Double Hung vs. Casement Windows

There’s a vast assortment of customizable facade systems available on the market today. To homeowners, on one hand, it opens a wide range of options to choose from. On the other hand, the choice between various window styles becomes harder to make. Some of the most conventional windows are called double-hung windows and casement windows, and in this blog post, we’ll attempt to compare them so that you can determine which one fits best for your home.

Style

Double-hung is called the window that consists of a window pane with two vertical sashes. It’s one of the most common windows and can be found in nearly every American home, built in traditional style. Double hung windows are easy to use, as both sashes can slide up or down.

The casement window is the kind that opens outward like a door and is controlled by a handle with cranking mechanism. It is usually installed in the contemporary, modern-style homes. Unlike double-hung windows, casement windows are at a greater risk of damage both on the hinges (due to strong winds or glass’s weight) and in the case if there’s not enough space outside the window.

Seal

As we know, windows and doors are the main pathways of cold and heat into the house. The tighter the seal your window creates, the more frugal your energy bill is. In fact, most people come to a decision to replace their windows mainly as an attempt to increase the energy efficiency and bring down the electric bill.

In this criteria of comparison, casement windows are known to be the go-to, as they create a tighter seal when cranked shut and locked.

View Outdoors

The upper sash of a double-hung window usually has grids on or between the glass, and a distinguished horizontal bar, called check rail. Obviously, it’s just characteristics of this window style but it slightly obstructs you from an open outdoor view. If you prefer a picture look out of your windows, look into casement windows. They have an advantage of an open picture-frame view, in addition to an opening function.

Ventilation

Both on casement and on double hung windows, there’s an option to control the air that’s coming into the room. When open, casement window’s surface acts like a sail on a sailboat, as it ultimately catches and directs the wind inside. Double hung windows can be open from the top or the bottom, so you can manage where the fresh air is coming from.

If you have any in-depth or particular questions on double hung and casement windows, feel free to contact us today! Our experts would love to help you choose a window style that would perfectly match your home’s design and practical needs.