You might’ve never stopped to think about this, but have you ever noticed how some windows only open from the bottom and others open from the bottom, middle, and top? Well, it’s for a reason and each type has different names. Windows that only open from the bottom are called single hung windows and those that open from the top, bottom, and sometimes middle, are called, you guessed it, double hung windows. But what exactly is the difference and why do some people prefer one over the other? Let’s explore the differences between single hung vs double hung windows and why you might prefer one over the other.
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of windows, let’s make sure you understand some of the basic terminologies used to describe windows.
Panes are the pieces of glass in each window. A large window with one piece of glass is a single-pane window.
A window made up of nine different pieces of glass is a nine-pane window. The term “pane” has nothing to do with whether a window is single hung or double hung.
Sashes are the frames that hold the panes of windows together and one sash means the window can be opened in one way. Two sashes mean there are two frames and the window has two openings. Don’t forget, however, two sash windows can also be opened in the middle which means technically there are three openings.
Single hung windows are the most common type of windows you see on buildings and houses. If you pick a random house on any street, chances are that’s what they have because they’re easier to install, more affordable, and more accessible. Let’s go over each of these benefits in more detail.
Single hung windows are essentially one window. They may consist of multiple panes but they are all together in one piece and can only be opened in one way, usually from the bottom.
This makes the window installation process easy and if you have a house or a building that requires many windows, they take much less work and time to install.
As we mentioned, single hung windows are easier to make and install, so naturally, they’re also more affordable. For a house with many windows, it can take a whole day or even a week to finish the installation.
Single hung windows can be found in any window store, therefore, if you ever need to replace an entire window, you’ll most likely be able to find the same one.
Double hung windows, on the other hand, are usually sold together. If one part breaks you’ll need to find the manufacturer that makes the same one or maybe even customize it.
Since single hung windows are the more classic choice, there are also more styles and colors to choose from. Some stores may only sell windows in this category.
Double hung windows are becoming more popular today because they offer many advantages. Better ventilation, more privacy, and more versatility are just some of them. Below is a full list of their benefits.
Aside from keeping rooms cooler, double hung windows can also provide better ventilation. This is crucial for rooms such as the bathroom or kitchen, as poor ventilation can lead to mold, which could be costly and even present health risks. If you live in an area that’s high in humidity, these windows are a good choice.
For rooms where you would like more privacy such as the bathroom or the bedroom, having double hung windows will allow you to only open the top part of the window while still keeping the bottom part closed for privacy.
Clean windows can make a huge difference in the way your house looks and double hung windows are very easy to clean. They can be opened from the bottom, middle, or top allowing you to easily reach your arms out to clean them.
With single hung windows, you might need to hire a professional window cleaner to wash your windows because you cannot reach the entire window from the bottom or you may live on a higher floor.
Contrary to popular belief, a double-hung window can still look simple even though it includes more parts. Nowadays, many of them look exactly the same as single hung windows. But, if you’re looking for a more unique design, double hung windows can be customized to look different on the top and bottom.
Both types of windows have their advantages and when it comes to choosing one, it all comes down to personal preferences and reasons for the windows.
If you live on an upper floor and you don’t need that many windows, double hung ones are a good choice in the long-run because they’re easier to clean and allow more air flow.
If you live in a big house that needs a lot of windows, single hung windows are great just for the simple fact that they are easier to install, cost less, and are much easier to replace if one breaks.
If you like the simplicity of single hung windows but you find you would like more ventilation in certain rooms, get both! There’s no rule anywhere that says you must get one type of window.
When choosing the style, make sure to select ones that match or complement each other. It might be a bit more work to order both, but for the versatility and utility, it’s absolutely worth the cost.
At the end of the day, it’s completely up to you to decide which type of window fits your needs and budget more.
If you have any more questions about single hung vs double hung windows or any other type of windows, be sure to check out our blog for more ideas and answers!
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