Category: Blog

There are many reasons to replace a door, as it might not open or close as it used. It could be chipped or scratched and look untidy. Alternatively, you could just be tired of it and want a change—whatever your reason, there is one thing that you absolutely have to know, and that is the average door dimension for walls in the USA.

Knowing the average door width and height doesn’t mean you have to stick to those sizes, but it’s a good baseline you can use to see if your chosen size is off the specifications.

Average Door Dimensions for Interior and Exterior Doors

Standard door sizes vary according to the type of door you’re going to install. For example, interior doors include bathroom doors, pocket doors, and closet doors. Exterior doors include garage doors, patio doors, and entry doors.

All of the styles have their own set of standard dimensions and permissible variations.

Average Interior Door Sizes

As a rule, interior doors are 80 inches tall, 32 inches wide, and 1 ⅜ inches thick.

Room-to-Room Doors

Room-to-room doors tend to stick to the average interior door size, but they can vary by about 4 inches either way. If you want to radically resize the door, it’s critical that you find out the minimum and maximum sizes stipulated by the building codes in your state. Often there is no limit to the maximum height, provided there is enough space between the top of the door and the ceiling.

However, for safety reasons, you aren’t allowed to install cute little room-to-room doors for your kids. You can go wider if that is your preferred style, but if you live with someone in a wheelchair, doors should be at least 36 inches wide.

Period Home Doors

Some old-period homes have doors that are off the specifications. Usually, they’re a bit shorter and narrower than current standard sizes. It’s likely you’ll need to customize replacement doors to ensure they fit properly.

You can make the doors higher if you or someone who shares your house with you is tall and is tired of ducking to go from one room into another. This type of extension is not something that you should tackle yourself. If you do, there is a very real risk that you could damage the surrounding structure, and then your lovely period home will need some major repairs or remodeling.

Contact a reputable contractor to take the proper measurements of the door frame, door widths, and height and install the door without any fuss.

Pocket Doors

Pocket doors are a little trickier because you measure the height as normal, but you must measure the width twice. Pocket doors slide to the side to open. The average door width of a pocket type is 32 inches to 36 inches, so you’ll need more than double that for your sliding space.

Considering the double measurement and the track and rails that need to be installed, you’d do well to hire a professional window installation company.

Barn Doors

Barn doors are like pocket doors on steroids because the two halves slide in opposite directions. They are tall and wide and imposing, with statement hardware on the outside.

You need to ensure that not only do you have enough room on both sides of the door to double up the width but that it is in keeping with the rest of the house. For example, a small, contemporary city apartment might not be able to support barn doors.

Bigger residential houses, on the other hand, could be perfectly capable of pulling off the look.

Average Exterior Door Sizes

As a rule, the average exterior front or back door is 80 inches tall, 36 inches wide, and 1 ¾ thick. The width and door thickness tend to vary.

Glass Patio Doors

Sliding patio doors tend to stick to the standard height of 80 inches, but the width can vary from 60 inches to 90 inches.
Bifold patio doors, on the other hand, can be up to 120 inches high and 660 inches wide. The width is made up of glass panels that fold like a concertina. The number of panels depends on the total width of your patio.

French Doors

French doors could function as patio doors, back doors, and courtyard doors. The door is split into two halves, which swing open. Once again, the height is an average of 80 inches, and the width varies from 60 inches to 72 inches.

Garage Doors

The standard size of a single garage door is 108 inches wide and 84 inches high. There is a trend for new homes to have larger garage doors with a width of 120 inches.

The standard size of a double garage door is 192 inches wide and 84 inches high. The size you need is dictated by the size of your car.

How to Measure Interior Doors

Measuring for replacement doors is simple. All you have to do is measure the current door and head off to a home improvement center.

It starts to get a little more challenging when the reason you’re replacing the door is it no longer fits in the frame properly. In this instance, you need to measure from the door jamb to get the width. Take three measurements, one at the top, one in the middle, and one at the bottom of the door. You’ll use the widest measurement.

You get the length by measuring from the door jamb at the top to the floor. It’s recommended to take three measurements here too. Measure the depth using the door jamb from top to backside. The width typically ranges from 5 ½ inches to 6 9/16 inches.

When measuring for a new door, you need measurements for the rough opening, the total space into which the frame, jambs, and door will go. Getting the rough opening measurements is easy. As a rule, just add two inches to the width and 2 ½ inches to the height.

To get the width, you must measure from the inside of the side studs at the top, middle, and bottom. To get the height, you must measure from the floor to the header on each side and the center. You must measure the thickness or depth by using the smallest dimensions on the exposed drywall or sheathing.

Get Accurate Average Door Height and Width with Trusted Professionals

Unless you’re installing an average door height with average dimensions, it’s highly recommended that you hire window contractors.

Accuracy is absolutely essential, and the experts have the experience and tools necessary to measure the barest fraction of an inch.

Connect with a professional window installer for more information on what type of door fits your purpose. To ensure that you’ll have premium-quality doors for your home, contact us at 877-590-2741 at Euroline Steel Windows and Doors today!

Casement window in standard sizes is very popular because their design has many innate benefits—including light, safety, and weather resistance.

They come in a variety of sizes that can be adapted to just about any requirement in any style of home. Some homeowners choose to customize their windows, but there are also some standard-sized casement windows for you to consider.

What About Casement Window Standard Sizes?

Casement window sizes vary from very small to very big. You probably have a good idea of the size you want, but you need to consider several factors before settling on a specific size.

You first need to decide whether you want a vent window or a fixed one that doesn’t open. If you want the former, you need to decide how you want them to open. Your options include windows that swing out to either the right or left and push casement windows.

What particular configuration do you want? For example, do you want a vent casement window on the side of a picture window? Do you want them to flank a picture window in a bay window? Do you want small vent windows in your kitchen but large ones in your living room? What about a transom window above the casement windows in the bedrooms?

You can go ahead and determine the window dimensions that suit your requirements with these factors in mind.

Measuring Casement Windows for Replacement

It’s best to measure replacement windows on the inside of the house and not on the outside. Dimensions are presented in a set of four numbers. The first two numbers represent the width and the second two represent the height or length.

For example, 2147 is a window that is 2’1″ wide by 4’7″ long. In addition to the size of the glass pane, you need to include the measurement for the size of the total window opening, which includes the trim and frame.

The materials also play a role in determining size. Typically, vinyl is better suited to small and medium-sized windows. While fiberglass and aluminum-clad wood provide enough support for much larger casement windows.

Measurements need to be accurate to the fraction of an inch. A little too small or big will throw off the installation process and require thinking on the spot to solve the problem. This is why it’s usually best to hire a contractor to manage the window installation process, from measuring casement window size to the final seal.

Measuring New Casement Windows

Installing brand-new casement windows from scratch is definitely best left to professional contractors who have the experience and insurance—let them cut the rough opening without damaging any other part of your home, including the masonry, drywall, and electrical system.

Advantages of Casement Windows

Two of the biggest benefits of casement windows are that, like picture windows, they provide unobstructed views and bring in plenty of light. More advantages include the following:

They are Energy Efficient

They have one seal as opposed to single- and double-hung windows that have at least two sides that can allow cold air from outside to leak inside. When this happens, your heating system has to work that much harder to keep your house warm.

Furthermore, strong winds blow against the windows, putting more pressure on the seal to make doubly sure that no air gets in or out. As a result, they are better at temperature control than other windows, including awning windows.

They are Easy to Maintain

There aren’t as many moving parts as in other windows, so there are fewer components that need to be thoroughly cleaned and oiled. The way in which casement windows open also makes the glass panes easier to clean, both inside and out.

They are Stylish and Beneficial

It doesn’t matter if you choose to push or crank-style casement windows, the extent to which they open is greater than other window styles, maximizing other benefits, including ventilation and light.

They Provide Home Security

Casement windows contribute to home security. They can’t be opened from the outside. The locking mechanism is hook-shaped and inaccessible from outside the home.

Disadvantages of Casement Windows

You need to consider the bad as well as the good if you want to make an informed decision.

Not Child-Proof

They’re not as child-proof as other window types; for example, double-hung windows. The locks are easy to access from the inside, especially if the windows are low to the ground. It’s important to keep them securely locked, so there is no possibility of little fingers working them open and going for a walk.

The Length is Unsupported

This can make them more likely to break than other windows. In addition, the lack of support when the windows are wide open means that strong winds could blow them shut and break the glass as a result. The wide opening also makes them vulnerable to strong winds that could break them off their frames.

However, with proper maintenance and an eye on weather forecasts, it’s possible to mitigate the risks. For example, if the news predicts gale-force winds or heavy rain, keep all the windows closed so that they increase the pressure and strength of the seal.

Window Screens

Window screens are placed inside the window frames, which means that standard air conditioners that need to be vented outside aren’t an option.

Professional Casement Window Measuring and Installation

It’s possible for you to measure and install casement windows yourself, but only if you are extremely experienced in DIY projects in bedrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms.

As a rule, it’s always best to hire a professional company to determine casement and double-hung window sizes. Window professionals will get it right the first time and save you time and money. Contact us at 877-590-2741 at Euroline Steel Windows and Doors today!

If you’ve been thinking about how to stop window condensation, you have come to the right place.

You’ve seen it, and you probably see it every day when you get out of the bath or shower, and the bathroom mirrors and windows are all misted up—you might have even written a little message on it or drawn a heart.

The thing about condensation is that, given the right set of circumstances, it can be very bad for windows and your home and even be bad for your health. Below, we’ll discuss six ways to stop condensation.

How to Stop Window Condensation Day and Night

Condensation in homes is more likely to occur in two sets of circumstances that rely on varying temperatures, such as:

1. When cold weather meets the warm windows from indoor heating

2. When warm air outside hits cool surfaces, like a window in an air-conditioned house.

In winter, when heated air inside meets the cold surface outside, condensation forms on the inside of the window. While in summer, when hot air from outside meets cooled air inside, condensation forms on the outside of the window.

There are six easy ways to keep moisture levels in residential homes as low as possible, these include:

Open the Drapes

Humidity is a major cause of window condensation, and its levels are likely to be higher in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.

Unfortunately, condensation likes to travel, so it’s not uncommon for the excessive humidity from the kitchen to cause condensation on the living room windows, and the humidity from bathrooms could condense on the windows in a bedroom or two.

Humidity thrives in the trapped air behind drapes, so opening them will expose the windows to cooler air, which will help dry the moisture.

Open the Windows

The same principle applies to opening windows. All the condensation on kitchen windows is caused by the heat and humidity from cooking and boiling kettles. Opening the windows allows the hot air to escape and cool air to come in. This balances the temperature, and the moisture dries away.

Keeping windows in your bedroom open can stop condensation on windows at night.

Airflow and Ventilation

Circulating the air with a ceiling fan keeps humidity levels down, and the sluggish, humid air that causes condensation is dissipated by the movement of the fans.

Sometimes, this is the easiest and best solution, even in wintertime. You don’t have to keep the ceiling fans on for long, 15 minutes should do the trick to prevent moisture buildup.

Exhaust Fans

Exhaust or extractor fans are designed to remove damp, humid air from whichever room they happen to be in. Usually, these are used in kitchens and bathrooms, but it’s worth considering one for your laundry room, especially if it is inside your home.

Keep the exhaust fan running for about 15 minutes after you’ve finished clearing all the moisture from the window panes, and make sure to clean them regularly, so they always operate to their full capacity.

Adjust the Humidifier

If you are running a humidifier, it’s probably for a good reason. However, its function is in its name—humidifiers increase the humidity level in the air. If possible, turn it off for a few minutes until the moisture dries. If you can’t turn it off, see if you can turn it down, and if you can’t turn it down, open a window.

Rethink Your Plants

Plants release moisture into the air through a process called transpiration—they absorb water from the soil and release water vapor through their leaves. If you have herbs or houseplants growing in your kitchen, try and keep them away from the windows where they can contribute to the condensation.

Why Should I Prevent Window Condensation?

There are two major reasons preventing condensation is so important.

1. It damages your house.

2. It damages your health.

Whenever condensation drips down your windows, it gets into the wood window frame, the painted windowsill, and the wallpapered wall beneath the sill. Over time, the frame starts to warp, the paint blisters, and the wallpaper peels.

Depending on how soon you catch the problem, you may just need to replace the window frame. If the dripping has been going on for years, you might need to replace the entire window, and you might need a contractor to examine the walls to see how bad the water damage is there.

The damage can extend way beyond the window. Moisture collects on any cool surface, including the walls and ceiling, which will stain in the long run. Moreover, the problem doesn’t stop there, it can also seep into the insulation and support beams and cause serious structural damage—making your home extremely unsafe to live in.

Health and Safety

Aside from the physical damage, the dampness is a perfect environment for mold to grow. If you catch this quickly enough, a wash with soapy water will take care of it. You can also wipe it clean with a heavily diluted bleach solution. Just remember to dry it properly—otherwise, you leave a damp spot for the mold to grow again.

If you see black mold packed with dangerous spores, you should call a professional immediately to take care of it because untrained hands could disperse the spores, which can go up the nose and into the mouth—and start to wreak havoc on your body, and all the other people in the home.

Call Professionals to Address the Condensation’s Source

You can open all the windows you like and buy a dehumidifier to keep condensation at bay, but you should put inspection on your list of preventative measures. Windows will be the first to show you that condensation is taking its toll on your home.

Look for splitting or swelling in the frame and staining on the window sill, and if you see problems cropping up, contact a window installation specialist to replace the jamb, frame, or your entire window, and stop condensation on windows at night or day.

Contact us at 877-590-2741 at Euroline Steel Windows and Doors today!

Have you been asking yourself, what is a window jamb? If yes, and you’re planning on hiring a window installer, this comprehensive read is for you.

One of the most critical parts of a window is the jamb, and there are three types, one on each side, which is the side jambs, and one at the top, which is the head jamb. All three provide structural support to keep the window panes firmly in place inside the frame.

To do this, they have to be placed between the glass of the window pane and the window frame. This is only a very basic description. However, various elements are necessary to fully answer the question.

What are Window Jambs?

Window jambs are a framework that supports the window and keeps it in place. This is especially important for the ones that can be opened because they contain tracks or rails that let the windows open. They enable them to slide up and down and side to side.

They also contain latches or locking mechanisms that keep the window secure. One of the handiest things about window jambs is that when windows start to go wonky, you can simply replace them to see if that fixes the problem. If replacing the window jamb does the trick, you’ve just saved yourself hundreds, maybe thousands of dollars.

Like the frames, the types of window jambs can be made from different materials, including wood, plastic, vinyl, and metal. Interestingly, they aren’t technically necessary, but window manufacturers use them in their products more often than not.

Can I Replace Window Jambs Myself?

If you have DIY skills, especially skills related to carpentry, then you can give it a bash. Make sure you fully understand the instructions and don’t cut any corners. Before you start, check to see if you have all the hardware necessary because you don’t want to stop part-way to quickly buy some wood for the shims or get the right type of glue.

You can use your skills to make jambs for new window installations and for replacing them to remove rot, fix a leak, and eliminate warps. You must be very careful when replacing or building new jambs so that you fit them in absolutely properly.
A little gap here, a little too snug there, and suddenly you have a window that won’t open or that rattle in its frame. Jambs that leave openings can result in more water damage, and there’s also the risk that the replacement windows will fall out of the frame.

Obviously, if you don’t know the answer to the question, what are window jambs, and you always outsource specialized work like this, get a window installation contractor right from the start. You’ll have to pay more than if you did it yourself, but it’ll take less time, and you can be sure of the quality of the work—provided you investigate reputable window installers.

Jamb Maintenance

You can prolong window jambs’ jams by cleaning them. Dirt, including dust, water, and debris, accumulates on the windowsill and inside every time you open a window.

The dirt builds up over time and becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and that omnipresent mold. The claggy dirt makes opening and closing the window increasingly difficult, and when you apply too much force, the window could fall out of its frame.

Cleaning window jambs are a little bit finicky because you have to get to the exterior of your house so you can reach small, sharp corners and around locking mechanisms. However, the steps to follow are easy.

• Vacuum each jamb to get rid of loose debris, including dirt on window screens and the sill.
• Make a paste out of baking soda and water.
• Apply the paste to the sides, top, and bottom of the jamb, making sure you get into the corners.
• Pour it into a spray bottle and spray up and down the jambs until the mixture bubbles.
• Follow one of the handy tips that apply to the jamb’s structure. Mix a solution of vinegar and water, it works just as well.
• Leave the mixture for five to ten minutes and then wipe it away with a clean cloth or paper towel.
• Use a toothbrush to scrub the jamb from the inside and outside, especially in the corners and around the locks.
• Spray some bleach on the moldy areas to remove them completely from the site.
• Apply silicone or wax to the jambs, so the window sash opens and closes smoothly.

What are Jamb Liners?

These liners fit inside the jamb on the vertical sides and provide an extra layer to keep the window securely in place. These are also ideally placed to seal gaps and cracks, and the added insulation makes windows more energy efficient.

Some jambs come with liners already fitted in, but they can also be inserted as an addition at a later stage. They are made with lightweight, strong, and durable materials, including vinyl and aluminum. You also have the option of wood jamb liners, but they are expensive and aren’t as easy to install as vinyl and aluminum.

Just as with installing glass window panes and the window frame, you must measure the window to get the correct dimensions for the liners, including jamb depth.

Jamb Extensions

Jamb extensions are placed on the interior side of the window and provide the space necessary to fit the window frame to the window opening. Extensions go on all four sides of the window to accommodate the frame.

They’re usually added when you’re replacing windows, but you can add a window jamb extension after the other components have been installed, including the frame. In addition, there are many material options to choose from, including vinyl, wood, foam board, and veneers.

Window Jambs and Professional Window Installers

Simple jamb projects can be handled by homeowners with basic construction and repair skills. However, as soon as it starts to include jamb liners and extensions, it’s best to hire window professionals to get the job done properly.

You can get the service and advice you need from a window specialist, and if you have further questions about what is a window jamb, our team can provide all the answers you need. Contact us at 877-590-2741 at Euroline Steel Windows and Doors today!

Knowing the difference between a bay and bow window is essential if you’re planning on making changes to your home. Below, we’ll discuss everything you need to know to make the right decision in choosing which window type is right for you.

Bay and bow windows add a cheerful element to homes because they let in so much light, brightening your space. They also have excellent curb appeal and add to the value of your place.

With such similar names and appearances, it can be tricky to tell which is which. It’s actually pretty easy and has to do with the number of windows in each style. They both have their pros and cons, which need to be considered when it comes to choosing a bow window vs. a bay window.

What is the Difference Between a Bay and Bow Window?

The easiest way to tell bay and bow windows apart is to look at the number of windows. The former windows have three glass panels, while the latter windows have four or more panels.

In bay windows, there is a big picture window in between two smaller window panels that tend to be double-hung or cased. On the other hand, in bow windows, also known as compass windows, the glass panels are usually all the same size. The panels on the side of the center window can open for ventilation. Typically, they don’t open at all, so they are purely aesthetic. However, it’s possible to include windows that can be opened for airflow.

Bow windows are more versatile than bay windows, which are limited to one style. You can do almost anything with the former, including wrapping them around a corner for a unique appearance.

More About Bay Windows

You can put a bay window wherever you want more space or light. It’s important to think about why you want a bay window and what purpose you want it to serve.

You can put it in your kitchen as a breakfast nook, so you can enjoy family meals together. Keeping with the kitchen, you can add a small bay window above the sink for your mini herb garden, pot plants, and fresh flowers.

You could add a bay window to your living room and put a table in the curve where the family can build puzzles or play board games. Another good place for a bay window is in your bedroom, where you can create seating for a cozy reading nook or crossword nook, or any nook you fancy.

Installation

The best time for bay window installation is during the build. This is when it’s part of the plans, just like any other structural feature.

You can add a bay window as an extension to an existing home, but it’s not a simple matter of cutting window openings, ordering some glass panes, and sealing them in. It’s also not a weekend job for you and some friends. It has structural requirements, which means you have to hire a structural engineer to ensure it’s safe and up to code.

You will also need a contractor who specializes in windows, preferably bay windows, because their requirements are so specific. It will not be cheap.

Ventilation

Bay windows can provide great ventilation and improve airflow thanks to the side panels that sandwich the large picture window. Both side windows can open using either casement windows that open outwards or double-hung window styles that slide up.

Cost

You know that it won’t be cheap, but it’s tricky to come up with a specific price because the cost depends on many factors. The size of the windows is important. A bay window above your kitchen sink will cost considerably less than the breakfast nook.

Time taken is also important because that determines labor costs. Again, the smaller the window, the faster the installation and the lower the price. A very rough estimate for a medium-sized window is between $4000 and $7000.

More About Bow Windows

Bow windows tend to be bigger than bay windows lengthwise, but bay windows are deeper. This means they might not make good breakfast nooks, but they are perfect for reading and quiet contemplation. Bow windows also provide some extra storage space underneath the seat.

Bow windows that don’t open can be energy efficient because there are no gaps to let air in or out. If you add energy-efficient windows and insulating window frames, you can really hike up the energy efficiency levels.

Installation

The bow window installation is very similar to that of bay windows, except you have more options when it comes to location, size, and design. One of the things to consider is space outside. Does your chosen location have enough space to install a bow window? Bow windows jut out a fair bit from your home, so you want enough space to accommodate them without compromising on design.

Ventilation

Traditionally, bow windows don’t open. They’re there primarily to create more indoor space and let in more light. So, if ventilation’s important to you, you’d have to choose a bay window. These days, however, you can install some opening windows, but it will add significantly to the total amount.

Technically, you can make as many window panes as you want. You could have all of the panels open, or only the outer panels, or every second panel. The more windows that open, the more ventilation and the better the airflow. However, too many moving parts decrease energy efficiency, so think about what you want carefully.

Also, bear in mind that one of the purposes of bow window types is to provide an uninterrupted view. As soon as you start adding opening and locking mechanisms, the view becomes obstructed. It’s a pay-off, do you want loads of fresh air, or do you want an unobstructed view of your stunningly landscaped backyard?

Cost

Bow windows are more expensive than bay windows. Like bay windows, they cost a lot of money to install after construction. You’ll also need a structural engineer, who is likely to charge top dollar for their specialized services. There are more window panels, which also bumps up the cost of materials and labor.

Don’t forget customization, including the material of the window frame and the addition of decorative elements. It all adds up very quickly. A very rough estimate for the cost to install a bow window is between $5000 and $8000. Although it’s not uncommon for the cost to go over $10,000.

The Difference Between Bay and Bow Windows is How They Make You Feel

When it comes down to the crunch, the biggest difference between bay and bow windows is the feeling you get when you look at them. Perhaps bay windows talk to you, but bow windows sing.

Maybe all you can see in bow windows is all the glass you’ll have to clean, but bay windows make your inner child jump for joy.

If you’re having trouble deciding which is best for you, reach out to our specialists to guide you through the benefits of projection windows and help you make your final decision. Contact us at 877-590-2741 at Euroline Steel Windows and Doors today!

If you’re looking and shopping around for the best window for your home, you must know that there is one difference between single and double-hung windows, and this is how they operate.

A single-hung window has an operable bottom sash that moves vertically while its top sash is fixed. A double-hung window, on the other hand, has both sashes operable, where you can move both the bottom and top sash on their own—providing better airflow to your home.

What is the Difference Between Single and Double Hung Windows?

There are six secondary differences between single-hung and double-hung windows, these are:

Ventilation

As mentioned above, having two operable window panes, the double-hung window provides better airflow, where the air goes at the bottom and out the top. Single-hung windows have one operable window pane, allowing plenty of fresh air in, but it doesn’t complete the cycle.

While both provide ventilation, the double-hung windows do a better job.

Maintenance

Double-hung windows are easy to clean from the inside because both panes tilt inwards, so it’s easy to clean from inside your home. This is one of the reasons double sashes are a good option for homes with a second story.

While only the bottom pane of the single-sash windows opens, it also tilts, so the interior-facing side is easy to clean from inside your home. However, you can only clean half of the exterior side, and you have to go outside to finish cleaning it, including the stationary upper half of the window. This is one of the reasons single-hung windows are good for the ground floor of your home.
Both types break even when it comes to maintenance.

Energy Efficiency

Single-sashes have fewer moving parts, so there is less area for air to seep out or cause a draft, and this means you don’t have to run your HVAC system more than usual. Double-sashes, on the other hand, have more moving parts for air to go in and out, which lowers their energy efficiency.

However, this needn’t always be the case. Window frames also play a role in energy efficiency, as different materials have different levels of insulation.

Energy Efficiency By Window Frame

There are six different window frames available.

Aluminum – This is not energy efficient because it transfers heat. However, it’s light, durable—and requires little maintenance, and can be customized. It’s on the higher end of the cost spectrum.

Composite – These window frames are made from resin, metal, and wood fibers. Its energy efficiency is about average and is usually more durable than some of the other materials, including vinyl and wood. However, they are not as affordable as aluminum and vinyl.

Fiberglass – This is extremely energy efficient but expensive too, which is why it’s not used as much as the other types.

Vinyl – This is very energy efficient and also affordable, and easy to customize. They don’t last as long as some other framework materials.

Wood – Its energy efficiency is above average. However, it’s the material that requires the most maintenance.

Wood-clad – It consists of a wooden core and fiberglass or aluminum coating. They have the same energy efficiency as pure wood but with far less maintenance.

Single and double-sash windows almost break even when it comes to energy efficiency, but single-sashes are ahead by a nose.

Installation

Both types are suitable for new homes and replacement or remodeling. Single-pane windows tend to be easier to install because they have fewer moving parts. There are, however, other considerations, like the ease of access. As single sashes are most common on the ground floor, they are very easy to access.

Double sashes are usually on the second story, so they need at least a ladder or scaffolding to get to the window openings. They might also have to compete with tree branches and creepers for space.

Size is also a factor. Smaller windows tend to be easier and cheaper to install than larger windows. Single-hung windows are usually quite small, up to 3 ft x 5 ft. A double-hung window can be up to 6 ft x 12 ft. Therefore, smaller single windows come out ahead of double sashes when it comes to installation.

Style

Single-hung windows are much older than double-hung. As a result, they are usually found in older homes, traditional houses, and some remodeling projects by homeowners who want to mimic older window-style homes.

Double-hung windows are more modern for contemporary window styles. The developments in materials and manufacturing processes have also given double-sash windows more options when it comes to size, style, and color.

Double-hung styles:

• Cottage – Their lower sash is bigger than the upper sash, so the crossbar is higher than standard windows. It’s great if you’ve got a view you want to admire.
• Oriel – They’re completely the opposite of cottage-style windows. The upper sash is bigger than the lower sash.
• Sliding – Instead of going up and down, both sashes can go side to side.
• Tilt-in – This just means that it’s like the standard single and double sash windows in that it tilts inwards, which is handy to clean.

Modern manufacturing techniques mean that both window types can be customized, including grille patterns and colors. Double-hung windows are the clear winner when it comes to style.

Cost

Single-hung windows are usually more affordable than double-hung windows because they don’t have as many moving parts. Like energy efficiency, the cost depends on the versatility of the size, type of glass, and frame material. Wood is expensive, and vinyl is much less so.

The major factor in determining the cost is the number of windows that need to be installed. The more windows, the higher the expense. According to professionals, a rough estimate is $140 to $400 per single-hung window and $350 to $600 per double-hung window. Add approximately $40 per hour for labor.

If the budget is of no consequence, then you can have double-hung windows all around, but the budget-conscious would fare better with single-hung windows. The nice thing about both types of windows is that they look almost identical, so it doesn’t make much difference if you want the style at a more affordable cost.

Single-hung windows came out ahead again. In the comparison between the two, they are just about level pegging, but the single-sash remains ahead.

One More Difference Between Single-Hung and Double-Hung Windows Before You Contact a Window Contractor

Safety is a big concern. When it comes to stopping people from coming in, single-sash windows offer more protection as the top can’t be pried open, and the bottom can be securely locked.

Double-hung sash windows are best when it comes to stopping people from getting out without sacrificing ventilation. The bottom can be locked so that children and pets can’t escape, and the top can stay open to keep the airflow.

To get more information about single-hung vs. double-hung windows, contact our specialists with installation at 877-590-2741 at Euroline Steel Windows and Doors today!