Double hung windows replacement is a very common option among many homeowners looking for an attractive, efficient, and low maintenance window replacement. Their versatility allows homeowners to maintain the traditional or contemporary look of their house, since they match the style and architecture of many homes. They are always in fashion.
Some of the features of double-hung windows include:
- Superior energy efficiency
- Availability in a wide range of colours to complement your home's style
- Access to custom hardware to boost your interior decor
- Both sashes move up and down and tilt in for easy and safe cleaning
- Flexible ventilation through the upper or lower sash, or both
- Availability of single/double screen options to maximize light
- Both sashes are operable for greater control over the window, especially when installed at upper stories.
Double-hung windows are so versatile that many homeowners wonder why they did not replace their old windows sooner. They only cost about 10 to 20 percent more than single-hung windows, and can easily fit most openings. Moreover, they can be safely installed in children's rooms where you can let in fresh air by opening the upper sash while the bottom one remains securely closed to avoid accidents.
Cleaning Double-Hung Windows
Cleaning windows is one of those tedious household chores that needs to be done once in awhile. You also need to wait until the weather is good enough to go outside, clean them thoroughly, and then climb a ladder to ensure that all surfaces are clean. Some people opt for professional cleaning services just to skip the hassle. But cleaning your windows can be a rather effortless chore if you have double-hung windows.
When it comes to cleaning double-hung windows, their ability to tilt into the room eliminates the risk of interfering with the landscape or the need for using ladders to access the exterior of your windows. All you need to do is open the sash, tilt, clean, and then tilt it back to finish.
Here are some useful tips to keep your double-hung window replacements clean:
- When cleaning your windows in cool weather, start with the interior glass. Use a solution of mild soap and water, or a solution of vinegar and water, or a mild liquid glass cleaner. If you don’t have a squeegee, then use a clean, lint-free cloth to remove the cleaning solution or rinse the soap with clear water. You can choose to remove the interior grilles by lifting them away from the pane near the edge of the frame, but don’t remove the clips.
- Modern double-hung windows come with latches that can be released to access both sides of the window when cleaning. But to support the weight of the windowpanes when in cleaning position, you should first set a chair underneath the window area so the window rests on the back of the chair.
- If the height of the chair is insufficient, you will have to support the panes with your hands. It is best that you don’t let the window hang freely, as this could damage the window and painted finish.
- Unlock the window by turning the locking mechanism at the middle of the two sashes anti-clockwise. Pressing down on the lower sash with one hand can make it easier to turn the latch. This step will loosen the connection between the sashes for easier sliding.
- Disengage the latches by sliding the bottom sash about 3 inches toward the top of the window and push both tilt latches inward toward the window. Holding this position will cause the latches to disengage so you can pull the top of the lower window inwards to a horizontal position.
- With the window sash free from the frame area, you can now release the tilt latches. It is important that you don’t release them before to avoid damaging the painted window finish.
- You can now slide the upper sash down about 2 inches and then squeeze both tilt latches so you can pull the top of the sash inwards. Simply rest the upper sash on the lower one for support while cleaning.
- Start with cleaning the upper sash to keep the overspray and drips from landing on a clean bottom sash, which will force you to clean twice.
- After cleaning both sashes, raise the upper sash first, engage the tilt latches, and slide it back up. You can now clean the lower sash and then restore it to its position.
- Replace the interior grilles by placing them against the panes and firmly pressing along the grille into the grille clips to ensure a snug fit against the glass.
In as much as you want to keep your double-hung windows replacement clean, it is important that you don't use any harsh cleaning supplies, as they could damage the seal around the window panes and the painted finish. Shaking the sashes or cleaning roughly could also destroy the painted finish.
