Are Double Hung Windows The Best Choice For Your Home? Weigh The Pros And Cons.
To this day, double hung windows remain the most popular style of replacement windows. Their easy operation, ventilation, and wide views make them a great choice for just about every room. But every style of window has its own drawbacks. Are double hung windows right for your home? Ultimately, that’s up to your preference. Here are a few pros and cons:
Double Hung Window Pros
Double hung windows have been the most prominent window style for decades in the United States, and that popularity doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon. The benefits are well-known, but here are some of the most common features that lead people towards double hung windows:
- Energy Efficiency. More important than ever these days, homeowners like the fact that double hung windows are energy efficient. The double locking mechanism makes them more tightly sealed and the easy ventilation allows you to let in some fresh air on a nice day and rely less on your home’s heating and cooling. You can also use features like low-E glass or fiberglass elements for more strength.
- Ventilation. With double hung windows, you can move the top sash down or the bottom sash up to let in fresh air in whatever fashion you choose. It’s easy to operate, and just as easy to close again when you’re done or when the weather takes a turn. It’s also perfect if you need to install a window air conditioning unit.
- Easy Cleaning. Because double hung windows are so versatile, they’re easier to clean. You can tilt the sashes towards you to wipe them down on either side, so you don’t have to go back and forth in order to clean them. This is particularly convenient if your windows are on a second or third story, so you don’t have to use a ladder to clean the outside glass.
Double Hung Window Cons
Every style of window has its own drawbacks. While double hung windows are a solid choice overall, there may be reasons why they’re simply not right for your home or for a particular room. Here are a few disadvantages to consider:
- Cost. Double hung windows, by virtue of the features that allow both sashes to be fully operable, tend to be more expensive than single hung windows, though still less expensive than other, more complex styles of replacement windows.
- Maintenance. Double hung windows need to be cleaned and dusted regularly to stay in good shape, and the locks and pulley mechanisms may need to be lubricated to keep from becoming too stiff or rusting. Modern double hung windows may require less maintenance, especially with vinyl or fiberglass frames, but it’s still more maintenance than, say, single hung windows or picture windows.
- Air leakage. Double hung windows are less tightly sealed than casement windows naturally, and may need weatherstripping in the cooler months to make sure that cold air and pests don’t get into the home. The right installation will go a long way in helping this, but you’ll still have to make sure your window stays tightly sealed.
So are double hung windows the right choice for your home? Mainstream Home Improvements offers high quality double hung windows as well as slider, casement, awning, bay, bow, and garden windows. Contact us today for an estimate on your own replacement windows, whatever the style.
