Comparing Double-Hung And Sliding Replacement Windows 

When you’re considering window replacement for your entire household, the first consideration you’ll be faced with is which material should be used for your new windows. These days, many homeowners are opting for vinyl windows because they are extremely attractive, energy-efficient, and cost-effective. Those are hard factors to beat with any kind of product, and in the world of windows, they are especially compelling.

Once you’ve decided on the type of material for your windows, you’ll need to consider the specific style of window you want for your replacements. While you won’t necessarily need to choose the same style of window for every room in your home, it will make it easier in terms of planning and purchasing the windows you decide to go with.

Regardless of whether you opt for the same style of window all throughout your home, or whether you choose to mix-and-match styles, you should have a good idea about the differences between window types so that you can make an informed decision. The discussion below will center on the differences between double-hung windows and sliding windows.

Double-hung windows

Double-hung windows are equipped with an upper and lower sash, both of which can slide open and closed. Even when the windows are open, they will still be position flush against your house’s frame. They’re very easy to open and close, and it’s also possible to tilt them inward toward the house, when you’re planning to clean the outside of the glass, while standing inside the house. This is in fact, why many homeowners choose double-hung windows, because they can be easily cleaned from inside the home.

This eliminates the need for placing a ladder against the home to reach second-story windows. Double-hung windows are very common in today’s market and are easily obtainable. They provide a number of benefits such as being modern, durable and very effective against all weather elements. All double-hung windows have at least double-pane glass, and can easily be upgraded if you should decide to do so at some point.

Sliding windows

Sliding windows share a number of similarities with double-hung windows, and in fact they are basically double-hung windows which have been turned on their side. Sliding windows have two sashes which are positioned side-by-side, and which are capable of sliding over one another. They provide plenty of interior lighting, wide views for occupants wishing to look outside, and plenty of fresh air. The biggest difference between sliding windows and double-hung windows is that double-hung windows slide upward and downward, whereas sliding windows move both left and right.

Uses for these two window types

Sliding windows are most commonly used in areas where greater width is available, and less height is available. They provide great service in rooms which require more ventilation, and where you want to have unobstructed views. They are also good for areas which might be more difficult to reach, such as above a kitchen sink, or above a bathroom tub.

You can use sliding windows as a focal point for any room, and in that case they will serve as picture windows. In all cases however, they also provide greater ventilation for any room where they might be installed. Double-hung windows are best situated in rooms where more height is available, and less width is available. These windows will sit flush with the wall when they are open, and that makes them ideal for areas which open on to walkways, patios, and decks.

Since they have a low-profile design, they can be easily cleaned, and they can also be installed in virtually any location within your home. The tremendous versatility of double-hung windows has made them extremely popular with homeowners, and their effectiveness at making a room weather-tight also makes them very energy-efficient. 

In deciding between these two types of window styles, you should consider whether it’s more important to have a vertical view or a horizontal view in a given room. It could be that you would be best off using sliding windows in one room and double hung windows in another, based on the layout of the room, and what you’re trying to achieve in each area of your household.