If you’re not an expert on window style and design, it can feel like there’s a steep learning curve to get up to speed. After all, you want to make the best choice for your home. The good news is you don’t need to be an expert, you just need to know who to talk to.
At Torwin, we do windows, and we’re proud to say we do them well. In this article, we’ll discuss two common window types: single hung vs. double hung windows.
Double Hung vs Single Hung Windows: What’s the Difference?
At first glance, single hung and double hung windows look very similar, but there is one major difference. With a single hung, only one pane moves. Usually, the top sash stays stationary, while the bottom sash moves up and down.
Both panes can be moved with a double hung window, potentially allowing greater airflow in the room. While this may seem like a subtle difference, each style has its pros and cons. In many cases, you may need help to tell the two apart just by looking, so consider the functionality of both and how they compare when you make your decision.
If you’re considering replacing your windows with hung windows, you’ll need to understand how this small difference makes a big impact.
A Cost Comparison
Although cost won’t be the only factor in your decision, single hung windows generally cost less than double hung since there are fewer moving parts. This is because only half the window moves, which means there’s less hardware and mechanisms to account for. If you compare a single hung and a double hung window that’s the same size and made of the same materials, the double hung can still cost significantly more, after factoring in installation costs.
More care and attention is required to ensure a double hung window is installed properly. In contrast, single hungs are easier to put in, allowing an installer to focus their attention on the seal around the window frame. Some also say that single hung windows, with fewer moving parts, are less susceptible to the wear and tear that comes from daily use.
However, today’s double hung window parts and components are updated with new, more durable materials—talk to a Torwin representative if you want to know more.
You’ll need to consider the convenience of using both panes before choosing a style. Is the extra cost worth it for you and your home? Or is a single moving sash enough for your needs?
Easy to Use, Easier to Clean
When it comes to ease of use, double hung windows win, hands down. Double hung styles can be adjusted and opened in more than one way, allowing more fresh air into your home. You may have also heard that “heat rises.” A double-hung window can cool a room quickly by lowering the top pane, giving an easy out to the warmer air that’s concentrated higher up in your space.
And if you have double-hung windows on your upper floors, located directly under the eaves of your roof, you’ll be able to open your top sash for airflow, even in the rain. The overhang can help block moisture from entering your home, even with your double hung window partly open. This is also an advantage if you’ve got small children in your family—opening the upper sash allows airflow out of reach of curious or rambunctious kids.
What’s more, many double-hung windows have a “tilt-in” design that allows you to access each pane for easy cleaning.
With single hung windows, they only have one area that can be opened for airflow. You can also remove a pane, but only what’s attached to the operable sash. You’ll need to go outside to fully clean the exterior. This may not be an issue for your ground-floor windows, but it does pose a bigger challenge for the upper storeys.
Available in Both Traditional and Modern Styles
For your window replacement project, both single and double hung windows come in a broad variety of styles, thanks to the wider variety of manufacturing options available today. With so many choices, you’re sure to find a design that matches your tastes and your home’s decor.
In general, single hung windows can have a more traditional look and feel, and fit well with more historic homes. On the other hand, double hung windows can come in more contemporary styling for a crisp, modern look. Both double and single hung windows are available in vinyl, wood, or aluminum. And both types can improve the energy efficiency of your home.
Unlike the rickety sliding frames you may remember in your childhood home, today’s models are well-insulated and built with thicker glass and improved seals to ensure air doesn’t seep in or out of closed windows. So while replacing your windows can represent a significant upfront investment, you’ll save on your energy bill for years after installing them.
When it comes down to it, the choice between single and double hung windows will boil down to your personal preferences and your budget. So think about these differences carefully and decide where your priorities are. If you can’t choose, contact us for customized insight. We can help you zero in on an option that fits your needs, budget and tastes while enhancing your home’s exterior.
And if you’re worried about the installation process, we’re the perfect team to entrust with the job! We assign dedicated staff to each project to ensure timely completion without hiccups. At Torwin, we know it can be inconvenient to have a half-finished window installation job—it interferes with the use of your home, particularly in the cooler months.
Our priority is to get the work done quickly and well, so you can enjoy your new single or double hung windows and the energy efficiency that comes with it!
If you’re ready to make a move and add either single or double hung windows to your home, contact the Torwin Team for a free consultation! Our professional staff is ready to help you make your choice today. We’ll take into account your budget, preferences, and functionality requirements to present you with models that meet your needs.
