The Standard Size for Double-Hung Insulated Windows in a Sunroom

Description

• A double-hung window consists of two, single-glass panes (called sashes), placed one over the other inside a window frame. Both panes of glass are operable in a double-hung window, meaning each pane slides open allowing the panes to slide one over the other. In comparison, a single-hung window opens from the bottom only. The ability to open the double-hung window from the top and the bottom allows airflow to move generously in and out of a room. A double-hung window may also be referred to as a double-hung, sash window. Double-hung windows and picture windows -- fixed windows with large, single expanses of glass -- are popular choices in sunrooms.

Insulation

• Window insulation techniques keep a sunroom cooler by blocking the heat from entering through the glass. Manufacturers insulate double-hung windows in numerous ways, including hermetically sealing two panes of glass together, adding a gas fill inside the hermetically sealed panes or adding a low-emissivity coating to the glass surface. Manufacturers use inert gases, such as argon and krypton, to fill the space between two or three sheets of glass. Inert gases are used because they have a high resistance to heat and do not react easily with other gases or substances. Low-emissivity coatings are called Low-E coatings and are made of nearly invisible metallic oxides deposited as a thin layer over the surface of the glass.

Sizes

• Standard sizes of double-hung insulated windows are available for purchase, while custom sizes may require a lead-time of a few weeks, a month or more. Insulated double-hung windows for a sunroom do not have a standard size, but are chosen from stock sizes or are custom designed. In general, double-hung insulated windows are sized in inches with a beginning size of 12 inches in height or width, and increasing in size by 6 inches for widths up to 60 inches and heights up to 120 inches. Examples are windows sized at 36 by 48 inches, 48 by 72 inches or 60 by 120 inches. Of course, the larger the double-hung window, the more light the sunroom receives. The manufacturer can make a custom size if stock sizes are not adequate for a homeowner's needs.

Options

• Additional options to consider when specifying a double-hung insulated window in a sunroom include a grille and tilt-wash capability. Grille patterns are grids applied to the glass or between the glass that give the appearance of separate panes. Instead of standing on a ladder to clean the interior and exterior of the glass, the tilt-wash option makes the glass easy to reach and keep clean without going outside. Tilt-wash capability is controlled by a mechanism that releases each pane of glass allowing it to slide down to the bottom of the window, be pulled to tilt toward the interior of the room and rest on the sill.