sash of Single Hung windows, you have to go outside to clean them. This may not sound like much work in milder climates, however, in Houston with the humidity and heat it can get exhausting. Not only that, but when you are talking about cleaning an average of 10-15 windows, it’s very time-consuming.

This is where Window Source Double Hung windows really stand out. Ours have latches that allow both top and bottom sashes to tilt inward. This allows you to easily clean both sashes and frames from the comfort of your home.

Ventilation

While single and Double Hung windows both offer sufficient ventilation for your house, the difference between the two boils down to flexibility. With Single Hung, you can only raise the bottom sash for ventilation so air can flow. However, with Double Hung windows, you can open the top, the bottom, or both sashes. This really comes in handy during spring storms when you still want the windows open. With Single Hung, water tends to blow into the bottom sash getting the sill wet. With Double Hung, the top sash opening is usually partially shielded by your eaves. This allows airflow without worrying about water getting in.

Energy Efficiency

Both of these window types are designed to be as energy-efficient as possible. However, the material you choose has an additional impact on the level of efficiency. For example, while wood is very inefficient, vinyl window frames are built with a multi-chambered design. These chambers help to diffuse the movement of heat and even slow its movement. In winter this translates into helping keep the warm air inside from leaking outside. In the hot Houston summers, it means cool air stays in and the hot air outside stays out.

Size

When you’re looking at single and Double Hung windows side by side, Double Hung tend to be available in bigger sizes. A larger window allows more natural sunlight in as well as more ventilation. If you’re looking for a cost-cutting option, a Single Hung window installed higher up can give you the same effect in many cases.

Style Of Your Home

Single and Double Hung windows are usually found in more traditional-styled homes. Single Hung windows are more often found in historic homes, to maintain an authentic look. Also, craftsman homes almost always include Single Hung windows as it’s a signature of that style. Double Hung windows are commonly found in colonial style, traditional American, or Victorian-style homes.

Regardless of the style of your home, you need to consider the room you’re installing a window in. Consider the accessibility to the window and the needs for the room. For example, in a kitchen window located over the sink, go with Single Hung since it’s kind of hard to reach. A Double Hung window here would be kind of pointless if you can’t reach the top sash anyway. The Single Hung would be much easier to open and close for ventilation and cleaning.

However, if you have plenty of room to reach the top and bottom sash and want more ventilation, Double Hung windows are perfect. Also, they’re great for second and third stories since they can be cleaned from the inside. No need to get out a tall ladder and risk falling just for trying to clean your windows. Rooms that most often use Double Hung windows include family rooms, bathrooms, and attached garages.

Are Double Hung Windows Right For You?

If you are torn between single and Double Hung windows, you don’t have to be. While some of your rooms may benefit more from a Single Hung window, others may not. That is why it’s important to work with a window company in Houston that caters to your needs.

At The Window Source of Houston, we treat your home like our home. Your needs are as important to us as our own. So, you can rest assured that we will create a window package that tailors to your specific needs in each room

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and improve the energy efficiency of your home with our high-quality windows. All of our windows come with a lifetime guarantee so you can have peace of mind that you made a smart investment.