New windows can transform a house, bringing in greater natural lighting and fresh breezes while inviting you to fully enjoy your view of your beautiful landscaping. Today’s replacement windows come in so many styles that it may feel overwhelming to choose what is best for you and your home, but it is worth starting with the two most common window types—double-hung windows and casements.
These two window options can provide many benefits when used in the right situation. How do you choose which one suits your home better? Here are our favorite tips to help guide you in making your decision.
Ease of Operation
Both double-hung and casement windows can be opened and adjusted to bring in fresh air, but they do have different styles of operation to consider.
Double-Hung Windows
Double-hung windows have two moving sashes (also called windowpane units), one on top of the other. These sashes slide vertically to open and close. Their screen is located outside the window, keeping out annoying bugs. Since their lower sash can be kept closed or locked in position, they offer a handy safety feature to protect children, grandchildren, and pets.
Casement Windows
With sashes that open horizontally and a protective screen inside, casement windows open by using a crank. This makes them a good alternative for those with limited upper body strength. They lock with a lever that is also easy to operate.
Convenience of Ventilation
Bringing in refreshing breezes is one great benefit of any window that can be opened, and of course, both double-hung windows and casements can be a good option for this purpose.
Double-Hung Windows
Both sashes of these windows can be opened at the same time, which allows warm air to exit your home through the top sash while cooler outdoor air comes in through the lower sash. Open several of these windows, and you will enjoy wonderful air circulation throughout your interior.
Casement Windows
Since casements swing outward, they are wonderful at catching breezes and directing fresh air into your house. Keep in mind, however, that you will need enough space around your exterior to open casements fully. Bushes and trees right next to your home will block their use, and if you have walkways along the exterior, casements may pose a bit of a hazard.
Locations Where They Fit Best
When thinking about window replacement, consider each room’s layout and its needs, and see if a specific window style’s design will accommodate the space properly.
Double-Hung Windows
Traditional in style and readily available in standard sizes, double-hung windows are highly versatile. They can be used in any room, and they adapt well to a variety of architectural looks—Colonial, Victorian, Farmhouse, Modern, Ranch, and more. They tend to go well with traditional and historic looks.
Casement Windows
With their easy-to-reach crank, casement windows are ideal in locations that make operating a double-hung sash difficult. For example, it can be hard to reach a window placed above your kitchen sink, so a casement window can be perfect there. Small bathrooms also are a popular place for casements. Since these windows are simple and sleek, they complement modern and contemporary architectural designs beautifully.
Gorgeous Outdoor Views and Natural Lighting
Your ability to enjoy invigorating natural light and admire your beautiful landscaping is an important consideration when you choose new windows. Both double-hung windows and casements provide unique advantages for this purpose.
Double-Hung Windows
With two sashes set atop one another, double-hung windows have part of the window frame across their middle, which can hinder outdoor views just a bit. However, you can choose window materials like fiberglass, which offer slimmer frames and larger panes. Also, double-hung windows are often used as part of bay and bow window systems, which can bring in ample sunlight and ventilation.
Casement Windows
One advantage of casement windows is their expansive glass panes, which are not blocked in the middle by the window sash fixtures required with double-hung windows. They are a popular alternative to picture windows (which cannot be opened). Casements invite a delightful, full view of your landscaping. Often, people install casements in living rooms or large bedrooms to bring in lots of sunlight and fresh air.
Cleaning Routines
Of course, any window requires regular cleaning to keep those wonderful glass panes clear and free of dust and dirt. So, ease of maintenance should be one of the questions you weigh as you choose your replacement windows.
Double-Hung Windows
These windows have sashes that tilt inward, making it simple to reach the outside of the glass from a safe position inside your house. You will not have to climb a ladder, and you can easily wipe down the panes any time of year, no matter what the weather may be.
Casement Windows
Since casements do not fold inward, they present more of a challenge to clean. You will need to ensure that you can reach them from outside. Keeping ample space between landscaping and your exterior is key, so that you can squeeze into that space and wipe the outward-facing glass. If your home has more than one story, cleaning your windows will require climbing a ladder.
Envision Your Home Transformed with Beautiful, Durable New Windows
Choosing the right windows comes down to your preferences and your home’s unique needs. Both double-hung windows and casements offer distinct advantages, and they can each be used in different locations in your house, along with other specialty styles like bay, bow, and picture windows. The possibilities are vast, and our team at Beissel Window & Siding would love to answer your questions and help you choose window designs that delight you. Peruse our window styles and envision the possibilities!
