What’s the Difference Between Casement Windows and Double-Hung Windows?

Choosing between casement windows versus double-hung windows comes down to your budget and aesthetic preference. The main difference is how they operate and how they’re priced—casement windows cost more than double-hung windows. Learn more about these two popular window styles so you can choose the best one for your abode.

Casement Windows vs. Double-hung Windows: Key Differences

There are two main differences between these two window types: how they open and how many panes they have. Casement windows are almost always a single pane that opens with a crank mechanism, while double-hung windows are broken up by sashes and muntins and open vertically on sliders. Window placement, house style, and budget factor into which window is better for you and your home.  

What Are Casement Windows?

Casement windows are just one type of window, one that hinges at the side and opens outwards. There is a crank mechanism at the bottom or side of the window that opens it indirectly—you don’t slide it like you would double-hung windows. 

These window types are a full pane of glass, making them an excellent choice for modern homes or for homes that want to maximize the view outside. However, they are expensive and can malfunction more easily than double-hung windows, and are harder to fix.

Best for:

• Homeowners looking to maximize their view. 

• Modern homes that want to keep their modern aesthetic. 

• Those looking for the tightest weather seal.  

Pros of Casement Windows 

Casement windows offer excellent ventilation as they open fully, allowing lots of airflow. The crank mechanism lets anyone open and close them easily, and they never slam shut. These types of windows are very useful in hard-to-reach places like above a kitchen sink. Finally, the tight seal keeps air locked into the home, increasing energy efficiency.  

Cons of Casement Windows 

This type of window offers benefits, but it does come with drawbacks. Casement windows are expensive, and their crank mechanism can fail, meaning you can’t open or close them. Windows opening outward mean you can’t have plants or furniture near them, and you can’t install air conditioning units in them. 

If you want screens installed, they need to be on the inside, which means you won’t benefit from the protection of outdoor screens against falling branches, balls, birds, etc.

What Are Double-Hung Windows?

Double-hung windows are what most people think of when they think of windows on a home. These are the tic-tac-toe windows, with sashes intersecting the glass panes. They can slide vertically or horizontally, but most slide vertically. These windows are less expensive than casement windows, have fewer moving parts, and don’t require maintenance. However, it isn’t all positive, as any local window pro can tell you.

Best for:

• Homes with traditional style (like colonial). 

• Rooms with window air conditioners. 

• Homeowners who want more flexibility.  

Pros of Double-Hung Windows 

Double-hung windows are a solid buy for most homes. They pair well with almost every style of home, they are less expensive than casement windows, don’t require mechanism maintenance, and can be safer due to locking mechanisms, as well as just being more difficult to open than casement windows. Finally, you aren’t limited as far as outdoor options, so trees, fences, or other items can be directly outside the window.  

Cons of Double-Hung Windows 

Double-hung windows can stick if the runners aren’t cleaned, are difficult to clean due to their many panes, and allow more air to pass through gaps between the two window sections, reducing energy efficiency. These window types can accommodate window AC units, which is a big plus, but the heavy weight can warp the lower sash. Finally, double-hung windows may look out of place in modern homes.  

Casement Windows vs. Double-Hung Windows

Appearance​: Tie

Homeowners tend to prefer one or the other, but that speaks to that homeowner’s personal preference, and not the windows themselves. Casement windows look better on modern homes, but if you have an old Tudor, they would look out of place. The opposite is true for double-hung. Therefore, we can’t choose a winner because both can look excellent or strange depending on the home.  

Options and Customizations​​: Double-Hung

Casement windows are a single pane of glass with a crank mechanism that opens the window, and that’s it. Double-hung windows offer many more options in regards to the number of sashes, how the panes are arranged, and can accommodate irregular shapes like half moons or circles better than casement windows. Painting the sashes to match your walls adds another level of customization. 

Durability​​: Casement 

The crank mechanism on casement windows can be finicky, but if it’s well taken care of, these window types last longer. Casement windows are one large pane of glass and that pane’s seal, so there is less to go wrong or degrade over time. 

Price​: Double-Hung 

Double-hung windows are less expensive than casement windows, especially if you use standard sizing. Many homes have the same window dimensions for almost all the windows, which allows you to benefit from bulk discounts for large projects. 

Ease of Installation/DIYability​: Double-Hung 

These windows are easier to install due to the fact they just need to be hung, and you don’t have to fiddle with any opening mechanisms. In fact, you can DIY the framing and even hang them yourself if you’re inclined. 

Ease of Repair/DIYability​: Double-Hung 

Repairs are simple and inexpensive and many homeowners choose to DIY their  repairs. Casement mechanisms can be tricky and complicated to access, making a call to a pro necessary. 

Maintenance​: Tie

If you maintain your windows as recommended, they will both have the same maintenance requirements. While casement windows are more technical, double-hung windows sometimes require removal to fit the sliders. Whichever one you choose, if you take care of your windows, they will last a long time. 

Length of Life​: Casement 

Casement windows have fewer failure points than double-hung, and those failure points are usually metal (crank assembly). double-hung windows have much more wood or vinyl, making them more susceptible to damage and weathering. 

Eco-Friendliness/Sustainability​: Casement 

These windows provide a better seal and use fewer materials than double-hung. Due to the tight seal, casement windows require less power from the HVAC system, which makes the home more eco-friendly as it uses less power. 

ROI and/or Resale Value​: Tie

New windows provide a great return on investment (ROI), regardless of the type. New windows can significantly increase the value of your home and would only potentially lower curb appeal if they are the wrong aesthetic style for the home.