“What is the difference between casement and double hung windows?” is one of the most common questions from homeowners ready to replace their windows. The answer is construction. Casement windows are typically opened by a crank and have a continuous window pane. Double hung windows are constructed with two sashes that slide up and down.
Though these windows look different, there are some striking similarities. When researching windows built by a quality window company, like Pella, casement and double hung are equally energy efficient and well-constructed. Truly, it’s like choosing between two pieces of pizza on the same pizza pie. Both pieces are made of the same ingredients by the same chef. The quality and flavor is the same, even if they’re cut into different shapes. It just depends on what piece you want. So how do you choose between casement and double hung windows? Here are three criteria that determine what type of window is right for your home:
Budget
Though the cost for casements and double hung windows are similar, switching from one to the other can influence the cost of replacing your windows. Casement and double hung windows come in different sizes, increasing the amount of labor needed for the conversion. If you are replacing casements with casements, or double hung with double hung windows, the sizing should be similar and additional costs are not incurred. To find out how much replacing your window costs,
contact a contractor for a free quote.
Style
One of the key determining factors for most homeowners is the look. Double hung windows are the more traditional of the two styles. Casement windows give a home a more contemporary style, and are typically found in most ranch homes. Though double hung and casement windows are the most common windows found in homes today, ask your contractor about bay windows, awnings, or other types of windows.
View
If an unobstructed view is important, casements have a continual pane of glass that gives you a full vertical view (for a large window space, bay and bow windows give you an unobstructed panoramic view). With an upper and lower sash, double hung windows give you a view above and below the sashes. Thanks to the tilt feature, double hung windows can easily be cleaned to give you a clear view, and casements are equally as easy to clean. To see the view you would get from your new casement or double hung windows, contact a contractor to see your window replacement options in person.