The decision to replace your home’s windows represents a significant investment in both comfort and property value. Among the various considerations homeowners face, one of the most common dilemmas is whether to switch from one window style to another. Specifically, replacing casement windows with double hung windows is a project undertaken for numerous practical and aesthetic reasons. This comprehensive guide will explore the key differences between these window types, the reasons for making the switch, the installation process, cost considerations, and the potential benefits and drawbacks of such a replacement.
Casement windows are side-hinged windows that typically open outward using a crank mechanism. They are known for providing excellent ventilation and unobstructed views when fully opened. Double hung windows, on the other hand, feature two vertically sliding sashes that allow for opening from both the top and bottom. This fundamental operational difference leads to distinct advantages and disadvantages for each style, influencing why a homeowner might choose to replace one with the other.
Why Consider Replacing Casement Windows with Double Hung?
Several compelling reasons might lead you to consider this specific replacement:
- Ease of Operation and Maintenance: Double hung windows are generally easier to operate for people of all ages and abilities. They don’t require the dexterity needed to turn a crank, and their simple sliding motion is intuitive. Furthermore, many modern double hung windows are designed with tilt-in sashes, making cleaning the exterior glass from inside the home remarkably simple and safe, a significant advantage over casement windows which often require a ladder for external cleaning.
- Versatile Ventilation Control: The ability to open both the top and bottom sashes of a double hung window offers superior control over airflow. You can open just the top sash for gentle, passive ventilation that allows warm air to escape without creating a strong draft, or open just the bottom sash for traditional airflow. This is particularly beneficial in multi-story homes where stack effect ventilation can be leveraged.
- Aesthetic and Architectural Style: Double hung windows are a quintessential feature of many traditional American architectural styles, including Colonial, Victorian, and Cape Cod homes. If your home’s original character aligns with these styles, replacing non-original casement windows with double hungs can be a restoration effort that enhances curb appeal and historical accuracy.
- Space Considerations: Casement windows swing outward, which can be problematic. They can interfere with exterior shutters, outdoor walkways, patios, or nearby landscaping. They are also not ideal for homes with narrow side yards or properties close to sidewalks. Double hung windows, which operate within their own frame, require no exterior clearance.
- Modern Performance and Efficiency: While older double hung windows were notorious for air leakage, modern versions have been engineered to rival and often exceed the energy performance of casement windows. Advanced weatherstripping, fusion-welded sashes and frames, and dual or triple-pane insulated glass filled with argon gas make today’s double hung windows exceptionally tight and efficient.
The Replacement Process: What to Expect
Replacing casement windows with double hung is not always a simple one-for-one swap. The process requires careful planning and execution.
- Assessment and Measurement: The first and most critical step is a professional assessment. The rough opening for a casement window may be a different size and shape than what is required for a double hung unit. A window professional will need to measure the existing opening to determine if a direct replacement is possible or if structural modifications to the opening are necessary, which will impact the project’s complexity and cost.
- Choosing the Right Replacement Window: Once measurements are confirmed, you will select your new double hung windows. Key factors to consider include the frame material (vinyl, wood, fiberglass, or composite), the glass package (double or triple-pane, Low-E coatings, gas fills), and interior and exterior color options. Look for ENERGY STAR® certification and ratings from the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) to ensure energy efficiency.
- Removal of the Old Window: The existing casement window, including its entire frame, sash, and hardware, is carefully removed. The installers will inspect the underlying structure for any signs of rot, water damage, or insect infestation and make necessary repairs before proceeding.
- Preparation of the Opening: The rough opening is cleaned, leveled, and squared. A new sill pan or other flashing is often installed to provide a critical secondary layer of waterproofing, directing any potential moisture back to the exterior.
- Installation of the New Window: The new double hung window unit is placed into the opening. It is crucial that it is leveled and shimmed properly to ensure smooth operation and prevent future structural stress. The window is then secured to the framing members.
- Air Sealing and Insulation: The gaps between the new window frame and the rough opening are sealed with low-expansion spray foam insulation. This step is vital for preventing air infiltration and ensuring optimal energy efficiency.
- Interior and Exterior Finishing: The interior trim (casing) is installed or replaced to create a finished look. On the exterior, new flashing is integrated with the house wrap or building paper, and the surrounding siding is repaired or replaced. Finally, caulk is applied to all exterior seams to create a watertight seal.
Cost Considerations and Return on Investment
The cost of replacing casement windows with double hung windows can vary widely based on several factors, including the number of windows, the size and style of the windows, the quality of the materials, and the labor rates in your region. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $600 and $1,200 per window for a full, professional installation. This higher cost compared to a simple sash replacement is due to the labor-intensive nature of modifying the rough opening and re-finishing both the interior and exterior.
Despite the upfront cost, this investment can yield a strong return. According to the National Association of Realtors, window replacements typically recoup about 70-80% of their cost in increased home value at resale. The added benefits of lower energy bills, improved comfort, and enhanced curb appeal provide ongoing value for as long as you live in the home.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
While the benefits are numerous, it is only fair to consider the potential downsides of replacing casement windows with double hung:
- Potentially Lower Maximum Ventilation: When fully opened, a casement window can direct breezes into the home more effectively, as it acts like a scoop. A double hung window, even with both sashes open, may not provide the same volume of directed airflow.
- Risk of Sash Sagging in Cheap Models: Inexpensive or poorly constructed double hung windows can be prone to the lower sash sagging over time, leading to operational problems and air leaks. Investing in a high-quality product from a reputable manufacturer is essential to avoid this issue.
- Higher Initial Cost: As discussed, this is a more involved project than a like-for-like replacement, leading to higher labor and material costs.
- Aesthetic Shift: The clean, modern lines of a casement window are replaced by the more traditional, divided look of a double hung. Ensure this new aesthetic aligns with your personal taste and your home’s overall architecture.
In conclusion, replacing casement windows with double hung windows is a significant home improvement project that can dramatically improve your home’s functionality, efficiency, and style. The decision should be based on a careful evaluation of your needs regarding ventilation, maintenance, aesthetics, and budget. By understanding the process, costs, and trade-offs involved, and by working with a qualified and experienced installer, you can ensure a successful outcome that you will enjoy for many years to come. The key to a successful project lies in thorough research, precise measurement, and selecting high-performance windows that are installed with meticulous attention to detail.