Casement vs Double Hung Windows: Which is Best For Your Home?

In this article, you will learn:
1. The Features & Limitations of Casement Windows
2. The Features & Limitations of Double Hung Windows
3. How to Determine Which Window Style is Best for Your Home

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With a wide variety of window styles on the market, it can be intimidating to make the right selection for your home.

From aesthetic and energy-efficiency to functionality and overall expenses – each window offers a unique blend of features and benefits to meet the specific needs of your property.



While casement and double-hung windows are two of the most popular window styles among Canadian homeowners, it is important to understand their unique qualities in order to determine which option is best for your home!

At Simpson Windows and Doors, we pride ourselves on product education to help our customers get the most out of their window replacement projects.

The following article will explore the features and limitations of casement windows vs double hung windows, as well as how to determine the best option for your property:

CASEMENT WINDOWS

A popular window style in modern homes, casement windows are designed with a crank mechanism to easily open and close using one hand.

With an easy-to-reach handle, users can crank the window open and outwards to allow for easy functionality, cleaning and air-flow.

When the casement window is closed, the sash presses firmly into the window frame to prevent any air leakage from leaving or entering the home.

Convenient and easy-to-use, casement windows are often placed in locations that might be a bit harder to reach, such as above the kitchen sink.

Features:

Contemporary Aesthetic:
Without a sash to divide the glass window panes, this style of window provides a clean, minimalist aesthetic to any style of home.

Easy-to-Operate:
With an easy-to-reach handle, users are able to open and close the window using one hand. This style of window is ideal for older homeowners or homeowners with limited mobility as they do not require too much physical effort to operate.

Prevents Air Leakage:
When the window is closed, the sash presses tightly into the window frame to prevent any air leakage from entering or escaping the home.

Increases Energy-Efficiency:
By preventing air leakage, casement windows will also play a great role in reducing overall energy expenses as your HVAC system will not have to work as hard to maintain comfortable temperatures.

Increases Property Value:
Upgrading your home with energy-efficient windows is a great way to improve your overall property value! As new homeowners will not have to worry about replacing outdated windows any time soon, the overall energy-efficiency of your home can greatly increase its selling potential.

Limitations:

Expensive:
With more complex hardware compared to double-hung windows, casement windows can often cost twice as much by comparison.

Possible Mechanical Failure:
As the crank handle mechanism may wear down over time, crank windows will require more overall maintenance than double-hung windows.

Not Suitable for Window AC Units:
While casement windows open outwards instead of vertically, this window style would not be suitable for homes that require window AC units.

DOUBLE-HUNG WINDOWS

For a more traditional aesthetic, double-hung windows make an excellent choice for residential window replacements.

With a classic colonial style, double-hung windows open and close by manually raising the top and/or bottom panel(s) vertically within its frame.

Commonly referred to as “sash windows” or “sash hung windows”, double-hung windows are known to be more durable and budget-friendly when compared to casement windows.

However, they may not be an ideal choice for older or less physically-mobile homeowners as they are a bit harder and heavier to operate.

Features:

Traditional Aesthetic:
Commonly used to complement cottages and vintage-style homes, double-hung windows are an excellent choice for homeowners who appreciate a traditional home aesthetic.

Low-Maintenance:
Made from high-quality vinyl materials, double-hung windows are built for strength and reliability. With less hardware than their casement alternatives, double hung-windows will also have less risk of mechanical failure or overall maintenance requirements.

Safety:
Designed with reliable safety features, double-hung windows are fitted with cam action locks to ensure the safety and efficiency of its design. With increased safety measures, this style of window is suitable for homeowners with young children.

Affordable:
As one of the most popular window styles in North America, the high manufacturing competition has allowed double-hung window options to remain much more affordable than their style alternatives. Compatible with

Window AC Units:
With the ability to raise the bottom sash, double-hung windows are perfectly designed to accommodate the spatial needs of a window AC unit. 

Limitations:

Harder to Operate:
As double-hung windows do not use a crank mechanism to open or close, users must use both hands to manually raise or lower the glass panels for air flow. As this might be a bit difficult for older and/or less physically-mobile users, it is important to consider your personal needs when shopping for window styles.

Slightly Less Energy-Efficient:
While casement windows seal tightly into the frame when locked, double-hung windows are designed with top and bottom sashes that fit into the frame. Although they are considered to be highly energy-efficient windows, they are slightly less efficient when compared to casement windows.

Difficult to Clean:
While modern double-hung windows are designed to tilt-in for easy cleaning, not all double-hung options include this feature. Without it, this style of window might be a bit more difficult for homeowners to clean.

HOW TO DECIDE WHICH WINDOW OPTION IS BEST FOR YOUR HOME

With a variety of distinct features, both casement and double-hung windows make excellent solutions for customizing your property’s needs.

When trying to decide which option is best for your home, it is important to consider the following factors:

1. Budget:
When comparing overall project expenses, double-hung windows are typically more affordable than casement windows due to high manufacturing competition. 

2. Physical Ability:
When comparing physical effort requirements, casement windows are much easier to operate with an easy-to-use crank handle, while double-hung windows will require more upper-body strength to manually raise and lower the window sash.

3. Window Location:
The location of your window can play a big part in your window selection process, as harder to reach areas (such as above the sink) might be easier to operate with an accessible crank handle. For windows located in a child’s bedroom however, homeowners might prioritize safety and opt for the durability of a double-hung window.

4. Energy-Efficiency:
With a professional installation, both casement and double-hung windows can provide huge improvements to your home’s overall energy-efficiency. However, as casement windows press firmly into their frames when locked, they do provide a bit more of an energy-efficient seal when compared to their double-hung alternatives.

When shopping for the best window replacement options for your home, it is essential to keep a combination of your property, budget and personal needs in mind.

If you are interested in learning more about your window replacement options, allow our trained professionals at Simpson Windows and Doors to help!

Click here or call us at 905-853-2519 for a complimentary consultation.

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