For many homeowners, picking the right windows for their home is merely a matter of style and aesthetic preference. Yet, the perfect windows should not only enhance the exterior and interior design of your home, but also improve your quality of life. Put plainly, your windows should be easy to operate and tightly sealed to keep indoor air from escaping outside. Of the window styles out there, casement and double hung are among the popular choices. Boasting a long history in the window industry, both windows have been beautifully and thoughtfully engineered for durability and performance. However, there are at least 4 things that make casement and double hung different from each other. So read on and pick your favorite:

1) Design & Opening

Casement windows are designed to attach to the frame by more than one hinge. The window pane is hinged on one of the four sides and swings open outwardly. Double hung windows, like its name suggests, have two sliding window sashes that overlap each other slightly. They are opened by sliding up and down inside the frame. The two sashes can also be customized in different sizes to create a bit of drama.

2) Outdoor View

It is common for homeowners to look out from their windows to enjoy a few gentle breezes. If you have a great outdoor view, casement windows will generously upgrade your experience with an expansive open view. While double hung windows also gives you a decent view of nature, the upper sash can obstruct your viewpoint and impede you from sticking your head outside for a quick sun tan or reaching for your favorite rose.

3) Ventilation

In general, both casement and double hung windows provide excellent ventilation. Because casement windows allow you maximum opening, it is the one that will give you the best amount of airflow. When it comes to a tightly sealed window, casement windows are slightly less prone to air leakage because it does not require any track to slide vertically.

4) Ease of Maintenance

Casement windows can be easily opened and cleaned from the inside. Double hung windows, on the other hand, feature an easy-tilt sash to allow homeowners to tilt the top inward and give both sides a deep cleaning from the comfort of your home. If you are truly looking for a window that requires virtually no upkeep on your part, focusing on the material (and not the style) is the way to go. For example, fiberglass windows from Marvin have been tested to be not only 87% less expansion than vinyl, but also 3.5 times tougher than wood/vinyl composites. Unlike wood windows that require regular polish and coating, fiberglass windows will stay shiny on their own with an occasional dust or two.

Pick and Choose: Casement or Double Hung

In the end, there is not much difference between casement and double hung except in their design and operational experience. When it comes to customization, both window styles offer a plethora of stunning finish options to further beautify the eyes of your home. The pick is yours, so which one has won your heart?