Single-Hung vs. Double-Hung Windows
When selecting the right windows for your home, there are many styles and types. Single-hung and double-hung windows are among the most popular types of windows in Sacramento. While they may look similar, these window styles both have distinct differences that can impact their cost, performance, security, durability, and overall value. Here is a comparison of single-hung vs double-hung windows to help you determine which might be better for your home.
What Are Single-Hung Windows?
Single-hung windows are a classic design that has been around for centuries. Their timeless look complements many different architectural styles, including the traditional, Craftsman, bungalow, and cottage homes popular in the Sacramento region. They are one of the most common types of windows because of their many benefits.
Single hung windows have two separate sashes, a fixed top sash with an operable bottom sash that slides up and down. Single hung windows open vertically, without leaving their casing, allowing you to enjoy fresh air with no interior or exterior space impact. For this reason, they are ideal for rooms facing decks, patios, and walkways.
Modern single hung windows offer excellent insulation and are available with energy-efficient glazing like Low-E coatings. Many homeowners are choosing to upgrade to energy-efficient single-hung window replacements.
These windows come in a wide variety of materials, colors, and grid styles to match your home’s aesthetic. Single hung windows can be built with vinyl, aluminum, or fiberglass and are available in multiple interior and exterior colors to match your home’s style and budget. Milgard offers single-hung windows in Tuscany Series®, Style Line®, Trinsic Series®, Ultra Series®, and Thermally Improved Aluminum Series styles.
What Are Double-Hung Windows?
Double hung windows are a window style that feature two operable sashes that both slide vertically up and down. You can open the top sash by itself, the bottom sash by itself, or you can open both sashes for better air flow and maximum ventilation.
Double hung windows also tilt in. The advanced tilt-in design makes cleaning these windows a snap. Easily access both the interior and exterior glass from inside your home, keeping your windows clear and spotless without the need for professional cleaners or dangerous ladders.
Double hung windows are highly customizable, with choices in frame colors, glass types, and grid patterns to match any design style. Milgard double-hung vinyl windows are only available in the Tuscany Series®.
While they are more expensive than similar sized single-hung windows, their added features often make double-hung windows worth the investment.
4 Factors To Consider When Comparing Single-Hung vs Double-Hung Windows
Cost of Single-hung vs Double-hung Windows
Cost can be an important consideration when choosing a window style.
Single-hung windows are generally less expensive than double-hung windows, making them a popular choice for homeowners on a budget.
Single-hung windows have only one movable sash, so they require less hardware and are typically easier to install, making them more cost-effective.
Since they have additional features and functionality, double hung windows typically cost a little more than a single hung window of similar size. While double-hung windows are more expensive than single-hung windows, contact the friendly staff at Dick’s Rancho Glass to determine how we can help make the purchase more affordable while keeping the right features for your needs.
Window Ventilation & Air Circulation
The next key difference between single-hung and double-hung windows is the air flow you can get from them.
Double-hung windows are designed to allow for more ventilation options than single-hung windows, making them an excellent choice for homeowners who want more control over the airflow and help circulate fresh air throughout their home.
Since both sashes on a double-hung window can move, you can open both of them to allow for better air circulation and temperature regulation and can even help reduce your reliance on heating and cooling systems.
Window Cleaning & Maintenance
Single-hung windows are generally more durable and easier to maintain as they have fewer moving parts and are less prone to mechanical issues than double hung windows. As for cleaning a single-hung window, the exterior of the top sash can be challenging since only one sash can be opened. It may require a ladder or specialized cleaning tools if they are on an upper floor of your home.
A key advantage to double hung windows is their ease of cleaning. Tilt sashes of double-hung windows enable both the upper and lower sashes to tilt inward, allowing both the interior and exterior glass to be cleaned from inside your home. This is especially helpful for second and third floor windows, where exterior cleaning can be difficult and potentially hazardous.
If properly maintained, both types of windows can last many years and provide reliable performance.
Safety & Security
Safety and security are top concerns for many homeowners, and single-hung and double-hung windows can both be safe and secure. But if the upper sash of a double-hung window isn’t properly closed and secured they can be pried opened from the outside especially when placed at ground level. For this reason, some homeowners put single-hung windows on the first floor and double-hung windows on upper-level floors.
Double-hung windows can provide better safety for households with pets or young children. The top opening sash lets you keep the lower sash closed while allowing airflow through the open top. This means you can enjoy fresh air without worrying about small children accidentally pushing or falling out of an open window.
Final Recap: Which is Right for You?
The primary difference between single hung windows and double hung windows is the number of sashes that are operable. In a single-hung window, only the bottom sash moves, while the top sash stays fixed in place. In contrast, both sashes can move in a double-hung window.
Single-hung windows are more affordable to buy and install than double-hung windows making them a popular choice for homeowners on a budget. They are ideal for ground-floor and hard-to-reach places, as they feature a single sash that’s easier to operate and secure. However, single-hung windows are harder to clean, especially on upper floors.
Double-hung windows are better for increased ventilation and are easier to clean due to tilt-latches on both sashes that allow you to angle them inward. They also provide more opening options that may be ideal for the safety of pets and small children. However, double-hung windows are more expensive and are not available in all Milgard styles.
Here’s a side by side comparison of single-hung vs double-hung windows for a quick review:
| SINGLE HUNG | DOUBLE HUNG | |
| SASH FEATURES | Fixed upper sash and operable bottom sash | Two operable sashes with tilt-in feature. |
| COST | More cost effective | More expensive due to more materials and moveable parts |
| MAINTENANCE & DURABILITY | More durable and easier to maintain due to fewer materials and moving parts | May require more maintenance over time due to more moving parts |
| CLEANING | Can be challenging to clean on upper floors from the outside | Include tilt-sashes to aid cleaning both the interior and exterior from inside your home |
| VENTILATION | Limited ventilation from single operable sash | Maximum ventilation & air flow from dual sash openings |
| SAFETY & SECURITY | Easier to operate & secure | Added level of safety for pets and small children by opening upper sash only |
| AVAILABILITY | Available in all Milgard Series | Only available in Milgard’s Tuscany Series® |