Double-hung and casement windows are truly fabulous. Both types of windows come out in a variety of styles and dimensions. You can find choices whether you look to find wood or aluminum windows and whether you want them for the kitchen or the bedroom.
Both casement and double-hung windows can be made with double or triple glazing and designed to meet your color and style preferences. And so, it’s fair to say that there are plenty of similarities between such windows.
But then again, these are two different types of windows. Although they both may be made to offer thermal efficiency, convenience, and security, they do not both offer the same level of security, energy efficiency, and ease. Why, you may ask? Well, it depends on what you are looking to find, where the windows are installed, your access to the window, the structure and the style of the home, and your expectations.
A simple example to justify the above remarks? Let’s say that you are searching for a window to place over the kitchen sink. Operating a double-hung window while standing over the sink will likely be challenging. In this particular example, a casement window will likely be a bad choice as well since if it opens outwards, it will be difficult for you to reach it and if it opens inwards, it won’t let you stand in front of the sink. In this case, sliding windows will be best. But this is just a simple demonstration to underline the fact that choosing windows is much more than meets the eye.
But let us stick to the two window types for now and compare them. Shall we do that?
Casement windows often consist of two panes, although there are single-pane casement windows too. These are the windows that swing open – like doors – either inwards or outwards. There are good and bad things for both styles.
- Casement windows with an outward opening operation are hard to clean and easy to be damaged by the elements.
- Those that open inwards are better, as long as they don’t get in the way.
Based on the latter comment, the available space always defines the window choice. And so, when there’s a tight space or lots of traffic, double-hung windows are better than casement windows.
Double-hung windows
Double-hung windows consist of two pieces – the lower and the upper sash. And each sash opens and
closes independently by sliding up and down. This up & down sliding operation makes double-hung windows an excellent choice for space-saving.
As we can see, the main difference between the two windows is the way they open. Since this factor affects traffic – and your life, it’s something that must be considered before anything else. This factor alone may help you understand whether you must get this or that window.
The energy efficiency differences between these windows
Casement windows are better sealed. They close airtight and so they offer higher thermal efficiency. And so, although the features and glass panes of both window types may cut your energy costs, casement windows will make a greater difference.
Window views differences
As a rule of thumb, double-hung windows do not offer the same view as casement windows and that’s due to the horizontal bar where the upper and lower sashes meet. Then again, it depends on the size of the window. Don’t forget that double casement windows have a vertical bar in between the two panes too. Overall, though, they offer greater views, especially if the panes are large. No doubt.
Cleaning the windows
With older double-hung window designs and with casement windows that open outwards, cleaning is a challenge. Cleaning becomes much easier when the casement windows open inwards and when the double-hung windows have a tilt-in operation.
Cost differences
The casement and double-hung window replacement costs mostly depend on what you get in terms of features, dimensions, materials, and glazing than the type of window itself.
Don’t forget that the overall features of the window and the location of the window installation play a role in your decision. For example, we often assume that double-hung windows are good for bedrooms since both sashes may open for fast and good ventilation. But if the casement windows also tilt, you can leave them open for as long as you like without worrying about home security. And so, it’s fair to say that both types of windows have their pros and cons but at the end of the day, it matters what you need, where you need it, and what you expect.