What is a double-hung window?

Key points

• Double-hung windows are made with two movable sashes that move independently.

• Double-hung windows offer superior airflow, easy cleaning and many frame options.

• Compared to single-hung windows, double-hung windows may be less energy-efficient.

“Double-hung windows are versatile, enhance ventilation control and are easy to maintain,” said Greg Batista, president of South Florida-based G. Batista Engineering & Construction.

Besides low maintenance, double-hung windows offer ample customizability, making them a popular choice among homeowners.

If you’re in the market for a window replacement, consider your budget, the level of maintenance you can tackle and the best material for your home and climate.

What are the benefits of double-hung windows?

Double-hung windows offer many advantages and functionality for homeowners. “Since the windows feature two operable sashes, they allow excellent air circulation,” Batista said. He highlighted that “modern double-hung windows also offer significant energy efficiency with advanced weatherstripping and glass options, helping to reduce heating and cooling costs.”

Another advantage, Batista pointed out, is additional safety in houses with small children. If you have small children, you can lower the upper sash to allow air circulation and keep the bottom sash closed, and even locked, to prevent them from falling out of the window.

How do double-hung windows compare to single-hung windows?

In addition to allowing in more fresh air, double-hung windows work well with nearly any home design, and their tilt-in sash option makes cleaning the bottom and top sash very easy.

While double-hung windows offer many advantages, they are also more expensive than single-hung windows — between $200 and $500 more per window, according to John Kinyon, owner of Custom Exteriors in northern Colorado. He also pointed out that single-hung windows are more energy-efficient than double-hung because there are fewer moving parts.

What are the components of double-hung windows?

From the glazing (glass) to the stiles and rails that make up the sash, many parts and pieces come together to protect your home from the elements while allowing in a nice breeze and natural light. The following are the parts that comprise a double-hung window.

• Glazing: This is the glass pane in the sash. Windows typically have two panes of glazing, with the space between filled with either air or gas to improve insulation. Some windows are triple-glazed.
• Sashes: These are the movable frames that hold the glazing. In a double-hung window, two sashes move independently of one another.
• Frame: The frame is the surrounding support for the window. It can be made from wood, fiberglass, vinyl, aluminum or composite material.
• Stiles and rails: These are the vertical and horizontal pieces of the sash that hold the glazing.
• Meeting rail: This is the rail in the middle of the window where the upper and lower sash meet when they are in their closed positions.
• Balances: These are hidden in the jamb and act as a counterbalance to the sashes, allowing them to open and close smoothly and remain in the desired open position.
• Locks and latches: These are used to lock the sash into its closed position for added security.
• Weatherstripping: This sits between the sash and the frame to seal gaps. It’s typically made of silicone, rubber, foam or vinyl.
• Weep holes: These are holes in the bottom of a metal or vinyl frame that allow rain to drain out of the window frame or tracks.
• Jambs: These are the vertical sides of the window frame that run the entire height of the window.
• Sill: The sill is the bottom of the frame that is often sloped to allow water to drain away from the window.
• Head: The head is the top of the window frame.
• Muntins: These are decorative vertical and horizontal pieces on the glazing that make one large pane look like grids of multiple smaller panes.

Are there different types of double-hung windows?

Some double-hung windows have tilt-in sashes for easy cleaning and triple-glazing for better insulation, but they are primarily differentiated by their frame materials. “Each [frame] type caters to different needs regarding aesthetics, maintenance, energy efficiency and durability,” Batista said.

Each window frame material has advantages and disadvantages. Choose the one that fits your budget, local climate and durability needs.

Vinyl

Vinyl double-hung window frames and sashes are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and never need to be painted or sealed. They are very durable and have a hollow cavity that can be filled with insulation to increase their energy efficiency.

Wood

Wood windows are often original to older homes and may need to be repaired or replaced periodically. They are still an option in modern buildings as they offer superior insulative properties. They are typically more expensive than other frame types and require significantly more maintenance to paint, seal and keep pests out. Wood frames can be clad — or covered — with metal or vinyl to reduce maintenance needs.

Aluminum or metal

Aluminum isn’t the best material for insulation. While aluminum frames don’t require much maintenance and are lightweight yet strong, they aren’t the best choice if you’re going for energy efficiency. “To reduce heat flow, metal frames should have a thermal break — an insulating plastic strip placed between the inside and outside of the frame and sash,” according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass frames can “mimic the look of wood without the associated upkeep,” Batista said. They are low-maintenance, very durable, and fall in the middle to upper end of the price range for windows.

Composite

Composite frames are made from a blend of materials including wood fibers, binding agents and PVC. This type of frame looks like wood and is very durable with little to no maintenance needs.

Tilt-in

Tilt-in windows feature a mechanism that allows you to tilt the window out of the frame for easier cleaning.

Triple-glazed

Triple-glazed windows have three panes of glass and offer more insulation, but they are also more expensive than single- or double-glazed windows.

Two- or three-wide

Depending on your available wall space, you can choose a two- or three-wide double-hung window, which is exactly what it sounds like. A two-wide window will have two sets of window sashes within one frame and a three-wide will have three sets of window sashes.

Coatings for glazing

Glazing can include a low-emissivity (low-e) coating that helps control heat transfer. There are also spectrally selective coatings that reduce the transmission of nonvisible infrared radiation from the sun to reduce heat transfer.

Sill options

You have a few sill options, according to Kinyon. “There is a sloped sill that comes with no weep holes and no way to stop the wind,” he said, and there is a “‘deep-pocket sill,’ where the bottom sash sits into the frame to prevent air infiltration.”

How much do double-hung windows cost?

When you’re looking for new windows, some companies will include pricing on their website so you can calculate your own estimate. But often, you will need to contact the company via phone or a website form to discuss your needs and get an estimate.

Generally speaking, according to Batista, double-hung windows cost between $300 and $1,000 per window, including installation. The actual cost will depend on a variety of factors, including the following:

• Frame material
• Size
• Number of sets of sashes
• Existing window removal
• Disposal and clean-up fees

The best window installation companies often offer free quotes so you can get a better idea of the project’s total cost before committing. Getting quotes from multiple companies can allow you to compare prices, products, warranty options and service offerings.

What’s next?

Whether installing replacement windows in your existing home or as part of new construction, “double-hung windows are super versatile and add a classic touch to your home’s style,” Batista said.

If you’re ready for new double-hung windows, the next step is researching the best window brands and comparing their cost, energy efficiency, style and glazing options.

Double-hung windows are a great option in many cases, but you may want to consider other window types, such as picture windows or casement windows, for different areas of your home. A picture window is a great choice in living rooms with a view, and casement windows work particularly well above kitchen sinks or on the sides of a picture window.

Once you decide, keep track of your window purchases so that you can claim a tax credit of up to $600 for energy-efficient window installation. You may want to talk to your tax professional so you know what documentation you’ll need at tax time.