What Are Single-Hung Windows? Answered In Window Buyer's Guide

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What are Single-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 Single-Hung Windows?

Expert Overview

1. Single-hung windows are the most classic type of residential window in America.
2. Single-hung windows only open from the bottom.
3. Homeowners who have older homes and want to preserve authenticity often opt for single-hung windows.

The timeless beauty and simple design of single-hung windows makes them the preferred style of window in homes across the United States.

In fact, single-hung windows are the most classic form of residential window, because they were the type of window used in homes before the advent of double-hung windows. Though homeowners can now choose between single-hung and double-hung (we’ll explain the difference in a moment), single-hung windows are still an excellent option for many types of homes and purposes.

What does “single-hung” mean?

A window is single-hung when it only has a single way to open it—from the bottom.

At first glance, it can be difficult to tell the difference between single- and double-hung windows. In shape and character, they are very similar.

Like double-hung windows, single-hung windows have an upper sash and a lower sash. (The sash is the part of the window that surrounds the glass and holds the glass in place in the window frame.) But with single-hung windows, only the bottom sash has a moveable track, while the upper sash is fixed and doesn’t move. It’s a bit similar to a “faux” drawer panel on a dresser that looks like a drawer, but doesn’t open.

This means that you can only open a single-hung window from the bottom. At their most open position, single-hung windows can only be opened about half way.

An interesting feature of single-hung windows is that the upper sash may mirror the look of the lower sash. Or, it can take on a different shape altogether. For example, upper sashes on single-hung windows may be arched or pointed.

Pros and cons of single-hung windows

Pros:

• Few air leaks. Single-hung windows fit more snugly in their frames and typically have fewer air leaks.
• Unique shape. Because the upper sash of single-hung windows can't be moved in the track, the upper sash of a single-hung window can be different shapes, like arched or pointed.
• Popularity. Single-hung windows are the most popular and common type of window in residences in the United States.
• Lower price point than double-hung. Single-hung windows are less functional, but their simplicity allows for a lower cost.
• More historically accurate. Single-hung windows are the window of choice for older homes, to retain authenticity.

Cons:

• Difficult to repair. The upper sash cannot be removed if it breaks. This means that a window glazier must be called to fix the glass in the upper sash of a single-hung window.
• Fewer ventilation options. With only one moving sash, homeowners have fewer options for ventilating their home.
• More difficult to clean. Cleaning a single-hung window from the outside can be a challenge, especially if the window is on the top floor of the home.

Wondering how single-hung and double-hung windows are different? Learn more about double-hung windows.

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