At NorthShield Windows and Doors, we can know a lot about doors and windows. When it comes to unit replacement, your options basically come down to two possibilities. You can choose between single-hung units, or you can opt for double-hung units. Each type has its own strengths and potential drawbacks. You will definitely need to make sure you are dealing with something that is going to meet your needs for a long time. After all, when we are talking about units, it makes sense to want to do the right amount of research.
If you have never gone shopping for units before, relax. We can give you all the basics you need to make sure you are getting the perfect units for your specific taste and requirements. The major question you want to answer right away is whether to install single-hung or double hung units.
Single-Hung Units
Getting new units can cost you anywhere from nine to twenty grand. This is why it is so important to remember the kind of investment we are talking about. This certainly extends to making sure you choose the best units possible right out of the gate.
Single-hung units come with the built-in benefit of being the more affordable option of the two. Maintenance costs are fairly straightforward as well. In fact, if you were to compare the maintenance costs of single-hung units with the maintenance costs of double-hung units, you are going to find those costs to be around the same. On the other hand, cleaning your single-hung units can prove to be a little challenging. This is definitely true if you happen to live on a second floor or higher.
The sash is one consideration that people rarely take seriously. With a single-hung unit, you will want to remember that your top sash is likely to be stationary. The bottom sash is the one that is going to allow you to open and close as needed. This isn’t a big deal for some people. However, others hate the fact that single-hung units tend to be a little lacking on the ventilation. If ventilation happens to be something that is really important to you, then you may want to turn to the double-hung units instead.
Double-Hung Units
Double-hung units are going to give you some serious benefits. At the same time, there are some challenges that you will want to take seriously. One of the most annoying things with double-hung units is their cost. Remember that double-hung units are usually a little bit more expensive than single-hung units. However, they tend to last a bit longer.
As we mentioned before, double-hung units and single-hung units are pretty much the same, when it comes to maintenance costs. Double-hung units also come with the benefit of being more durable. These are units that you are going to be able to rely on for a very long time to come. Double-hung units are also great for how easy it is to clean them.
Both sashes with double-hung units move and tilt. This gives them a superior element of ventilation over the single-hung units that are available to you.
There are some dazzling examples of single-hung units and double-hung units on the market. The price is generally the biggest determining factor for people. However, double-hung units are becoming an increasingly relevant choice for homeowners from all walks of life. You are going to find that while double-hung products and models are a little more expensive, you are getting some benefits that just aren’t going to be available with the single-hung possibilities.
In the end, you are going to want to weigh your options carefully. Try to imagine the units in your home over the next several years. It can also be useful to read reviews, and to remember that the style options are consistent for both single and double-hung units. All in all, with the amount of designs and options out there, you will definitely find something suitable for your needs.