Choosing between casement windows and double hung windows is one of those decisions that seems simple until you actually start comparing them. Both are popular, both look great in the right setting, and both have real advantages depending on where you put them and what you need them to do.
If you’re planning a window replacement for your Spokane home, understanding the differences between these two styles can save you from making a choice you’ll regret a few years down the road.
What Is a Casement Window?
A casement window is hinged on one side and swings outward, kind of like a door. You open it using a crank mechanism at the bottom of the frame, which makes it easy to operate even when the window is installed above a countertop, like over a kitchen sink.
Because the entire sash swings open, casement windows provide excellent airflow. The glass panel acts almost like a scoop, directing wind into the room. For ventilation purposes, few window styles beat a casement.
They typically use a single pane of glass with a clean, uninterrupted look. The lock and key system on a casement window compresses the sash tightly against the frame when closed, which contributes to a strong energy seal.
What Is a Double-Hung Window?
A double-hung window – also called a sash window in some circles – has two vertically sliding panels. Both the upper and lower sashes can move, which gives you more control over airflow compared to a single-hung slider.
The construction of a double-hung window is familiar to most homeowners. It’s the classic window style you see in a huge number of homes across Spokane. You can open the top, the bottom, or both at once to manage the way air circulates in a room.
Double-hung windows are also known for being easy to clean, since many models tilt inward from both the top and bottom sashes.
How Do Casement and Double-Hung Windows Compare?
Ventilation and Airflow
Casement windows tend to win here. Because the entire window opens and the hinge allows the glass to catch and redirect wind, you get more direct airflow into a space. Double-hung windows split the opening between two sashes, so each opening is smaller by comparison.
That said, double-hung windows offer more flexibility. You can open the top sash to let heat escape from a room, open the bottom to pull cooler air in, or do both at once. For spaces where you want to fine-tune ventilation rather than maximize it, a double-hung may actually serve you better.
Energy Efficiency
This is where casement windows have a notable edge. When the crank mechanism is used to close and lock the window, the sash presses firmly against the entire frame. There are fewer gaps and less opportunity for air to leak in or out.
Double-hung windows rely on sliding hardware, which can develop gaps over time as the weatherstripping wears down. If energy performance is a priority, especially during Spokane’s colder months, casement windows tend to hold their advantage longer, particularly when made with fiberglass frames.
Fiberglass is worth mentioning specifically because it resists warping and expanding in temperature swings, which keeps the seal tight across seasons.
Installation Location
Think about where each window makes the most sense. Casement windows work beautifully in spaces where the window is partially obstructed, above a kitchen counter for example, because the crank mechanism lets you open and close them without leaning or reaching.
Double-hung windows are often the better choice in rooms where you need an egress option, where space on the outside is limited, or where you want something that blends into a more traditional architectural style. Since the sashes slide rather than swing, they don’t require clearance on the exterior side.
Ease of Use
Casement windows can become harder to operate if the crank mechanism wears out or if the window is installed in a spot that makes reaching the crank awkward. This is something to consider in rooms with deep countertops or high sill heights.
Double-hung windows are low-maintenance in terms of operation. There’s no mechanical crank to deal with, and the sliding sash design is intuitive for almost everyone.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Double-hung windows edge ahead here. The tilting sash feature means you can clean the exterior glass from inside the home, which is a genuine convenience on upper floors.
Casement windows swing outward, so cleaning the outer glass usually means going outside or reaching around the open sash. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s worth knowing before you commit.
Which Window Style Suits Spokane Homes?
Spokane homeowners deal with genuine seasonal extremes – cold winters, dry summers, and everything in between. Energy efficiency matters here. The tight seal of a casement window is a real benefit during those months when you need to keep conditioned air inside and outdoor air out.
That said, double-hung windows hold their own. They’re versatile, familiar, and widely available in high-quality fiberglass and composite materials that perform well in changing conditions.
The honest answer is that the right choice often depends on the specific room and what you’re trying to accomplish. Many homes use both. Casement windows in the kitchen and bathrooms, and double-hung windows in bedrooms and living spaces where a traditional look is preferred.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are casement windows more expensive than double-hung?
Generally, yes. Casement windows tend to cost more due to the crank mechanism and the more complex construction involved. However, the energy savings over time can offset some of that upfront difference.
Which window style is better for egress?
Double-hung windows are commonly used as egress windows because the sash opens vertically and doesn’t project outward. Casement windows can also qualify for egress, but local building codes vary, so it’s worth confirming requirements before making a decision.
Can I mix casement and double-hung windows in the same home?
Absolutely. Many homeowners choose different styles based on the room’s function and design.
A mix of window types can actually enhance the look of a home’s exterior when planned thoughtfully.
Make the Right Choice for Your Home
Choosing between casement and double-hung windows comes down to your priorities – airflow, energy efficiency, location, or maintenance. Both styles have real strengths, and neither is a wrong answer when properly matched to the right space.
If you’re ready to move forward, explore Balsamroot Exteriors’ window replacement services to see how the team can help you find the right fit for your Spokane home. You can also call 509-295-2326 to talk through your options directly.
