Double Hung Replacement Windows in Pittsburgh

Double hung windows are the most common window in Pittsburgh homes, and they are the replacement we install more than any other. Both the top and bottom sash slide up and down, so you can open the bottom for a breeze, lower the top to let warm air escape, or do both at once to pull air through a room. Quality vinyl double hung replacement windows run $450 to $1,200 per window installed, and whole house projects typically land between $8,000 and $20,000.

If your current double hung windows are drafty, foggy, painted shut or will not stay open, a modern replacement fixes all of it while keeping the traditional look that suits most homes in our area.

How Double Hung Windows Work

A double hung window has two operating sashes that ride in tracks inside the frame. Balances hidden in the jambs hold each sash in place at whatever height you leave it. Older windows used ropes and weights or springs that wear out over time, which is why so many original windows slam shut or refuse to stay open. A new double hung window uses fresh balances, tight weatherstripping and a positive lock where the two sashes meet.

Most modern double hung windows also tilt in. Release the latches and each sash tips toward you so you can clean the outside glass from inside the house. For second floor windows, that alone is a reason many homeowners upgrade.

Double Hung vs Single Hung

A single hung window looks almost the same, but only the bottom sash moves. The top is fixed. Single hung windows can cost a little less, and they work fine in spots where you never open the top. Double hung windows give you more ventilation control and easier cleaning on both sashes. We install both and will tell you where each one makes sense in your home.

Where Double Hung Windows Fit Best

• Traditional homes. Colonials, four squares, Cape Cods and the brick homes common across Pittsburgh were built with double hung windows. A matching replacement keeps the character of the house.
• Bedrooms and living spaces. Opening the top and bottom together creates a natural airflow that cools a room on mild evenings.
• Upper floors. Tilt in sashes mean no ladder for cleaning.
• Walkways and porches. Double hung sashes slide within the frame and never swing out into a path, deck or porch.

Where a tighter seal or a crank is more practical, such as over a kitchen sink, a casement or awning window may be the better fit. For wide openings, a sliding window is another option. Our guide to double hung versus casement windows compares the two side by side.

Energy Efficiency and Comfort

Because a double hung window has two moving sashes, the quality of the weatherstripping and the meeting rail lock matter. A well built modern unit with double or triple pane low E glass keeps winter heat inside and summer heat outside. Just as important is how the window is installed. We insulate the gap between the window and the opening, seal the frame and flash the exterior so drafts and water have no way in. A great window installed poorly will still leak, so we treat the installation as part of the product.

Want to compare energy ratings between quotes? Our article on U factor and SHGC explains the label on every window.

Grids, Colors and Hardware

Double hung windows can be ordered with grids between the glass to recreate the divided light look of older homes, or with clear glass for an unobstructed view. Frames are available in white and a range of other colors, and hardware finishes can be matched to your style. We bring samples to your free quote so you can see them against your house.

What It Costs to Replace Double Hung Windows

Standard vinyl double hung windows are what our published pricing is built on: $450 to $1,200 per window installed. Where you land depends on size, glass package, grids, whether the opening needs a full frame replacement and whether we cap the exterior trim. Replacing the whole house at once, typically $8,000 to $20,000, is usually more efficient per window than doing a few at a time. Wood double hung windows cost more and are priced at your quote.

For a quick range for your home, try the window price estimator, or see all of our options on the main window replacement page.

Install Day

Most double hung replacements are insert installs: the new window fits inside your existing frame after the old sashes and parts are removed, which protects your interior trim. If the frame is rotted or out of square, we do a full frame replacement instead. Either way, each opening usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, and a whole house is typically finished in one to two days. We finish by capping the exterior trim and cleaning up completely.

Why Homeowners Choose Bella for Windows

Bella Construction has worked on Western Pennsylvania homes since 1995 from our shop in Irwin. We have completed more than 10,000 projects, hold a 4.7 star Google rating and an A+ BBB rating, and we are licensed under PA050898. As a full exterior contractor with Owens Corning Platinum Preferred and James Hardie Master credentials, we handle the window and everything around it: flashing, exterior trim capping and the siding that ties into the opening. You get published pricing, a written quote and no pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do double hung replacement windows cost?

Quality vinyl double hung replacement windows from Bella run $450 to $1,200 per window installed. Size, glass, grids and trim work move the price within that range. Wood double hung windows cost more and are priced at a free quote.

What is the difference between double hung and single hung windows?

On a double hung window both sashes move and usually tilt in for cleaning. On a single hung window only the bottom sash moves. Double hung windows offer more ventilation control and easier cleaning.

Are double hung windows energy efficient?

Yes, when they are well built and properly installed. Look for double or triple pane low E glass and good weatherstripping, and make sure the installer insulates, seals and flashes the opening.

Can you clean double hung windows from inside?

Most modern double hung windows tilt in, so you can clean the outside glass of both sashes from inside the house without a ladder.

How long does it take to replace double hung windows?

Each opening usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. A whole house is typically finished in one to two days.