Choosing windows means weighing your options as to the best choice for your home. But those of you seeking windows virginia beach should take a good long look at double hung windows because they are not only the most traditional window type out there, but they also provide you with a wide range of benefits for installation.
Your current windows may no longer be energy efficient which means you’re losing nearly a third of your climate controlled air through leaks and gaps in and around your window frames. But when you replace those old windows with newer more efficient models, you can not only lower your cooling and heating costs, you will also give your home’s exterior a fresh new look.
Pros of Double Hung Windows
So for those of you considering a replacement of your windows, there are some distinct advantages to selecting double hung windows as the solution for refurbishing your home.
Long-Lasting Reliability
The length of time your double hung window will last really depends on the type of material used in the manufacturing of the frame as well as the climate in which you reside. For most homeowners, vinyl is the preferred option because it can stand up to the punishment of extreme temperatures and heavy moisture.
Fiberglass is also a good choice in areas where there is heavy precipitation and it doesn’t require a lot of time and effort in maintenance. Wood has a classic appearance but it’s much more susceptible to the effects of the weather and you need to care for it properly in order to keep it looking its best.
An Abundance of Choices
While double hung windows are some of the most common seen in homes across the country, they are available in a myriad of colors as well as material choices. This can be compelling for homeowners who are looking for something other than neutral tones or hues and ready to select bolder colors to match or complement the current décor of their home’s exterior.
Affordable on Any Budget
Your standard double hung window that comes without fancy coatings and is made in a low-cost material like vinyl should only run you around $200-$300. If you’d prefer to go with a window that has more features and manufacturing options such a low-e coating or triple pane construction, then you can expect to pay a little more.
But considering the costs of other window types on the market that are more complicated to install, operate, and maintain, double hung windows are a less expensive option that just about every homeowner will be able to afford.
Energy efficiency is important and you can purchase windows that promote this type of conservation as you attempt to reduce you energy costs. You might pay a little more ahead of time to purchase these windows, but they will pay for themselves before too long in money saved from your electricity bills.
Cons of Double Hung Windows
Like anything else in life, you have to take the good with the bad and see how it all balances out. Luckily, where double hung windows are concerned, you may not experience a substantial drawback on any of these factors based on the needs of you or your family.
Developing Air Leaks
While every window can start to develop air leaks as it gets older, double hung windows are more likely to have this problem the longer you own them. That’s because their design does not allow for the sashes to situate perfectly at all sides.
Casement windows, on the other hand, are firmly sealed at every edge making them more effective at keeping the outdoor air and precipitation at bay. The best way to firm up your double hung windows to be more air-tight is to apply some weatherstripping along the bottom edge of the sash to seal any gaps that might occur.
Extended Maintenance
With so many moving parts on a double hung window, you will need to perform some amount of upkeep to prevent them from breaking down and becoming inoperable. Among the more important actions you should take are cleaning and lubricating the track in which the sash raises and lowers, as well as checking for any damage that might need to be repaired.
The longer you wait to fix a problem, the more likely that problem will get much worse and more expensive to repair. If you fail to do these things, your window will start to deteriorate and become harder to operate properly and without effort.
