Exploring Sash Mechanics
To understand the benefits of double-hung windows, it helps to understand a bit about window sashes. The sash is the glass and the frame holding it. The window frame surrounds the sashes.
The double-hung window is the most popular kind of window, according to This Old House. It has two sashes oriented vertically, and both move, providing a lot of flexibility. It’s often compared to a single-hung window because it’s nearly impossible to tell these two types of windows apart from a distance. In fact, when people picture windows, they almost always envision these windows. However, there’s a distinct difference between them. With a single-hung window, only the bottom sash moves. That limitation gives the double-hung window many advantages.
Increased Ventilation
Some windows don’t open at all. Some windows only open one way. Double-hung windows allow you to move both sashes, so you have more ways to ventilate your home. You can open the lower sash, the upper sash, or both.
Some pundits argue that this increased ventilation has a downside. It means that double-hung windows and other windows with moving sashes aren’t as naturally energy-efficient as windows with fixed sashes. The solution here is simple: choose energy-efficient windows. When you’re shopping for new windows, consider looking for the Energy Star label or other energy-efficient markers. Selecting energy-efficient windows can do more than reduce your energy usage; it can save you money on your energy bills and improve your comfort in your home. It may even reduce the fading caused by the sun on the fabrics and other materials inside your home.
Enhanced Safety
Occasionally, you’ll hear the argument that the single-hung window offers greater security. Its fixed upper sash makes it harder for an intruder to gain silent access that way. Since a thief could still break into your home through the working lower sash, that seems like a fairly ridiculous argument.
Those who say that the benefits of double-hung windows include enhanced safety make a far better case. They point out that the option to keep the lower sash closed and open the upper sash instead can make a room safer for pets and small children. With the bottom sash down, there’s no chance for anyone to crawl out or yank a sash down onto small fingers. Meanwhile, the lowered upper sash can provide ventilation while remaining out of reach.
Easier Cleaning
People generally like clean windows. However, the work of cleaning windows has fewer fans. With any type of fixed windows, it’s an awkward process that often involves ladders or strange contortions as you try to reach around to polish the glass and scrub the frame while hoping not to leave streaks.
As The Spruce explains, double-hung windows make the process far more user-friendly because both sashes move freely. This provides easier access to all the various surfaces. Most modern double-hung windows will tilt inward so that scrubbing the upper and lower sashes both inside and out is a breeze. You can generally clean the entire window in just a few minutes while standing comfortably inside.
Stylish Options
Windows are often described as the eyes of a home. It’s only natural to want your windows to look fresh, attractive, and bright. Most homeowners are eager to select windows that fit the architecture of their home, their style, and their budget. To do that, you need options.
Because the double-hung window is so popular, you’ll generally find a wide array of options when you go shopping for them. They’re normally available from many trusted manufacturers in numerous materials, styles, and colors. If you’re searching for a particular feature or need a certain size, you’ll likely be able to find it among the many offerings of double-hung windows.
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