At some point, when you plan your major home renovation, you’ll think about your windows and wonder if you need to replace either some or all of them. This should be high on your priority list, especially if your windows are already old and deteriorating.
Any professional in exteriors remodeling would advise you to replace your old windows when you can to keep your home safe and secure. Old windows will have higher risks due to broken locks and poor fits, not to mention higher energy costs due to their ineffectiveness to retain the air temperatures indoors.
When it comes to replacing your windows, there are several things to consider, such as the color, material and type of glass. But before anything, you’ll need to choose which type of windows best suit your needs and preferences. There’s a lot to choose from, but today we’ll be comparing single-hung and double-hung windows, which are two of the most popular choices in the market.
Which type should you consider when purchasing your windows? Here’s what our window and exteriors remodeling team has to say:
Single-Hung Windows
These types of windows are often the standard window option used in newer home construction, apartment buildings and certain office space designs. In a single-hung window, the bottom sash moves vertically while the upper sash remains stationary. When opening this type of window, the bottom sash obstructs, at least partially, the upper sash.
Single-hung windows are widely popular for their affordability. Compared to double-hung windows, single-hung windows can cost between 10% to 20% less. It can also be great for a bedroom depending on its intended purpose. While this may not seem like a great difference when replacing one or two windows, if you’re planning to replace a dozen windows in your home remodel, you’ll see how the costs can be very steep.
Double-Hung Windows
These windows offer the ability to open each sash instead of just the bottom sash. This allows for better airflow and ventilation into your home, which also makes the windows easy to use for ventilation whether they’re installed on ground level or higher floors. You’re also able to tilt the sashes inward and clean both sides of the glass, making it easier to maintain without needing special equipment or a professional cleaning company to do it for you.
Their Notable Differences
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Cost – Single-hung windows typically cost less than double-hung windows simply because they contain fewer moving parts and are easier to manufacture. Installation is also typically cheaper for a single-hung window, whereas a double-hung requires more work to ensure airtightness.
Again, it depends on the intended purpose of the window. For instance, you may be attracted to using a single-hung window throughout your home to cut down on the cost of the project, but consider how you’ll use the window individually for certain areas of your home, such as your living room, kitchen or bedroom. Consult with your window contractor to know what’s best for each area of your home.
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Operability – This is probably the biggest difference between the two windows: single-hung windows feature one operational sash while double-hung windows have two sashes that move up and down. A single-hung window will be a bit difficult to maintain compared to its double-hung counterpart since cleaning the top sash of the latter is much easier. And, unlike single-hung windows, many double-hung windows have sashes that both tilt in for easy cleaning inside and out as well as easy for sash replacement if the glass gets broken.
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Efficiency – Both types of windows have comparable energy efficiency benefits as well as drawbacks. If you don’t close your single- or double-hung windows properly, their sashes may leave a gap and result in a loss of air-conditioned air. You could say that single-hung windows are at an advantage as they only have one operational sash to lock and seal.
When proper care and maintenance are followed, both windows can perform in their peak condition. What differentiates them, however, is the type of glass used in the window as well as its workmanship during installation. A properly installed window will be significantly more energy-efficient than one that’s installed in haste, so be sure to have your windows handled by a trusted window contractor.
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Ventilation – You can only control the amount of ventilation provided by single-hung windows by how much you open or close the bottom sash. This is what makes double-hung windows more beneficial in terms of ventilation as the top sash can be opened to ventilate hot air and the bottom sash to circulate the air. This in-and-out effect can be very appealing if you’re looking for more ventilation and versatility.
Which Should You Choose?
If you’re not sure which you should go for in your home remodel, just consider the key factors, such as how many windows you need to replace and their current condition (particularly the frames) as well as their visual and aesthetic style. Other specific features you need to think about are the type of glass and whether you should get them in double- or triple-pane options.
If you’re on a tight budget, choosing single-hung windows would be a more attractive choice for your home remodeling project. But keep in mind that while the cost of the single-hung window may be lower upfront, the upkeep costs over time can run much higher than those for double-hung windows.
Going for the cheaper option may cause other inconveniences for you in the long run. For instance, cleaning single-hung windows can sometimes be tedious, especially if you have them installed on a higher floor. Since the top sash is not operable, homeowners can only clean the outside of the upper sash by accessing it from the outside of the home. If you want to avoid facing this each time you clean your single-hung windows, you may want to consider a different type instead.
If you’re looking for a reliable contractor in window installation and roof repair, Ganser Company has got you covered! Call us today at (608) 222-1243, or you can fill out our convenient online contact form. Talk to us today!