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Drive down any street in Dayton, and you’ll notice that windows on many of the homes look similar. Most are double hung windows, and there are good reasons why this window style has become so popular.
Here’s a closer look at double hung windows, how they operate, and how your home can benefit from them.
The windows’ name says it all. Double hung windows are hung inside a frame. There are two of them, each of which is framed in a separate sash. The sashes slide up and down in the window frame, allowing you to open the top of the window (by sliding it down) or the bottom of the window (by sliding it up.) Often, double-hung windows also have a screen mounted inside of them. You can slide the screen up and down; it’s designed to keep particles and bugs from blowing in through the lower window.
Double hung windows have a very versatile look. They pair well with the architecture of most Dayton homes, from Craftsman bungalows to modern artistic houses. They come in many sizes, but since they’re typically tall, they let plenty of natural light into the room. Double hung windows allow for great ventilation, since opening either the top or bottom reveals a large space through which air can flow. This is excellent in the spring and fall when temperatures are mild and you want to air out your home without turning on the heat or air conditioning.
Double-hung windows are also easy to operate. There’s no crank to turn like with casement windows, so homeowners with arthritis and limited mobility in their hands don’t struggle with them. There’s no window swinging outward, so double hung windows work well along porches and walkways where you don’t want to create an obstruction when the window is open.
You can modify the look of your windows with specialized grilles. For example, a grille splitting the top window into four quadrants gives a home a traditional Craftsman look. A grille splitting both windows in half creates a rustic, country vibe –and these are just a few of your options. You can also customize the color of the window frame and sash. Choose the same color as your siding to ensure your windows blend in, or pick something that really stands out for a more eye-catching look.
Of course, there are also decisions to make about the glass in your double hung windows. Most Dayton homeowners opt for double-pane glass, which means there are two sheets of glass with a thin layer of air between them. The air acts as an insulator, keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. You can also get double hung windows with low-E coatings, like Andersen’s SmartSun™ glass, which reflect sunlight to keep your home cooler.
Double hung windows are a versatile option that will add value to your home and enhance its appearance. There are a lot of decisions to make in every window buying process. If you’re not sure what windows are right for your Dayton home or would like more information about double-hung windows, contact the experts at Renewal by Andersen. We offer free in-home consultations and estimates that are good for one year.