Building Tips

Casement vs Double Hung Windows: Choosing the Right One for Your House

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I can’t believe we are already to the point of picking out windows. We have done a lot of planning and know exactly what type of windows we want for the new home, but it took a little work to get here.

Our main decision regarding windows was choosing between casement and double-hung.

In this article, I’ll break down what each one is and give you a little information on each type of window. This may help you if you are trying to choose between the two.

What is a Casement Window?

A casement window is a window that is attached to its frame by hinges on one side. To open a casement window, there is normally a crank or handle at the bottom that allows you to either push or roll out the window. This is also where you will lock the window. Basically, a casement window opens like a door.

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What is a Double Hung Window?

A double-hung window has two separate sashes that slide vertically independent of one another. It can be opened by sliding the bottom half up or top half down. The lock is normally in the middle of the window.

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Style

Both casement and double-hung windows look great, but both fit different home designs. Some people are dead set on one or the other.

Casement windows tend to be more modern and contemporary. They have clean lines and are a little more elegant. You would normally see casement windows on a more modern designed or transitional style home. However, a casement window can take on a traditional look depending on what grille pattern you choose. If you go with a colonial pattern, your windows will be more fitting of a traditional home.

Double-hung windows are more traditional and classic. They are great for more of a traditional or farmhouse-style home.

We are going with casement windows for our new build. The biggest reason is for the look. We are going for a little more on the modern side with a mix of cottage. Casement windows combined with the grille pattern that we chose should be the perfect mix.

Energy Efficient

Both double-hung and casement windows are very energy efficient. Double-hung windows fit very snug and seal tightly allowing little room for air filtration.

However, casement windows might be a little more energy efficient because the closing mechanism does create a tighter seal with less room for air to sneak through.

Cost

Casement windows are normally more expensive than double-hung windows. This is probably due to more moving parts required to open and close the window.

Of course, this wasn’t a very exciting thing for us. Spending more money is never fun, but we did make sure and budget accordingly upfront so we could splurge some in this area.

Cons

While both casement and double-hung windows are great choices, they both still have a few cons to be aware of.

Casement windows have a higher chance of developing mechanical issues due to the cranking mechanism, which can loosen and wear over time.

As for the double-hung windows, they can be a little difficult to clean, especially if you are short like me.

Whether you decide to go with casement or double-hung, either will be a great window. It mostly comes down to the style you like and what look you are going for. But, it does help to compare the two and see exactly what you are getting for the money.

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8 Comments

  • Reply Guerrina

    I’ve lived with both over the years. On the New England coast, I prefer double hung. I feel I have better control over air flow with them and better control over what blows in during storms. Thus they also protect my window sills better from rain than casement. I’m short and thankfully have tilt outs now – far easier to clean than the windows I grew up with that had weights (1800s house) and the trim had to be removed to get them out to clean well unless you wanted to be outside on a ladder!

    May 8, 2019 at 11:36 am
    • Reply Brooke

      Hello Guerrina! Its nice to have another view from someone who has had both. I agree, the major thing I did not like about my casement windows is that they were harder to clean for me. I think we still are going with the casement for our new build because of the look, but I may regret it in a few years…I hope not!

      May 8, 2019 at 12:19 pm
  • Reply Mercy

    What about screens for casement windows? Is that an option?

    May 9, 2019 at 9:35 pm
    • Reply Henry

      You can do screens on casement windows, but they are on the inside.

      May 10, 2019 at 3:03 am
  • Reply Christina

    Casement windows all the way. We had then in our 1953 Ranch style home. And now we put them in our 70s Ranch style home. We live in Arizona so we don’t open our windows a lot, but I like they way they look and feel very strong…

    January 5, 2020 at 11:24 pm
  • Reply Amy West

    Can you tell me what brand and series windows you went with?

    February 4, 2021 at 2:23 am
  • Reply Afton Jackson

    The tighter seals that casement windows provide really sound interesting. Since I’m trying to make upgrades to my home to make them as energy-efficient as possible, I can really see this being the right choice. Once I have some free days to renovate, I’ll call over a window expert to get me some of these casement model windows.

    May 2, 2022 at 11:33 pm
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