The style of windows you choose for your home can greatly impact its curb appeal, as well as the comfort of the rooms they’re installed in. Two main styles of windows people can have in their home are casement and double hung windows. You can have both, certainly, but when trying to decide between casement vs double hung windows for specific rooms of your home, you want to know what sets them apart from each other, as well as their pros and cons.
Here’s what you need to know about the differences between casement vs double hung windows and which may be better for you.
Casement Vs Double Hung Windows: The Difference
When considering the differences between casement vs double hung windows, it’s important to understand what they both are first, aside from the obvious: windows. They don’t operate in the same way, and you’ll want to think about the differences between casement vs double hung windows to determine which is best for your needs.
What Is A Casement Window?
A casement window is a window that opens outwards, like when a door swings towards its hinges. These are opened with a crank on the inside, at the base. When you close a casement window, you can latch them shut to make them airtight. Casement windows are known for being easy to use, for their crank opening, and for how they don’t have panes running across them that could obstruct the view.
What Is A Double Hung Window?
Double hung windows are made of two separate window panes that slide up and down independent of each other. Usually, people just open the bottom sash, but there is the option of opening the top sash, which people can prefer, especially if they want to open their windows, but don’t want children near the opening. These have a divider between the sashes so that they can open separately.
Casement Vs Double Hung Windows: Which Is Better?
The truth is that when it comes to deciding between casement vs double hung windows, neither is inherently better than the other. They both have their advantages and their drawbacks, based on what you’re looking for in your windows. Here’s what you need to know about how casement vs double hung windows compare on a number of key factors so that you can decide which one is better suited for your specific needs.
Energy Efficiency
Casement windows are typically more energy efficient than double hung windows, due to the fact that the window sash pushes into all sides of the window frame, while double hung windows don’t do this. Double hung windows have more areas that could potentially leak air into your home, making them less energy efficient. Make no mistake: both of them are made to be secure and they have good energy efficiency, casement windows just have that bit of extra security since they’re more airtight.
Ventilation
Both casement and double hung windows allow plenty of air into your home. Casement windows offer more ventilation than double hung windows due to the fact that you can open the entire window, while with double hung windows, you can only have half of it open at a time.
Outdoor View
If you want an unobstructed view of the outdoors, when deciding between casement vs double hung windows, you’ll want to opt for casement. This is because they’re not obstructed by a horizontal line the way that double hung windows are. However, if you have your double hung windows made in a soft neutral color, like a brown, that can make the line blend into the background better.
Location
If you have shrubbery or a seating area outside of where you’re putting your windows, you’ll want to opt for a double hung window, as a casement window’s path could be interrupted by the shrubbery or create an inconvenience. However, if you want the view outside of the room to be a focal point, you’ll want to opt for casement windows, as they create a pretty picture frame. You’ll also want a casement window in areas like over your kitchen sink, as they’ll be easier to open without needing to climb up onto the countertops.
Screens
Do you mind where your screens are placed? When choosing between casement vs double hung windows consider the fact that with casement windows, the screen is on the inside of your home, while with double hung windows, it’s on the outside. If you have a preference either way, this could impact your decision.
Home Style
Any house can have any style of window, but some just look better with one than another. Casement windows fit right into simple, modern homes, due to their clean lines and simplicity. Double hung windows work better with farmhouse and colonial homes, due to their rustic, homey vibe.
Casement Vs Double Hung Windows: Which Should You Choose?
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide between casement vs double hung windows in order to determine which is best for your needs. Regardless of which option you go with, Peak Windows can provide you with high quality casement and double hung windows that are made to last. Contact us today to get an estimate for your new or replacement windows.