Casement vs double hung windows is one of the most frequent comparisons homeowners make when planning a window replacement project. Both styles are excellent choices, but they differ in operation, aesthetics, ventilation, energy efficiency, and price. At Weatherguard Construction, we have installed thousands of both casement and double hung windows across Stillwater, Woodbury, Minneapolis, and the Twin Cities metro. With 25+ years of experience as a family-owned full-frame window replacement specialist, we help homeowners choose the right style for every room.
What Is a Casement Window?
A casement window is hinged on one side and opens outward like a door, operated by a crank handle. When closed, the sash presses tightly against the frame, creating one of the most airtight seals of any operable window style. Casement windows offer unobstructed views because they have no center rail or meeting rail, and they provide excellent ventilation because the entire sash opens.
What Is a Double Hung Window?
A double hung window has two sashes that slide vertically within the frame. Both the upper and lower sashes can be opened, allowing flexible ventilation options. Many modern double hung windows feature tilt-in sashes that make cleaning easy — a significant convenience for second-story windows. Double hung windows are the most traditional and widely recognized window style in American homes.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Energy Efficiency
Casement windows generally offer better energy efficiency than double hung windows. The compression seal created when a casement sash closes against the frame is tighter than the sliding seals on a double hung. This translates to lower air infiltration rates and better energy performance, which matters enormously during Minnesota''s harsh winters.
However, modern double hung windows from premium brands like Pella, Marvin, Kolbe, and Andersen have made tremendous strides in energy efficiency. Multi-point locking systems, advanced weatherstripping, and triple-pane glass options have narrowed the gap considerably. In practice, the difference in energy performance between a high-quality casement and a high-quality double hung is relatively small.
Ventilation
Casement windows provide superior ventilation because the entire sash opens, and the outward-opening design can actually catch and direct breezes into the room. Double hung windows offer more flexible ventilation — you can open the top sash, bottom sash, or both — but neither sash provides the full opening area of a casement. For rooms where maximum airflow is a priority, casements are the better choice.
Aesthetics and Style
Double hung windows suit traditional, colonial, craftsman, and farmhouse-style homes throughout St. Paul, Eden Prairie, and established neighborhoods. Their classic profile and proportions are timeless. Casement windows work beautifully in modern, contemporary, and transitional designs, as well as in traditional applications where a clean, unobstructed view is desired.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
Double hung windows with tilt-in sashes are extremely easy to clean from inside the home — a major advantage for upper-floor windows. Casement window cranks can be more difficult for some homeowners to operate, particularly those with limited hand strength or mobility. However, casement hardware has improved significantly, and some brands now offer folding handles and smooth-operating mechanisms.
Security
Casement windows offer excellent security because the hook-shaped lock embedded in the frame is extremely difficult to pry open from outside. Double hung windows with multi-point locking systems also provide strong security, though traditional single-latch locks on older double hungs are less secure.
Cost
Double hung windows are generally less expensive than casement windows. A typical price comparison for similar-quality, professionally installed full-frame replacements:
- Double hung: $500–$1,200 per window installed
- Casement: $600–$1,400 per window installed
The price difference is typically 10–20%, though it varies by brand and configuration. For a whole-house window project, the total difference can be meaningful. Call Weatherguard Construction at (651) 439-4320 for detailed pricing on both styles.
Best Applications for Each Style
Choose Casement Windows For: - Kitchens — easy to open over countertops and sinks - Bathrooms — excellent ventilation and simple crank operation - Rooms facing prevailing winds — catches breezes effectively - Modern and contemporary home designs - Locations where maximum airflow is desired
Choose Double Hung Windows For: - Living rooms and bedrooms — classic proportions and traditional style - Second-floor windows — tilt-in sashes for easy cleaning - Children''s rooms — sashes do not protrude outside where children might lean - Colonial, craftsman, and traditional home styles - Rooms facing walkways or patios where an outward-opening sash could be an obstruction
Can You Mix Casement and Double Hung Windows?
Absolutely. Many homeowners choose a combination of casement and double hung windows throughout their home based on each room''s needs. This is an approach we frequently recommend at Weatherguard Construction. Using casements in kitchens and bathrooms while placing double hungs in living areas and bedrooms gives you the best of both worlds. Premium window brands from Pella, Marvin, Kolbe, and Andersen offer matching profiles across window styles so mixed installations look cohesive.
Our team serves homeowners across Minnesota from our headquarters in Stillwater, as well as Maple Grove, Schaumburg, IL, and Centennial, CO. Book a free consultation to discuss the best window styles for every room in your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more energy efficient, casement or double hung?
Casement windows are slightly more energy efficient due to their compression seal design. However, high-quality double hung windows from premium brands are very close in performance, especially with triple-pane glass and advanced weatherstripping. The difference in real-world energy costs is typically minimal.
Are casement windows more expensive than double hung?
Yes, casement windows typically cost 10–20% more than comparable double hung windows. The additional cost comes from the crank hardware mechanism and the heavier-duty frame required to support the outward-opening sash.
Can casement windows be used on upper floors?
Yes, but with some considerations. Casement windows on upper floors can be difficult to clean from inside unless they are small enough to reach the exterior glass. Some homeowners prefer double hung windows with tilt-in sashes on upper floors for easier cleaning access.
Do casement windows leak in rain?
Properly installed casement windows do not leak. In fact, casement windows can be more water-resistant than double hung windows because the sash presses tightly against the frame when closed, and the outward-opening design naturally sheds water away from the opening. Quality installation is key to water-tight performance.
