Windows

Windows

Window types vary by opening mechanism, design, and function, with popular styles including Single/Double-Hung (vertical sliding sashes), Casement (crank-out on side hinges), Awning (hinged at top, opens out), Slider (horizontal movement), Picture (fixed, no opening), Bay/Bow (protrude outward for space/view), and Skylights (roof-mounted).

• Single-Hung: Bottom sash moves up, top is fixed; budget-friendly.
• Double-Hung: Both sashes move up and down for versatile ventilation (top can open too).
• Casement: Opens like a door on side hinges, excellent sealing and ventilation.
• Awning: Hinged at the top, swings out to let in air while keeping rain out.
• Slider (Horizontal): Sashes slide left or right; great for wide openings.
• Fixed/Picture: Large, stationary glass panes; offer maximum light and views but no ventilation.

Casement Windows

Pros:

• Maximum Ventilation: They open fully, allowing the entire window area to catch and direct side breezes into the home.
• Superior Energy Efficiency: The single sash presses firmly against the frame when closed, creating a tighter seal than sliding designs.

Cons:

• Higher Cost: Typically 10–30% more expensive than double-hung due to complex crank hardware.
• Space Requirements: They open outward, which can obstruct exterior walkways or patios.
• Mechanical Wear: The crank mechanism requires periodic lubrication and is more prone to failure than simple sliding tracks

Double-Hung Windows

Pros:

• Lower Upfront Cost: More widely manufactured and simpler to install, making them better for large-scale projects on a budget.
• Easy Cleaning: Most modern models feature sashes that tilt inward, allowing you to clean both the interior and exterior glass from inside the house.
• Space-Efficient: Because they slide vertically within the frame, they do not require any exterior clearance.
• Flexible Ventilation: You can open both sashes to create a natural cycle, drawing cool air in through the bottom while warm air escapes out the top.

Cons:

• Potential for Air Leaks: The sliding design requires looser tracks, which can allow more air seepage over time compared to a compression seal.
• Obstructed View: The horizontal check rail where the two sashes meet is often at eye level, breaking up the landscape.
• Manual Effort: They must be lifted or lowered manually, which can be difficult in hard-to-reach spots like over a kitchen sink.

Well-maintained casement and double-hung windows generally share a similar average lifespan of 15 to 30 years. A window's "useful life" often ends when its seals fail, even if the frame is still intact

Maintenance Tips to Extend Life

• Cleaning: Regularly clean tracks and weep holes (drainage) to prevent water backup and rot.
• Lubrication: Keep casement cranks and double-hung tracks lubricated with silicone spray to prevent mechanical strain.
• Recaulking: Inspect and replace exterior caulking every few years to prevent water from entering the wall cavity behind the frame.