Casement vs. Double Hung Windows

Whether you’re building a custom home or updating your current abode, window design can make all the difference. The two most popular options for home or office windows are casement and double hung. Both types have their advantages and disadvantages; which one you choose will ultimately depend on your design goals, ease of use, and your budget.

Design and Functionality

Casement windows work like your front door. Hinges on either the left or right side of the window allow homeowners to open the window outwards. A latch with a crank-style mechanism is used to open, close, and lock the window within the frame. Casement windows are easy to use because of the latch-and-crank feature. Little effort is needed to open or close the window. They are perfect for bay windows or larger spaces, and they go well with modern homes.

Double-hung windows are more traditional and more common in the building industry. They consist of two panes of glass rather than a single pane like the casement style. The bottom pane is secured with a latch, but once unlocked, the pane can be lifted to let in the breeze. Double-hung windows do not open out like a casement window, but a tilt feature on newer designs allows for easier cleaning.

Costs and Energy Savings

When factoring windows into your budget, it’s important to note that casement windows are usually more expensive than the double-hung variety. This is due to the complexity of the casement design, the option for customization, and the low demand. By comparison, double-hung windows are easy to manufacture and the demand is high, which helps keep the price of these windows competitively low. However, if saving money on your monthly energy bills is a concern, casement windows are the best investment you can make. When properly latched, the casement frame creates an air-tight seal, eliminating heat and air conditioning loss. Air can escape between the panes of a double-hung window even when the window is closed and locked. Seals on a double-hung window need to be inspected and replaced regularly to reduce heating and cooling loss.

Conflicts and Considerations

While casement windows add an element of beauty and style to your space, there are a few drawbacks to their design. Window unit air conditioners will not work with the casement frame. Strong winds can rip casement windows off their hinges while the improper placement of a casement window could result in conflicting operations with adjacent windows. If you want to install a window screen on a casement frame, the screen is placed on the inside of the window rather than the outside like a double-hung window. Although double-hung windows are less prone to failure, sometimes the lower pane can drop because the springs have lost their ability to hold it up. Some homeowners have also reported that double-hung windows are harder to open and close during the colder months because the seals stiffen, whereas casement windows are much easier to use.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly window with multiple functionality options, consider a double-hung design. For a more modern-looking window that is easy to use, casement windows are a worthy investment in the value of your home. For more information, contact Findlay Roofing today!