What’s the difference between double-hung windows and single-hung windows?

The short answer is that they function differently. Here’s what we mean: 

• A double-hung window has two openings. As expected, you can slide the bottom sash up and you can also slide the top sash down. Open just the bottom, just the top, or both ends at once. When both ends are open, it can enable something called circular ventilation — warm air vents out the top while cool air flows in from the bottom.
• A single-hung window has one opening at the bottom. The lower sash slides up to open and the top sash doesn’t move (it’s fixed).  

A sash is the glass and the members framing the glass. Both double-hung and single-hung windows have two vertically stacked sashes. 

Here's what these windows have in common: 

• They both have a timeless aesthetic that looks great on traditional homes — farmhouses, Colonials, Craftsman Bungalows, Cape Cods, and more. 
• They open flush to the wall, which makes them ideal next to patios, decks and anywhere else an outward-opening window would obstruct space.
• Both are available in a range of options, so you can find a window that suits your needs in terms of aesthetics, performance, material type, and cost. Additionally, either window will work whether you’re building a new construction home, remodeling, or replacing — there's no wrong choice here! Find out about your options.  

With their similar look, it’s easy to mix double-hung and single-hung windows throughout your home, choosing one over the other depending on your needs.  

In general, single-hung windows are a great fit when you want a classic look and don't need or won’t use the top opening — for example, if it’ll be out of reach. 

Here's what they offer over double-hung windows:

• Energy efficiency: With fewer moving parts and features, single-hung windows can help reduce energy loss and improve savings on utility bills.
• Extra peace of mind: 100 Series Single-Hung Windows latch automatically when closed making them a good option in a first-floor bedroom or anywhere else you never want to worry about remembering to lock the windows.
• Lower price: A single-hung window is simpler to construct than a double-hung window. This is reflected in the price. Mixing single- and double-hung windows throughout your home will help you create a cohesive look at a lower price. 

Enjoy the same classic aesthetic with a couple of great advantages. Here’s what double-hung windows have over single-hung windows:

• More fresh air: Bring in lots of fresh air with these flexible windows. With two sashes that open at once, you can choose to open the top sash, bottom sash, or both. In a room with only one window, a double-hung is a great option because it will allow you to vent the hot air that’s risen to the top of the room out of the top opening while cooler air can flow in through the bottom opening.
• Easier cleaning: Maintenance is easier on double-hung windows due to the tilt-wash option, which allows you to clean both the exterior and interior of the window from inside your home — skip the ladder! The tilt-wash feature is standard with double-hung windows across all our product lines. 

Whether you have your windows factory painted or stained, or your contractor does this work onsite to perfectly match your existing woodwork — color or stain are hugely impactful. Your interior and exterior window color don’t have to be the same either. Did you know that certain colors are associated with certain classic architectural styles? Find out what colors might further your home’s style in our Home Style Library.  

Single- and double-hung windows don’t have to be rectangular. You can get one of these windows with a round top — we call this shape Springline™. You’ll also find various arch shapes available as standard offerings. For the most flexibility in shapes, look to our E-Series product line. And if you’re leaning toward another product line, rest assured that the most popular Springline and arch shapes are available through various product lines.

This is likely a detail you haven’t considered before, but sash size can be varied so the top and bottom sashes have different heights. While it might seem very subtle, it’s a detail that can add a lot of historic charm, especially on certain traditional home styles, like Cape Cods, for example. A taller bottom sash and shorter top sash is called a cottage sash. We also offer reverse cottage sashes, which are exactly what you’d expect — a shorter bottom sash and longer top sash.