Windows has always been one of the essential components in the house. They play a very important role in a house for ventilation and passing the light. Since they are the house's most important components, their selection should be wise, considering their location, type, and material. Single-hung and double-hung windows are primarily used for light ventilation purposes. If you want to do windows replacement of your house or to build a new house, want to install new windows, and wonder which one would be a better option to choose, then you are in the right place.
In this article, we will discuss both sliding windows in detail. We will also compare these two windows with each other for your better understanding so that you can make a better decision about windows for your home.
 

Single hung windows
A single-hung window has a fixed upper sash and a movable lower sash that can be raised upward. The main purpose of this type of window is to get some fresh air and light. You can slide the lower sash upward for ventilation.
 

Here are some advantages and disadvantages of single-hung windows. By reading them, you can evaluate whether single-hung windows are a good option for you or not.
 

Advantages of Single-Hung Windows
Following are some advantages of single-hung windows
 

Price
Single-hung windows are cheaper than double-hung windows and have a low installing cost.
 

Work Efficiency
Since single-hung windows have only one moveable sash and the other sash is fixed, there is less chance of air leaks. Both sashes will pass the light, but only the lower sash is available for ventilation. The upper sash is tightly fixed and becomes part of the frame. For this reason, it has better performance numbers regarding solar heat gain, rainwater leakage, and air leakage.
 

Easy to Install
Single-hung windows are quite easy to install because they don't have many moving parts. It doesn't require many tools to install. Only common tools will be enough to install single-hung windows.
 

Disadvantages of Single Hung Windows
Following are some disadvantages of single-hung windows.
 

Hard to Clean
You can easily clean the sashes of the single hung window from its inner side, but it is quite hard to clean its outer side. You will have to go outside or spring out your hand from the lower sash to clean it. It becomes difficult to clean when living on the upper floors.
 

Old Design
Single-hung windows can fit in any older house, but they have typical designs and don't have much flexibility to enhance the aesthetics of new homes.
 

Unsafe for Children
Since its lower sash is openable and easily accessible for minors, if you have a child in your house, he can climb through the window, which is dangerous. Moreover, it is also very unsafe for your pets like cats and dogs when it is open.
 

Hard to Repair
The single-hung window is very hard to repair if its glass break or there is any problem in its channels. If any problem occurs, it will be hard to fix it by yourself. You will need to call a professional to fix it.
 

Double Hung Windows
A Double hung window has two moveable sashes, the bottom sash can slide upward, and the top sash can be slid downward. Besides, there is one more option in this window called a tilt window. Both sashes can be tilted to the inner side, which is a great function and far better than a single hung window.
 

Here are some advantages and disadvantages of the double-hung window. By reading them, you can figure out whether this window is a good option for you or not.
 

Advantages of Double-Hung Windows
Following are some advantages of double-hung windows
 

Easy to Clean
A double-hung window is quite easy to clean because both sashes are movable. You can easily clean them from the inside. This is useful, especially when your window is set on the house's upper floors. Usually, it isn't easy to clean the window from the outside. Furthermore, the double-hung window has a tilt function that makes cleaning easier.
 

Versatility in Design
Double-hung windows have more versatility in frames, glass, size, and functionality than single-hung windows. Whether you choose this window in your old or newly constructed house, it has many custom design options that can enhance the aesthetics of your house.
 

Safe for Children
Double-hung windows are quite safe for children. You can open the upper sash when there are children in your room. The upper sash would certainly not be accessible for the children, and you can safely do your work without keeping an eye on them.
 

Ventilation and Exhausting
If you're facing humidity and smell issues in your rooms, then a double-hung window can solve this problem by allowing more air circulation. You can open the bottom and top parts to intersect in the middle. In this position, the window will work as ventilation and exhaust at the same time. The bottom sash will let the cool air in, and the heat will go out from the top sash.
 

Removable Sashes
So, this is a very effective advantage of double-hung windows when installing and cleaning them. The sashes of double windows can be easily removed for cleaning and repair purposes. This is a very handy feature that you can easily remove before installing the frame and then attach them to the frame. There is no need to lift the whole window while installing it.
 

Disadvantages of Double-Hung Windows
 

Expensive
The price of the double-hung window is higher than the single-hung window because it has more moving parts. The installation cost is also higher for this window. But usually, the price depends on the material you choose for these windows. The wood frame double-hung window will be more expensive, but it provides more flexibility for personalization. Similarly, the vinyl frame will be less expensive, and the fiberglass will lay in the middle of these two materials.
 

Less Energy Efficiency
Double-hung windows are less Energy Efficient Windows because of their moving parts. This window has more moving parts as both sashes are attached to the frame in a way they can easily slide. This gap between the frame and sash has more chance for air leakage, water leakage, and solar heat gain.
 

Harder to Maintain
Double-hung windows are difficult to maintain because of their structure. The hardware, like sliding channels, may expire if you do not clean them regularly. You will need to clean them from dust so they can smoothly slide. You also need to lubricate the tracks regularly to enhance their life. As we talk about the modern double-hung windows, they need less maintenance, but it's still more than single-hung windows.
 

The Cost Difference Between Single-Hung and Double-Hung Windows
There is a price difference between sing and double-hung windows. The price of the double-hung window is high because it has more moving components. Usually, the price of the window depends on the material you select. The wood material is more expensive compared to all the materials, and vinyl is a less expensive material. But you get the value of money when you spend more on the material. So, the price depends on your budget and choices.
 

Single Hung VS Double Hung Windows
So, which one is better for your home? First, we must understand that not one is necessarily better than another. It depends on your situation. Double hung is your option if you want more versatility and functionality. But if you want a simple ventilation window, single hung will suit you. Similarly, if you want the windows for the house's upper floors, the double-hung window is the best option because it is quite easy to clean and install. So you can decide between both windows according to your situation.
 

Hung Windows vs. Awning Windows
Awning windows are used for more ventilation and light in the rooms and washrooms. It has hinges at the top of the frame and opens upward from the bottom. They are installed at the top of the wall, and usually, you need a ladder to open and close them. But hung windows are a far better option than awning windows. They have more areas to pass the light inside the room, and you can enjoy the outdoor scenes through hung windows.
 

Hung Windows vs. Glass Block Windows
Glass block windows have textured glass attached to the frame. They are often used to pass light with privacy. They cannot be open and are not for ventilation. You can use hung windows instead of them with smaller changes like replacing the plain glass with textured glass. So, you can get the light, privacy and also ventilation.
Hung Windows vs. Hopper Windows
Hopper windows are used at the top of the walls for ventilation and light. They are specially used in washrooms and basements where there is less space for a window. They can be open from the top and tip to down. If you have more space in the wall, you can choose hung windows over hopper windows. But if you have less space, hopper windows are a great option.
 

Hung Windows vs. Circle Windows
Round, half round, elliptical or oval windows enhance your house's aesthetics and pass the light. These types of windows usually give a historical touch to your house. Most of the circle windows are fixed. They are only to enhance the beauty of your house and pass the light. However, some companies offer circle windows you can open also. But they are too high in price. But double-hung windows are a better option compared to round windows. They have much design flexibility to fit in your house's structure and can enhance your house's aesthetics. Additionally, you will get more in terms of light as well as ventilation.
 

Material Frames in Hung Windows
There are different material frames available for hung windows.
 

Wood Frames
Wood frames are one of the best window frames among all the material frames. Any material cannot beat wood frames in durability, strength, and performance. Wood Frame Windows are very good insulators and will help to maintain the inner temperature. They will also help to block all the unwanted noises from the outside. They are quite easy to install, even with basic tools. They give more flexibility in aesthetics, and you can easily paint them to give them an elegant and classic look. But their price is very high as compared to other material frames.
 

Vinyl Frames
Vinyl is becoming a very popular material for frames these days. It is lightweight, easy to install, requires less maintenance, and is one of the most affordable Window frames. But you cannot apply the layer of paint like wood frames, and when we compare its durability to wood frames, it is not as durable as wood frames. But if you want budget window frames that are durable also, then vinyl window frames would be the best choice.
 

Aluminum Frames
Aluminum is a very flexible and durable material that requires very less maintenance. Aluminum Frame Windows are light weighted, easy to install, and durable. But they are far less efficient in insulating, have an ordinary look, and are not much adjustable in residential settings.
 

Fiberglass Frames
Fiberglass frame windows are durable, strong, very good insulators, and need minimal maintenance. They are very good insulators and can bear extreme weather conditions without sticking or swelling. But they are high in price as you can get wood frames at this price which are more flexible in almost everything. Fiberglass frames don't have many varieties, and they also have color fading complaints.
 

Some other Window Styles
There are so many different types of windows other than hung windows. So, let's discuss some of them.
 

Picture Windows
A picture window is specially designed to experience the outside view. It is a large window that does not open up.
 

Bay Windows
A Bay window is a large window with three openings that project outward from the main wall of the building. Its shape forms the bay structure in the room.
 

Bow Windows
A bow window enhances the exterior of the building by making a graceful arch with five or six windows. It provides a wider view and gives an aesthetic look to the building from the outside.
 

Casement Windows
Casement windows are the traditional windows having hinges on one side attached to the frames. All Windows are attached with the frames. The upper window is an awning window, opened up for ventilation, and the lower windows are called hoppers.
 

Single Hung Windows and Double Hung Windows: Final Thoughts
So, I hope we have answered everything you about Single-hung and double-hung windows. They have many benefits compared to other windows, such as more ventilation, light, durability, and an aesthetic look. If you want to upgrade your windows or are constructing a new house, hung windows will be a great addition to your house.