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What’s the Difference Between Single-Hung and Double-Hung Windows?

What’s the Difference Between Single-Hung and Double-Hung Windows?

Updated: 10.11.2024

By Nina Tsoy

When considering replacing windows in your home, understanding the distinctions between single-hung and double-hung window frames is crucial. Both styles are prevalent in various home designs and serve key functions in enhancing your living space.

Apex Window Werks, with our expertise in window solutions, recognizes the importance of choosing the right type for your specific needs. In this guide, we delve into the nuances that set single-hung windows apart from double-hung windows, providing you with the knowledge to make an informed decision for your home.

What Defines a Single-Hung Window?

What Defines a Single-Hung Window?

A single sash window features a unique design where only the bottom sash is operable, moving up and down, while the top sash remains fixed. This structure allows for ventilation through the lower part of the window. The fixed upper sash in a single hung window contributes to a classic and streamlined appearance, often making it a common choice for various homes. Its design simplicity lends a traditional look and also typically results in lower manufacturing costs.

What Characterizes a Double-Hung Window?

Double-hung windows offer a versatile and functional design that’s characterized as a double-sash window with two operable sashes. Both the upper and lower window sashes can slide up and down to provide varied ventilation options.

This feature is particularly beneficial as hot air can escape through the upper window sash, while cooler air can enter from the lower section, enhancing indoor comfort. The ability to open both sashes of double-hung windows not only improves air circulation but also offers convenience in maintenance and cleaning.

What Characterizes a Double-Hung Window?

Single Hung vs. Double Hung: A Comparative Overview

These are the key differences between single-hung and double-hung windows essential for homeowners contemplating a window upgrade.

FactorSingle-Hung WindowDouble-Hung Window
Style OptionsOffers a classic look, traditionally used in historic homes, available in vinyl, fiberglass, wood, aluminum frames.Increasingly popular in modern constructions, versatile in sizes, styles, and colors, available in various materials.
VentilationOnly the bottom sash moves, allowing airflow through the lower section, less efficient in expelling warm air.Both top and bottom sashes open, offering enhanced flexibility and control over airflow, beneficial for upper-story rooms.
SafetyMore secure against external tampering, poses risk for households with small children due to lower sash.Less secure as upper sash can be pried open if not secured, but safer for homes with children and pets.
Energy EfficiencySeen as more energy efficient due to fewer moving parts, material of frame also contributes to efficiency.Can suffer from higher air leakage rates, well-sealed models mitigate this issue, frame material affects efficiency.
Cleaning & MaintenanceLower sash may tilt inward for cleaning, fixed upper sash requires external cleaning.Both sashes tilt inwards for easy cleaning of interior and exterior surfaces from indoors, beneficial for upper-story windows.
CostLess expensive, costs range from $100 to $300 per window, cheaper installation than double hung windows.More expensive, costs range from $400 to $600 per window, installation costs are higher.
InstallationSimpler to install due to fewer moving parts, can translate to savings in labor and manufacturing costs.More complex installation due to intricate design, less suitable for DIY, professional installation recommended.

Style Options

Navigating the differences between single-hung and double-hung windows is key in selecting the ideal window style for your home. Both types cater to different aesthetic preferences and functional requirements, offer distinctive benefits, and can be found in a variety of materials such as:

Single-hung windows, traditionally used in historic homes, provide a classic look, while double-hung windows are increasingly popular in modern constructions due to their versatility in sizes, styles, and colors.

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Ventilation

In single-hung windows, only the bottom sash moves, sliding up to permit airflow, while the top sash is fixed, limiting ventilation to just the lower section. This design is effective in drawing in cold air but might not be as efficient in releasing warm air from the room.

Contrastingly, double-hung windows are tailored for improved ventilation. They enable opening both the top and bottom parts of the window frame, thus offering enhanced flexibility and control over airflow.

By opening both sashes at once, a circulation effect is created, where warm air can exit through the top and cool, fresh air can enter from the bottom. This dual-sash feature proves especially beneficial in upper-story rooms or areas prone to heat build-up to ensure a more balanced and effective air exchange within the indoor environment.

Safety

Safety

Double-hung windows, which allow both sashes to open, can be a security risk if the upper sash isn’t properly secured, as it can be pried open from the outside. However, they offer a safety advantage in homes with children and pets, as opening just the top sash prevents accidents. On the other hand, single-hung windows are generally more secure against external tampering but can pose a risk for households with small children due to the accessible lower sash. Ultimately, both window types can be safe and secure with appropriate usage and safety measures.

Energy Efficiency

Both types of windows are designed with energy efficiency in mind, but their structural differences can impact their performance. Single-hung windows are often seen as more energy efficient due to fewer moving parts, which minimizes the chances of air infiltration. However, it’s important to consider the frame material as well, which significantly contributes to overall efficiency.

Vinyl and fiberglass frames, common in both single and double-hung windows, feature multi-chambered designs that impede heat movement to help maintain a comfortable indoor temperature year-round. Fiberglass options may also include insulating foam for added efficiency. Wood frames, being natural insulators, further boost the efficiency of these windows.

On the other hand, double-hung windows, with their two movable sashes, can sometimes suffer from higher air leakage rates, especially if not sealed properly at the top edge of the frame. This can lead to increased energy costs, although high-quality, well-sealed double-hung windows can mitigate this issue.

For homeowners looking beyond double and single-hung windows, casement windows and awning windows provide excellent weather tightness due to their design, where the sash presses directly against the frame. Picture windows, which don’t open, are a great alternative for spaces where ventilation is not a primary concern. In all cases, choosing windows that are ENERGY STAR®-rated can maximize efficiency, regardless of the window style.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Cleaning & Maintenance

Single-hung windows, characterized by an operable lower sash and a fixed upper sash, present a unique challenge in terms of window cleaning. While the lower sash of some models may tilt inward for easier cleaning from the inside, the fixed sash typically requires external cleaning, which can be less convenient.

On the other hand, double-hung windows provide a more user-friendly approach to cleaning. Both sashes in these windows are designed to tilt inwards, allowing for the cleaning of both the interior and exterior surfaces from inside your home. This is especially beneficial for windows located on upper stories, where cleaning the exterior can be more complex and hazardous.

Cost

When comparing single-hung and double-hung windows, the cost difference is a significant factor to consider. Generally, single-hung windows are less expensive than their double-hung counterparts. This price difference primarily stems from the simpler construction of single-hung windows, which have fewer moving parts. The material of the window also plays a crucial role in determining the cost.

For instance, wood, offering more customization options, tends to be on the higher end, while vinyl is more budget-friendly and requires less maintenance. Fiberglass usually falls in the mid-range price category.

On average, a single-hung window can cost between $100 to $300 per window, while a double-hung window often ranges from $400 to $600, not including installation costs. Installation expenses also vary, with single-hung windows typically costing less to install than double-hung windows, which are generally heavier and may offer more features like enhanced energy efficiency, varied frame materials, and UV protection.

While the difference in price per window might seem small, it can accumulate significantly, especially in large-scale replacement projects. Therefore, homeowners often choose single-hung windows for lower floors and double-hung for upper floors, balancing cost with functionality.

Choosing Between DIY and Professional Window Installation

Different Sliding Screen Door Types

Both types are suitable for various settings, including new constructions, replacements, or remodeling endeavors. The installation process involves critical steps like ensuring a proper seal around the window to protect against elements like wind and water. Shimming, for instance, is essential to achieve an optimal seal between the weatherstrip and the frame, safeguarding your home.

Single-hung windows, with their fewer moving parts, are generally simpler to install, which can translate to savings in both labor and manufacturing costs. Conversely, double-hung windows, due to their more intricate design and higher upfront costs, typically require a more complex installation process. This complexity often makes them less suitable for DIY installation. Moreover, while many window manufacturers provide warranties, professional installation is key to maximizing the longevity and performance of your windows to ensure they function effectively for years to come.

Making the Wise Decision with Apex Window Werks

In wrapping up our exploration of window styles, it’s clear that choosing the right windows is pivotal in defining the character and functionality of your home. Whether it’s the streamlined simplicity of single-hung windows or the versatile functionality of double-hung windows, each type brings its unique benefits.

At Apex Window Werks, a renowned window manufacturer and repair and replacement company, we understand the importance of finding the perfect window solution for your home. Serving Illinois, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin, our expertise lies in providing high-quality window options tailored to meet your specific needs. Contact us today and let us help you make your home the best it can be!

Nina Tsoy

Nina Tsoy

Nina Tsoy is a trusted window industry expert with 15+ years of experience. Read her latest blogs and get valuable insights for your next window project.

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