Double-Hung Windows vs. Casement Windows: Which is Right for Me?
When it comes time to replace the windows on your home, there’s a lot to consider. You’ll want to factor in things like energy efficiency, durability, style, and cost. There are a lot of window options to consider, but two of the most common windows selected by homeowners are casement windows and double-hung windows.
As for answering the question of double-hung windows vs. casement windows and what’s right for your home, start by getting a handle on the basics. Here’s what you need to know about these two popular window varieties.
Casement Windows
A casement window is typically a side-hinging window, with a single uninterrupted window pane that is easily opened and closed horizontally. It opens outward by a crank mechanism, usually with a hinge on the side. The screen of a casement window is attached inside the window frame.
Casement windows are cost effective and easy to open and close, have the tightest seal, and provide an unobstructed view. The screen is inside the window.
Casement windows pros: easy to operate; direct breeze into your home; are weathertight.
Casement window cons: adjacent windows can conflict; wind can catch sashes; difficult to clean the outside glass.
Double-Hung Windows
A double-hung window is made up of two pieces: the upper and lower sashes, meaning you don’t have an unobstructed view outside since there’s a frame in the middle. The window opens by sliding one of the sashes up or down, depending on the window. The screen is attached outside the window, and some styles tilt inside your house for easy cleaning.
Double-hung windows are easy clean, have optimized airflow, have enhanced ventilation, and come in a variety of sizes and options. The screen is outside the window.
Double-hung window pros: closed lower sash keeps kids safe; the sash is easy to clean.
Double-hung window cons: can be difficult to raise and lower.
Which is better for me?
The short answer about which type of window is best for you and your home is that it depends. Here are some straightforward pros and cons of casement windows vs. double-hung windows.
Energy Efficiency
Casement windows—especially newer models with advanced technology—are typically the better option for saving energy because they have a seal on all four sides. However, you can increase the energy efficiency of double-hung windows by using weather stripping to keep warm air in during cold months.
Another factor to consider when it comes to efficiency is airflow: because casement windows swing outward, they can better catch the breeze and direct it into your home.
Durability
Both types of windows are durable and should last for many years after installation. Window technology has come a long way since the first casement windows came about in the 18th century. However, because they’re exposed to the elements, casement windows may be slightly less durable than double-hung windows, especially if they’re made of wood. Alternative materials like vinyl, aluminum, or fiberglass are good options for durable casement windows.
Both casement windows and double-hung windows are popular throughout Colorado, and both will stand up to the strong storms we experience, including hail and wind.
Style
One of the main factors people consider when selecting a window style is how it will fit with the style of their home. To be fair, both types of windows are good options for all types of homes, but many people with older homes prefer double-hung windows because of their traditional look.
When thinking about the look and feel of the windows in your home, it’s also important to consider location and how you’ll access them to open them. For example, double-hung windows over your kitchen sink may be difficult to open and close due to the window placement. Likewise, you probably don’t want to install casement windows that open out onto your patio where you like to sit and enjoy the weather.
Cost
When shopping for windows for your home, casement windows and double-hung windows are both excellent choices. Perhaps the most important question that many people ask: are casement windows more expensive than double-hung windows? It’s true that because of their high energy efficiency, as well as the mechanics involved, the cost of casement windows vs double-hung windows is typically higher. But bear in mind that this is an upfront cost that you could recoup after years of saving money on your energy bill.
Double-hung windows are usually less expensive than casement windows. They are in high demand and competition among window manufacturers helps to control the costs for this popular window.
Hire an Expert Team to Install Your Windows
No matter which type of replacement window you select for your home, be sure to have them professionally installed by a local, experienced team you can trust.
Our team at J&K Roofing has decades of experience with window replacement, and we’re certified and very familiar with all windows from leading brands including Anderson, Pella, and Simonton.
Give us a call today to talk about your window project—you’ll be in good hands! 303-425-7531