So, you’re doing some literal window shopping, but you aren’t sure what exact kind of window you want in your home. Heck, lots of homeowners don’t even know the proper names of different windows types before they start comparing windows. So, we thought we’d start a new set of blogs comparing different types of windows to compare their pros and cons vs one another, starting with casement windows vs double hung windows.
Let’s begin by going over the anatomy of each of these window types and what defines them:
What Is a Casement Window?
A casement window is a type of window that swings open on a hinge mechanism and typically is held in place with an armature that is operated via a crank.
In these windows, the window sash (the part of the window that holds the glass), swings out of the window frame almost entirely. This results in more open space in the window whenever the casement window is opened compared to most other window types.
Double casement windows consist of two swinging windows that meet in the center of the window frame, similar to a double door compared to a typical swinging single door.
The basic design of a casement window goes back to at least the 17th century. As noted by the Historic Preservation Education Foundation, hinged casement windows were “among the earliest operable windows in the seventeenth century English colonies… the design being carried over from England.”
The Preservation Education Foundation also noted that “Following the introduction of vertical sliding sash early in the eighteenth century, the casement window fell out of favor in this country.”
Major Parts of a Casement Window to Know:
- Hinges.
- Armature.
- Multi-Point Locking System.
- Crank/Handle Mechanism.
Note that this list omits most of the common parts of a casement window, like the frame, sash, and glass/glazing that all windows share.
Casement Windows vs Double Hung Windows: Casement Window Pros
So, what are the strong points of casement windows? The first thing about these swinging windows is that they can often provide better air flow than other windows.
This is because of how they swing open. By moving the whole window sash out of the way of the window opening, the casement window lets in more air—which can be a definite boon on breezy days when the weather’s nice.
Also, due to how these windows swing outward, they’re incredibly resistant to external wind pressure—wind pushing on the window merely pushes it against the window frame as long as the window is shut before the storm hits.
They also can do an excellent job of resisting the vacuum pull of negative pressure because of their armatures and multi-point locking systems. This makes impact-rated casements a really good fit for homeowners who are concerned about security and extreme weather resistance.
What Is a Double-Hung Window?
A double-hung window is a type of vertically-sliding window that has two movable sashes—one at the top and one at the bottom—that can be moved independently of one another. Hence the name: it has two ‘hanging’ sashes that can each be moved.
Like casement windows, hanging windows are a centuries-old design. Though sources sometimes vary on when they were made, it’s generally accepted that hanging windows predate the formation of the United States, with one publication from the late nineties claiming that the oldest window in Britain was an original hanging window from the 17th century—likely some time between 1668 and 1671. It’s also speculated that the window survived to this day primarily because it had been in a bricked-up, sealed room.
However, modern-day double hung windows are very different from the windows that a 17th-century Londoner would likely know. They’ve undergone centuries of improvements in every component, with new glass types, frame materials, and other innovations that make them more convenient for everyday life than old windows.
Major Parts of a Double-Hung Window
- 2x Movable Window Sashes.
- Sash Locks.
- Balance/Pivot Shoes (on tiltable models).
- Tilt Latches (on tiltable models).
- Lifts.
- Counterbalance System.
These parts of the window are part of what make double-hung windows distinct from casement windows, though many of them are nearly identical to what you’d see in a single-hung window.
Casement Windows vs Double Hung Windows: Double Hung Window Pros
Double hung windows are all about convenience. They’re easier for many people to operate and open than single-hung windows, and able to be opened from the top or the bottom as you prefer.
They’re also much easier to clean from the inside of your home than most other window types, especially the newest generation of hanging windows that have tilt latches and pivot shoes that let them be tilted inward. With this, you can easily get at the outside portion of the glass from the interior of your home to clean both sides extra thoroughly, which is a major benefit for any homeowner cleaning a window on an upper floor.
They also tend to be relatively simple to maintain, with most of their moving parts being hidden from direct exposure to salty air or contaminants. Just the occasional bit of cleaning for the window jamb and a bit of lubricant should keep them in good working order for decades of use.
Comparing Casement Windows vs Double Hung Windows: Which Is Best for MY Home?
So far, we’ve kept to the strengths of each window while avoiding discussing the things that might make one type of window or the other a poorer fit for your home or a specific opening for it.
The truth is that there is no one perfect “one size fits all” solution to windows that will fit every window opening and preference. So, the window type that’s ‘best’ for you and your home might depend on your own personal preferences and the conditions in your home.
For example, say that you have a huge window opening. A window that’s as big as a door, being 4’ by 4’ or more. In such a large window opening, we typically wouldn’t recommend a casement window.
Why? Because of how casement windows hang from the window frame. Especially when they’re open.
A casement window, when open, puts most of the weight of the window on one side of the frame or against that side and the bottom if the armature mechanism secures there. For smaller windows, this is hardly an issue. However, as the window gets bigger, the level of stress the open sash puts on the hinges, armature, and frame increases exponentially.
However, that’s not to say that hanging windows, especially double-hung windows, are ideal for huge window openings, either. As a hanging window gets larger, the weight of the window sash increases, especially if you have an impact-rated window with multiple panes of impact glass with a reinforced heavyweight sash.
When a double hung window exceeds a certain size, the weight of the window sash starts to outstrip the ability of the counterbalance to offset it. This can make the window difficult to open and close properly.
In these cases, a different style of window or the use of mullions/mull bars is typically recommended. Mull bars divide a window opening into smaller window openings, which helps minimize the weight of your window sashes.
Both windows typically fall into similar price ranges—the average impact-rated double hung window costs about $1,900 while the average impact casement window costs about $2,000 (both with installation included).
So, the price point usually won’t be the deciding factor.
What can be said is that, because they have fewer moving parts compared to a casement window, double-hung windows do tend to be easier to maintain and less prone to mechanical failure. This is especially true in areas where exposure to airborne corrosives like saltwater vapor is likely.
Ultimately, the choice will likely depend on your personal preference. If you really want the most possible air flow, then a casement window will be your best choice. Also, casement windows tend to provide a less obstructed view outside, since they have a single large window sash rather than two smaller sashes.
However, if you want something that’s easier to maintain and blends in with the more common single-hung windows you typically find in lots of homes throughout Florida, then double-hungs might be the way to go.
If you have a very tall, narrow window opening, a casement window might be the better option. If you want something that’s easier to open quickly in an emergency, then a double-hung window may be preferable—just make sure the opening is large enough to be an egress window.
Need Help Choosing Between Casement Windows vs Double Hung Windows? Call the Experts!
Both casement and double hung windows can be a great addition to any home. However, if you need help choosing between casement windows vs double hung ones, then give Karoly a call to book an in-home consultation!
One of our window experts can walk you through all the pros and cons of impact window replacement and help you pick out the best window types for each opening in your home so you can have the perfect windows to suit your personal needs and preferences.
Contact Karoly today to get started!
