What Is a Double Hung Window?

As you look into replacement windows for your San Diego home, you will find out pretty quickly that there are many different styles of windows (not to mention many different brands, and within those brands, usually several different lines). There’s a lot to learn when you’re researching replacement windows.

In this blog post, we will be highlighting one of the most popular styles of windows in San Diego homes: the double hung window.

Put simply, a double hung window is a vertically oriented window (it’s taller than it is wide), with two panels, also known as sashes. Both the upper and the lower sashes are operable. The upper sash slides down to open, while the lower sash slide up to open. You can open one sash at a time, or both at the same time.

A double hung window differs from a single hung window in that in a single hung window, only the bottom sash is operable.

One of the best features of the double hung windows sold at BM Windows is the tilt-in sash. As the name implies, the sash tilts inward so you can access the exterior glass from the inside of your house for easy cleaning. With double hung windows, you no longer have to drag out the big ladder or the awkward long-handled squeegee to get those second-story windows clean!

When and Where to Install Double Hung Windows

If you have a standard tract home in San Diego, it probably has single hung windows in it, rather than double hung. That’s because single hung windows are less expensive. For a builder trying to keep costs down, they likely would choose to install single hung windows.

When it comes time to upgrade your windows, you might want to consider replacing some of those single hung windows with double hung windows. However, since they are a little more expensive, you want to be strategic about it. Here are a few areas in your home that could benefit from double hung windows:

Bathrooms: Good ventilation is key in wet areas like bathrooms to help prevent mildew, and double hung windows offer great ventilation.
Second-story rooms: The tilt-in sashes on double hung windows help make second-story windows much easier to clean.
Small rooms: Because double hung windows are vertically oriented, they are great in smaller rooms with limited wall space—especially if that room could use a little extra ventilation.

To give a home added architectural interest, some San Diego homeowners choose to put decorative grids on just the upper sash of their double hung windows. This is especially popular on homes with a Craftsman style to them.

As we mentioned before, there are many different styles of replacement windows to choose from—double hung windows is just one. If you need help deciding what styles would work best in your San Diego home, we would be happy to help you with this at your in-home consultation. Contact us today to set up an appointment.