Double-Hung Windows in the Treasure Valley

In a double-hung both sashes operate and tilt in for cleaning; in a single-hung only the bottom sash moves. Double-hung costs a bit more but gives you top-down ventilation and far easier cleaning on upper floors, which is why most of our valley customers choose it.

A properly installed, well-flashed double-hung with a low U-factor seals far tighter than old single-pane or worn aluminum windows. Most drafts we find trace to failed seals and poor air-sealing around the old frame, and correct installation is what fixes that — not just the new unit.

U-factor measures how well the window resists heat loss — lower is better for our cold winters. SHGC measures how much solar heat the glass lets in — a lower SHGC on south- and west-facing walls keeps summer afternoons cooler. We match both to each elevation.

In most cases we can match grid pattern, frame color, and proportion closely so the replacements read consistent with the home. On HOA properties we help confirm the grid and color meet the approved standard before ordering.

The main factors are the number and size of openings, frame material, the glass package, whether any rough openings need repair once the old units are out, and access on upper floors. We quote after measuring rather than over the phone.

Both sashes operate on a double-hung, so you can lower the top sash or raise the bottom for better airflow, and most tilt in for cleaning from inside the house. A single-hung only opens at the bottom and costs a bit less. The cleaning convenience and ventilation flexibility are usually why homeowners choose double-hung, especially on upper floors.

They can be, but a double-hung has more moving parts and seals than a fixed window, so the glass package matters even more here. Look for a low U-factor on the NFRC label, double or triple pane, low-E coatings, and gas fill for our Northern-zone winters. Quality weatherstripping at the sash meeting rail is what keeps a double-hung tight over time.

Yes. If your existing frame is solid and square, a double-hung insert drops into the opening without disturbing the surrounding trim or siding, which keeps the job cleaner and faster. If we find rot or out-of-square framing during the estimate, full-frame is the better path so the new unit seals correctly.

The meeting rail where the two sashes overlap and the balance system that holds the sashes are wear points, so older double-hungs often loosen and let air through. Worn weatherstripping is the usual culprit. Sometimes new balances and seals fix it, but if the frame is failing, a replacement sash or full unit is the lasting fix.

Sometimes, but it depends on the clear opening. Because only one sash moves into the opening at a time, a double-hung often has to be quite large to hit the minimum clear width, height, and area in the adopted IRC. For tight basement openings a casement usually meets egress more easily. We size egress windows to the locally adopted code on your project.