WINDOWS

Audience: Homeowners planning a window replacement

Read time: 5 min read

Introduction

When it’s time to replace the windows in your home, the first question most people ask is about energy efficiency or price. But one of the most important decisions you’ll make — and one that affects both how your home looks and how it functions for years to come — is window style. Single hung, double hung, or casement: each one has a distinct set of advantages, and the right choice depends on where the window is going and how you live.

At Tri-State Wholesale Building Supplies, we manufacture all three styles right here in Cincinnati, so we get this question constantly. Here’s a straight answer.

Single Hung Windows

A single hung window has two sashes — an upper and a lower — but only the bottom sash operates. You raise the lower sash to open the window; the top sash stays fixed. It’s the most traditional window configuration, and it’s what you’ll find in many of Cincinnati new construction homes.

Best for:

• Matching the original look of historic or traditional-style homes
• Locations where the window doesn’t need to open more than halfway
• Budget-conscious projects — single hungs are typically the most affordable option
• Rooms where the window is easily reachable for cleaning from the inside

Because only one sash moves, cleaning the exterior of the upper sash requires access from outside — a ladder or access from a higher floor. If easy interior cleaning matters to you, double hung is worth the modest price difference.

Double Hung Windows

Double hung windows allow both the upper and lower sashes to move independently. You can open the top, the bottom, or both at once — which gives you much more control over airflow. Our double hung windows feature tilt-in sashes, meaning both sashes can be rotated inward for cleaning without ever stepping outside.

Best for:

• Two-story homes or any window that’s difficult to reach from the exterior
• Bedrooms and living areas where ventilation flexibility matters
• Homeowners who want the easiest possible cleaning and maintenance
• Most replacement situations — double hung is the most versatile and popular choice

Casement Windows

Casement windows are hinged on one side and swing outward — like a door — when you turn a crank handle at the base. When fully open, the window opening is almost entirely unobstructed, which means casements provide the best airflow of any operable window style. They also seal exceptionally well when closed, because the sash presses tightly against the frame all the way around.

Best for:

• Kitchens, especially over counters or sinks where reaching a sliding sash is awkward
• Rooms where maximum ventilation is a priority
• Contemporary or modern-style homes where a cleaner sightline is preferred
• Any location where you want the best possible air seal when closed

Casements swing outward, so you’ll want to make sure there’s clearance outside — no walkways, patios, or landscaping that would block the swing. They’re also not ideal for window AC units, which need a sliding or double-hung configuration.

A Note on Our Vinyl Windows

All three styles are available in our vinyl window line, which we manufacture at our facility in Cincinnati’s Lower Price Hill. Vinyl offers excellent insulation — keeping warm air in during Ohio winters and cool air in during our humid summers — without the maintenance that wood windows require. Our vinyl windows are built to handle the full range of conditions in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area.

If you’re replacing multiple windows, stop by our showroom and we’ll walk you through the options for each room. Bring your measurements if you have them, and we can give you a clearer picture of what to expect on price.