Double Hung vs Casement Windows: Breaking Down the Difference
From learning window-specific terminology to navigating all the various window styles available on the market, trying to pick a new or replacement window for your home can be a daunting task. That’s why we’re here to help make the process simple to understand, while still providing all the necessary information to make any purchase decisions. To help you choose the style that best suits your home and your window application, this article provides an overview of double hung vs casement windows and how they compare against each other in a few different categories.
What is a Casement Window?
Casement windows are designed to swing outward like a door. They attach to the window frame by one or more hinges on the side. These windows are ideal for airflow and ventilation and for providing an alternative means of escape. Traditional casements open and shut by means of a roto-gear and a crank located at the bottom of the frame. When closed, locking mechanisms on the frame pull the sash up against the frame and lock it into position.
What is a Double Hung Window?
Hung windows are operable windows that slide open and closed vertically along sides of the window frame (called the jambs). Like sliding windows, hung styles are very popular due to their simplicity, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness. Double hung windows allow two panes/sashes to slide open along the window jambs (the sides of the window frame).
Comparing Casement vs Double Hung Windows:
1. Functionality and Ease of Use
One of the most practical factors to consider when selecting a new window are the basic logistics. These include the way the window opens and how easy it is to clean.
The double-hung window is a vertical sliding window in which both panes of glass have the ability to slide upwards or downwards within the frame. With two movable sashes (a window sash is the part of the window that holds the glass and the framework around the glass to keep it in place), this window can open from the top or bottom or both at the same time. The Magic Series double-hung window features parallex® hardware, which allows you to tilt both panes inwards to 90 degrees. This feature allows the user to wash the outside glass from the inside of their home and also creates an easy route of escape in case of emergency.
Casement windows open outward like a door and use a cranking mechanism. Casement style windows are attached to the frame by one or more hinges on the side and can have upwards of five to six sashes. They open and shut by means of a crank located at the bottom of the frame. When closed, locking mechanisms on the frame pull the sash up against the frame and lock it tightly in position. The downside to this style is the risk of bending the hinges slightly out of shape because of strong breezes or the weight of very large window sashes.
Summary: While you can clean both windows easily from the comfort of your home, double-hung windows are probably more functional and easier to use than casement windows because there’s generally a lower risk of operation mechanism damage and stripping of the crank over time.
2. Outdoor View
While functionality makes a big difference in our use of the window, another major consideration is how the window looks, whether it enhances or hinders the outdoor view.
Double-hung windows have a versatile design that accommodates pretty much any style. However, they do have a horizontal bar in the centre of the window. This can potentially obstruct your view of the outdoors depending on the location of the window.
On the other hand, casement windows have no bars in the middle, providing an unobstructed outdoor view. What makes the Magic-series double casement so special is the innovative enhancements that fundamentally distinguish its aesthetically-minimalist design from other casements on the market. The durable, thin frame dramatically increases the size of the glass surface, creating a modern feel. The retractable screens also reduce obstructions, allowing for more light and a cleaner appearance from the exterior.
Summary: When it comes to your windows, aesthetics matter. Connecting homeowners to the outdoors, windows frame exactly what you are able to see. When it comes to double hung vs casement windows, the casement is the best option in this category as it provides a full picture into the outdoors with no obstruction.
3. Location
You will also want to consider which room or area of your home your window will go in. Differences in style and space available will affect your decision between the double-hung or casement window.
Double-hung windows don’t take up space, even when they are open. They can be used in combination with other window styles and are great for areas with limited space. Double-hung windows fit in pretty much anywhere there is enough space for a taller and narrower window.
Casement windows open outward, so they can be an obstruction or hazard near walkways, decks or patios.
Summary: Double-hung windows don’t require space outside the window to open and close while casement windows do. If you have limited space in the room your planning on installing your window, the double-hung is a better option.
4. Ventilation
Another major feature of a window is its capability of letting in outdoor air and the different types of windows affect this functionality.
Since double-hung windows have both a top and bottom sash, you can slide up both sashes to open the window all the way when you want more ventilation or just one when you want a bit less. However, casement windows allow for more ventilation, because when the window is cranked open, the surface area acts like a sail on a sailboat, catching the wind and directing it inside the house.
Conclusion: While both windows are great options to allow a welcoming breeze and provide natural ventilation indoors, casement windows will typically provide better ventilation, but double-hung windows allow for better control. So, if you live in a hot climate, casement windows will be a better way to increase airflow.
If you live in a windy location, excessive wind could eventually damage the casement window. If you are purchasing replacement windows in Toronto, where you experience both hot and cold weather in different seasons, a casement window will seal tightly in the wintertime blocking out colder air, while opening wide in the summertime to let air in.
5. Energy Efficiency
Windows and doors are the places in the house that experience the most heat and cold transfer. If these areas are improperly sealed, it can lead to an increase in your energy bills. Ensuring your window has the tightest seal possible, will make it the most energy-efficient.
Double-hung windows cut down on leakage as both the top and bottom sashes fit snugly in the window frame. However, casement windows tend to have a slightly tighter seal when they are locked. This is because there is no track for casement windows to slide on.
Summary: Regardless of which window design you choose, your windows must be energy efficient and maintain their seal. At Magic, we manufacture all our windows in-house, creating highly efficient and insulated glass units through technology such as Low-E coatings, gas fills, warm edge spacers, and an extremely strong, thermally efficient window frame.
Learn More About Energy Efficient Windows for Your Home or Cottage Here
6. Replacement Window Cost
While the price of replacement windows varies, on average double-hung and casement replacement windows are similar in cost. Other factors that impact the cost of a window include any textures, colours, and grills chosen. Magic offers a wide range of customizable options.
Quality windows that are built to last will cost more than cheap alternatives. However, they are worth the investment, as they will ultimately increase the quality of your home.
Learn More About the Cost of Window Replacement in Toronto Here
Learn More About Double Hung vs Casement Windows. Book a Free Consultation Today!
If you have any further questions regarding double hung vs casement windows and which of these styles might be best for your home, book a free, no hassle consultation today.
Learn More About Different Window Styles on Our Blog:
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