Single-hung and double-hung windows look almost the same, but they actually have quite a few differences. The main difference is that a single-hung window has one movable sash and a double-hung window has two, but this guide explains how each one works so you can pick the right fit for your Atlanta home.
Buying new windows can feel confusing, and oftentimes the first big choice is single-hung or double-hung. Both come in a variety of styles. Both come in a variety of colors. Both save energy. Both are built to last and have an exceptional warranty. So, how do Atlanta homeowners know which window to pick? A lot of the time, it depends on whether you are replacing your old windows or if your job is new construction. Below, we break down single-hung vs double-hung windows in plain terms.
What is a single-hung window?
A single-hung window has two panes of glass, called sashes. The top sash is fixed in place like a picture window, and the bottom sash opens and closes, letting air inside. The bottom sash also tilts inward, so you can clean the glass from inside your home.
The Windowcrafters 900 Series single-hung windows are our most common windows. This window works in so many applications, and it is a great price point. It is a great solution for new homes and for replacing old windows. It is also commonly used in apartments, hotels, churches, and schools. Just like all our windows, the 900 Series is built to size in our Tucker, Georgia, factory.
Single-hung windows cost less than double-hung windows.
What is a double-hung window?
A double-hung window also has a top and a bottom sash. The difference is that both sashes move. You can lower the top sash or raise the bottom sash. Both tilt in for easy cleaning.
The Windowcrafters 700 Series double-hung windows make cleaning your windows a dream with the double-moving sash. It also allows for more airflow, more flexibility, and the vent stops allow for a small, secure opening at the top or bottom. Double hung windows are considered a higher-end option, and the 700 Series is a perfect balance of features, beauty, and performance while still maintaining the Windowcrafters Factory Direct price advantage. Like the 900 Series, every 700 Series is made to fit your exact opening in Tucker.
Single-hung vs double-hung windows: breaking down the important differences!
Both windows keep your home comfortable. Both windows work for new construction and replacement. The choice comes down to a few simple points. Here is how single-hung vs double-hung windows compare on the things that matter most.
Jamb depth
This is an important factor when you are replacing windows. A standard old wood window has a pocket or window jamb that is 3 ¼” deep. For an easy window replacement, you want to use a window that fits into that existing opening without being too small or being too big. This is a very important detail. The 700 Series window is an exact fit with a jamb that is 3 ¼” deep, so the window fits perfectly into your existing opening when manufactured to your home’s required size.
The single-hung window has a 2 ⅞” jamb, so it is narrower than old wooden windows. This makes installation more complicated, and the window does not fit as well. A single hung works great when your Atlanta home has old metal windows that are narrow. Metal windows are commonly found in Atlanta neighborhoods, such as Decatur, Tucker, Norcross, Stone Mountain, Conyers, Snellville, and Lawrenceville. Making it a very good replacement solution.
Building Egress
Single-hung and double-hung windows do not have the same egress space. This is very important when replacing the windows in bedrooms and during new construction. Building codes mandate the amount of building egress you must have for the windows on the first floor and the second floor of sleeping spaces. Windowcrafters can help you check the glass space egress of your windows before ordering.
Airflow
A single-hung window opens from the bottom only. A double-hung window opens from the top, the bottom, or both at once. If you like to move air through a room in more ways, a double-hung window gives you more control.
Cleaning
On a single-hung window, the bottom sash tilts in, so you can clean it from inside. The top sash is fixed, which can be harder to reach on upper floors. On a double-hung window, both sashes tilt in. That makes second-story windows easier to clean without a ladder.
Cost
A single-hung window is often less expensive than a double-hung window. Cost depends on size, glass, and grid choices. We are always happy to explain what goes into a quote.
Style
Both windows have a clean, classic look. From the street, they look very much alike. The 700 Series has a classic beveled edge detail, and both the top and bottom sashes look the same. The 900 Series has a modern brick mold appearance, and the fixed top sash has a larger glass area. Many homes in Atlanta will use single-hung vinyl windows for shapes and fixed picture windows, and then the rest will be double-hung for easy cleaning.
When you compare single-hung vs double-hung windows, there is no single answer that fits every home.
Which window is right for your home?
Think about your Atlanta window project and how it fits with the points outlined above.
A single-hung window is a good fit for many replacement projects. It is simple, easy to keep in budget, and easy to install. It works well in homes near Tucker, Chamblee, and Decatur, where owners are replacing old metal windows.
A double-hung window makes sense when you want more airflow or easier cleaning up high. It is the best pick for homes with old wooden windows.
Both single hung and double hung windows are great options for building a new home, adding a sunroom, creating a man cave, or adding an addition to your home.
Do both work for new windows and replacements?
Yes, both single-hung and double-hung windows work for a brand-new home or to replace old windows in a home you already own. Both come in a new construction version with nail fin and j-channel required for the builder to set the window in place. Both also come in a replacement version that is built to fit your current opening.
How we build both in Tucker
Every window we make starts in our Tucker, Georgia, factory. We have built vinyl windows here for more than 45 years.
Both the 900 Series and the 700 Series come with:
- Cardinal Low-E glass, which is a thin coating that helps block heat from the sun
- Duraseal warm edge spacer, which helps stop IG failure
- Vinyl frames that resist rot, rust, and warping
- Screens at no extra cost
- White or tan color choices
- A tilt-in sash for easy cleaning
You can also add many options to either window. A few of the most common upgrades are Cardinal Low-E 366 glass, which gives you a bit more solar heat control. Argon gas between the panes adds an additional buffer of insulation. Grids between the glass give you a divided-light look that is still easy to clean and full-screen. All windows come with the Windowscrafters warranty.
Most orders are ready in just a few weeks. If you would rather not handle the work yourself, we have a window installation division that will help with your entire project.
When something needs attention, you reach real people nearby. We answer the phone, and we own the outcome. For more on how glass affects energy use, see ENERGY STAR window guidance.
Ready to compare in person?
The best way to choose between single-hung and double-hung windows is to see them and talk it through. Reach out on our website or give Windowcrafters a call at 770-723-9900, and we can help you find the right fit for your home.
Related Articles
- What the 700 Series Vinyl Windows Include, How They Perform, and Why They Are a Great Choice
- How Do I Prevent Fog Between My Window Panes?
- Energy Efficient Windows in Atlanta | Comfort and Style with Windowcrafters
Frequently Asked Questions
Are single-hung or double-hung windows better for energy savings?
Both save energy in about the same way. Each one uses the same Cardinal Low-E glass and warm edge spacer. The way you use the window and the quality of the install matter more than the style you pick.
Can I clean the top sash on a single-hung window?
The top sash on a single-hung window is fixed, so it does not tilt in. You can reach it from outside on the first floor or go on a ladder to clean the outside on the second floor. On upper floors, a double-hung window is easier to clean because both sashes tilt inward.
Which is a better choice for a rental, single-hung or double-hung windows?
Many property owners choose single-hung windows for the lower cost and simple use. Double-hung is good when the rental has old wooden windows, so the window fits exactly into the existing opening.
