Pros & Cons of Double Hung Windows
When choosing windows for your home, you have many options to consider. One of the most common types is the double hung window, which features two sashes that slide up or down. You can also pull the individual sashes down to provide access to the glass. Installing double hung windows has several advantages, but you may want to consider the flaws as well so you can decide if they are the right choice for your home.
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Pro: Versatile
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Double hung windows blend with a variety of architectural styles, so they likely complement the look of your home whether it is contemporary or traditional. They are available in a range of sizes, shapes and colors, so you can create the ideal look for each room of your home. Double hung windows also come in a variety of materials, such as wood, vinyl, fiberglass and aluminum, so you can choose the type that best fits your home.
Pro: Easy to Clean
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Because they feature upper and lower sashes that move independently, double hung windows are extremely easy to clean. You can tilt each slash down to wipe the glass clean. Some double hung window models feature removable sashes that can be taken out of the frame to make it even easier to clean the glass.
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Pro: Ideal for Weatherproofing
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The design of double hung windows makes them highly suitable for weatherproofing. In fact, some models are candidates for quadruple weather stripping. This treatment helps prevent cold air from seeping into your home and warm air from escaping. As a result, your home can become more energy efficient because you do not need to use as much heat.
Con: Restricted Airflow
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Because of their construction, you can slide the top sash of a double hung window down or the bottom sash up. However, you cannot slide both at the same time, which means that only half the window may be open at any given time. This design restricts the amount of ventilation that your home receives since air can only enter in one area.
Con: Not Airtight
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While double hung windows may be weatherproofed, models that do not have this feature may allow air into your home. In fact, a double hung window without weather stripping does not have as tight of a seal as other types of windows, including fixed windows and casement windows. Most replacement double hung windows do not have this issues, but if your home features older models, you may have an issue with cold air entering your home and warm air escaping, which can raise your energy costs.
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References
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