If you are looking for a window style that is versatile, energy-efficient, and easy to maintain, you might want to consider double hung vinyl windows. These windows are popular among homeowners for their durability, functionality, and aesthetics.
What exactly are double hung vinyl windows?
Double hung vinyl windows are windows that have two sashes, the upper and lower, which can move independently. The sashes are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a synthetic material that is resistant to fading, peeling, and damage from extreme climates. The sashes can tilt inwards, allowing you to access the exterior of the window for cleaning and ventilation. You can also lock the sashes in place for security and insulation.
Pros of double hung windows
There are many benefits of installing double hung vinyl windows in your home, such as:
- Energy efficiency: Double hung vinyl windows can help you save on your heating and cooling costs by reducing heat loss and gain. They have a tight seal that prevents air leakage and drafts. They also have optional low-emissivity (Low-E) glass that reflects infrared and ultraviolet rays, keeping your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Some double hung vinyl windows are also ENERGY STAR® qualified, meaning they meet or exceed the minimum energy efficiency criteria for your climate region1.
- Easy maintenance: Double hung vinyl windows are easy to clean and maintain. You can simply tilt the sashes inwards and wipe them with a damp cloth or a mild detergent. You don’t need to use any harsh chemicals or paint to keep them looking new. They also have fewer moving parts than other window styles, reducing the risk of malfunction and repair.
- Versatility: Double hung vinyl windows can fit any style and size of your home. They come in a variety of colors, finishes, and grille patterns to match your preferences. You can also customize them with different glass options, such as tinted, textured, or protective glass. They can be installed in any room, from the living room to the bathroom, and can complement any architectural design, from traditional to modern.
- Ventilation: Double hung vinyl windows can provide excellent ventilation and airflow in your home. You can open both the top and bottom sashes to create a cross breeze, or just one sash to control the amount of air you want to let in. You can also adjust the sashes to different positions to suit your needs. For example, you can open the top sash to release warm air and the bottom sash to let cool air in, creating a natural cooling effect.
Cons of double hung windows
Despite their advantages, double hung vinyl windows also have some drawbacks, such as:
- Cost: Double hung vinyl windows are typically more expensive than other window styles, such as single hung or sliding windows. This is because they have more complex mechanisms and features that require more materials and labor. The cost of double hung vinyl windows can vary depending on the size, quality, and brand of the windows, but they can range from $200 to $1,200 per window2.
- Space: Double hung vinyl windows can take up more space than other window styles, especially when they are opened. This can limit the amount of natural light and view that you can enjoy from your windows. It can also make your room feel smaller and more crowded. If you have limited space or prefer a more minimalist look, you might want to opt for other window styles, such as casement or picture windows.
- Performance: Double hung vinyl windows can lose some of their performance over time, especially if they are not properly installed or maintained. The sashes can become loose, warped, or misaligned, causing air and water leakage, noise, and difficulty in operation. The locks and balances can also wear out, compromising the security and insulation of the windows. To prevent these issues, you should hire a professional installer and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for care and maintenance.
Double Hung Vinyl Window Brands
There are many brands that offer double hung vinyl windows, but some of the best ones are:
- Andersen: Andersen is one of the most trusted and reputable window brands in the industry. They offer a wide range of double hung vinyl windows, such as the 100 Series, the 200 Series, and the 400 Series. Their windows are known for their quality, durability, and beauty. They also have a white-glove service, energy-efficient products, and limited and limited lifetime warranties3.
- Champion: Champion is another leading window brand that specializes in custom-made windows. They offer double hung vinyl windows that are ideal for sunrooms, as they have a high solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) and a low U-factor. Their windows are also energy-efficient, in-house manufactured, and backed by a limited lifetime warranty4.
- Simonton: Simonton is a window brand that focuses on vinyl windows. They offer double hung vinyl windows that are affordable, reliable, and stylish. Their windows have a fusion-welded frame and sash, a tilt-in feature, and a double-lifetime warranty. They also have a variety of color, glass, and hardware options to choose from.
Conclusion
Double hung vinyl windows are a great option for homeowners who want a window style that is versatile, energy-efficient, and easy to maintain. They have two sashes that can move independently, allowing you to access the exterior of the window and control the ventilation and airflow in your home. They also come in a variety of colors, finishes, and grille patterns to suit your preferences. However, they also have some drawbacks, such as their cost, space, and performance. Therefore, you should weigh the pros and cons of double hung vinyl windows before making a decision. You should also compare different brands and models to find the best one for your home.
FAQ’s
Here are some frequently asked questions about double hung vinyl windows:
- What is the difference between double hung and single hung windows?
The main difference between double hung and single hung windows is that double hung windows have two sashes that can move independently, while single hung windows have only one sash that can move, usually the bottom one. This means that double hung windows can provide more ventilation and cleaning options than single hung windows, but they also tend to be more expensive and take up more space.
- How do you clean double hung vinyl windows?
To clean double hung vinyl windows, you can follow these steps:
- Unlock and open the window.
- Tilt the top sash inwards until it rests on the bottom sash.
- Clean the exterior of the top sash with a damp cloth or a mild detergent. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or tools that can scratch the glass or the frame.
- Return the top sash to its original position and lock it.
- Tilt the bottom sash inwards and clean the exterior of the bottom sash in the same way.
- Return the bottom sash to its original position and lock it.
- Clean the interior of the window with a dry cloth or a glass cleaner.
- How do you measure double hung vinyl windows?
To measure double hung vinyl windows, you can follow these steps:
- Measure the width of the window from the inside of the frame on the left to the inside of the frame on the right. Take three measurements: at the top, middle, and bottom of the window. Use the smallest measurement as the width of the window.
- Measure the height of the window from the inside of the frame on the top to the inside of the frame on the bottom. Take three measurements: at the left, center, and right of the window. Use the smallest measurement as the height of the window.
- Measure the depth of the window from the inside of the frame to the outside of the frame. Take one measurement at the center of the window. Use this measurement as the depth of the window.