What Are Double-Hung Windows?

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What are Double-Hung Windows? 2026 Window Buyer's Guide Open Download FREE Guide for Offline Viewing

• Section 1: When Should I Replace My Windows? Toggle nested menu
  • Is it Time to Replace Your Windows?
  • Replacing Builder Grade Windows
• Section 2: What Are the Types of Windows and Which is Best For Me? Toggle nested menu
  • Window Type Basics
  • What are Single-Hung Windows?
  • What are Double-Hung Windows?
  • What are Casement and Awning Windows?
  • What are Bay and Bow Windows?
  • What are Garden Windows?
  • What are Picture Windows?
  • What are Storm Windows?
  • What are Custom and Shaped Windows?
  • What are Basement Hopper Windows?
  • What are Sliding Windows?
  • What are Impact Windows?
• Section 3: What Do I Need to Understand About the Anatomy of a Window? Toggle nested menu
  • What Parts Make up a Window?
  • What Is Window Glazing?
  • Types of Window Glass: A Glossary of Glass
• Section 4: What Do I Need to Know About Energy Performance and Energy Efficiency? Toggle nested menu
  • Windows and Energy: A Glossary of Terms
  • How Energy-Efficient Windows Help You Save Money
• Section 5: What Are the Material Choices for My Windows? Toggle nested menu
  • Your Windows, Your Way
  • What Kind of Window Frame is Right for You?
  • Color Options for Vinyl Window Frames
  • 6 Things to Know About Window Locks
• Section 6: How Can I Choose the Best Replacement Window Company? Toggle nested menu
  • 5 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Window Replacement Company
  • How to Spot A Deal That's Too Good to Be True
  • How Much do Replacement Windows Cost?
• Section 7: What Should I Expect From the Window Buying and Installation Process? Toggle nested menu
  • Shopping for Replacement Windows? Here's What to Expect
  • What to Expect During Your Window Installation
• Appendix Toggle nested menu
  • Window Buyers' Guide Checklist
  • Window Care Guide | Everything You Need to Take Care of Your Champion Windows
  • What Is Argon Gas? How Is It Used in Windows?
  • What Is Low-E Glass? How Does It Improve Energy Efficiency?
  • Window Energy Performance Ratings | Your Primer for Window Shopping
  • Energy Efficient Windows | Everything You Need to Know in One Place
  • What Is U-Factor? | Understanding Energy Efficiency for Windows
  • What Is Window Glazing? Why Is It Important for Energy Efficiency?
  • Vinyl vs Wood Windows | Which Is the Better Choice for You?
  • Vinyl Windows | Comparing Wood Colors & Wood Grains
  • What Are Casement Windows? Are They Right for Your Home?
  • What Are Double-Hung Windows? Review the Pros and Cons
  • What Is a Bow Window? What Are the Pros and Cons?
  • Double-Hung vs Single-Hung Windows | Everything You Need to Choose
  • Tilt Turn Windows | The What, Why, and How
  • What Is a Window Sash? How to Inspect It? Perform Proper Maintenance
  • What Is a Window Sill? It Isn't What You Think
  • Windows Types and Styles | Compare Pros and Cons of Each
  • Home Window Basics | A Simple Guide
  • Types of Window Glass | Comparing All Types and Finding What's Right
  • What Is Window Cladding? What the Different Types and Advantages?
  • Making the Most of Your Garden Window
  • Window Locks & Window Lock Types | A Simple Guide
  • Energy Star 7.0 Requirements

1. 2026 Window Buyer's Guide
2. Section 2: What Are the Types of Windows and Which is Best For Me?
3. What are Double-Hung Windows?

Expert Overview

1. Double-hung windows can open from either the top or the bottom (unlike single-hung, which only open from the bottom).
2. Parents of small children appreciate having the ability to open the upper sash for ventilation while leaving the lower sash closed.
3. On today’s models of double-hung windows, both sashes tilt inward, making it possible to clean both sides of the window from inside the house.

The double-hung window is a lovely, classic form of window that can make a beautiful addition to nearly any home. Understanding the advantages and benefits of double-hung windows can help you decide whether this window type is right for your home.

What does “double-hung” mean?

Simply put, double-hung means you can open from the top or the bottom—versus “single-hung,” which only opens from the bottom.

Double-hung windows are simple, traditional rectangular windows with two sashes, one upper and one lower. Sometimes the glass in each sash is made up of one pane, other times the glass may be divided into many panes, separated by dividers known as "muntins," or more commonly referred to as “grids.”

With a double-hung window, both sashes are able to move up and down. This means that homeowners seeking extra ventilation have a variety of options, and either half of the window can be opened if desired. Parents of small children appreciate having the ability to open the upper sash for ventilation while leaving the lower sash closed.

Double-hung windows are designed for convenience. On the modern types of double-hung windows, both sashes can tilt inward for cleaning purposes.

The casing on a double-hung window is typically thicker than a single-hung window, because both sashes must exist on their own track in order to move up and down independently. Despite this difference, single- and double-hung windows look very much the same and to the untrained eye may not be distinguishable from one another.

How do double-hung windows work?

To move the upper sash on a double-hung window, simply pull down on the sash by applying downward pressure to the muntins or rails. To raise the lower sash, push up on the rails from beneath.

New forms of double-hung windows also include latches that make it possible to lean the windows out from their tracks. Doing this enables the homeowner to clean the windows from the inside of the house, without ever stepping foot outside.

Pros and cons of double-hung windows

Pros:

• Easy to use. Opening and closing the windows is simple, making it easy to let in fresh air, let out strong odors, and control the temperature in the house.
• Easy to maintain. Many homeowners pull down the upper sash for easy reaching when it's time to clean the glass. Having the ability to tilt the sashes inward makes it easy to clean the window exteriors as well.
• Safer. Cleaning double-hung windows can be far safer because they enable homeowners to stay inside while cleaning the window glass.
• Adds more value to the home. Double-hung windows are more desirable than some other types of windows because of their functionality, and can deliver a greater return on investment in terms of added home value.

Cons:

• Expense. While they come with added value, double-hung windows do tend to have a higher up-front cost than some other types, particularly single-hung windows.
• Ventilation is limited. Ventilation in double-hung windows is naturally limited by the fact that at least half of the window will always be covered by the sashes.
• Not always airtight. Because double-hung windows are on separate tracks from one another, they're naturally separated and not as air tight as some other types of windows.

How to Clean Double-Hung Windows

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