Normally, double-hung windows often have simulated divided lights or window grid installed, and are associated with a more traditional aesthetic. Here’s our window glass repair expert in Bethesda and Silver Spring offering an ultimate guide to double-hung windows:
What does double-hung mean?
In simple words, double-hung means you can either open these windows from the bottom or from the top – unlike single-hung that only open from the bottom.
Double-hung windows are conventional, simple rectangular windows with a lower and an upper sash. Sometimes, the glass in each sash is composed of a single pane, in other instances, the glass may be divided into various panes, separated by dividers referred to as grids or ‘muntins.’
You can move both sashes of a double-hung window up and down. Thanks to this functionality, homeowners can either open half of the window if they wish to or benefit from extra
If you have small children at home, you can leave the lower sash closed and open the upper sash for ventilation.
Well, there’s one thing that double-hung windows promise, and that’s convenience. In contemporary double-hung windows, you can tilt both sashes inward for cleaning purposes.
Compared to a single-hung window, the casing on a double-hung window is usually thicker because, to move up and down independently, both sashes should exist on their own. However, a single and double-hung window look very similar, and an untrained eye may not be able to distinguish between them.
How do double-hung windows work?
Pull down on the sash by applying pressure to the rails or muntins in a downward direction. This will help you move the upper sash on a double-hung window. Push up on the rails from beneath to lift the lower sash.
With newer forms of double-hung windows, it’s now possible to include latches that let you lean the windows out from their tracks. This allows the homeowners to clean the windows from within the house, without going outside.
Let’s look at how single and double-hung windows differ!
Single-hung versus double-hung windows
Cleaning and maintenance
Single-hung windows have long-term stability because fixed sashes have few moveable parts. However, these windows don’t have any tilt-in capability and only slide up from the bottom, which is why you can’t clean the outside of these windows from the inside. To clean upper-level windows, you’ll have to spend some bucks and appoint a window washing service. Plus, calling a professional is recommended when you’re dealing with a broken frame. It doesn’t matter if just one sash broke, you should be replacing both of them at the same time.
Double-hung windows are very easy to clean. They can tilt inward, allowing you to clean them from indoors and they can raise and lower to expose spots that are difficult to reach. This is an important function for upper levels windows. Since you can inspect every part during cleaning, you can easily spot areas that require repair, which can help you fix the windows quickly before they’re damaged. However, double-hung windows have a lot of moveable parts, which means, there’s an increased likelihood for more maintenance costs and more opportunities for breakdown.
Cleaning and maintenance
Since the frame in a single-hung window suffers less use, the lesser moveable parts of the fixed sash amplify resistance to air filtration and water leakage. However, these windows can only open from the bottom, which increases the risk for children and pets, especially on upper levels.
Double-hung windows have two locks, one for each sash, and need a heavier, stronger frame on which to slide and tilt. This increases safety by leaps and bounds. Plus, you can open from the top without opening the bottom, which substantially decreases the risk of danger for pets or small children on upper levels.
Double-hung windows have two locks, one for each sash, and need a heavier, stronger frame on which to slide and tilt. This increases safety by leaps and bounds. Plus, you can open from the top without opening the bottom, which substantially decreases the risk of danger for pets or small children on upper levels.
However, better mobility means more wear and tear on the seals and frame, and since the gravity pulls down on the upper sash, more upkeep is required to maintain double-hung windows.
