Do All Double Hung Windows Tilt-In for Cleaning?

A double hung window opens when you slide the bottom up or the top down. This type of window looks just like a single hung window except they are able to provide more ventilation. Both types of hung windows are popular in many homes, especially those with traditional styles, and you’re likely to see lots of them when you drive around your neighborhood. One of the features that makes hung windows so popular is the ability to tilt-in the window sash without removing it entirely but is this function available in all double hung windows? Find out that and more in this post.

We'll answer the following questions in this article:
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What are the main parts of a hung window?
What is a tilt sash?
Do all double hung windows tilt-in for cleaning?
Do I need windows with a tilt-sash?
Do single hung windows tilt in?

What Are the Main Parts of a Hung Window?

A hung window has a frame around it that contains all of its other components. The sides of the frame are called the jambs, and they help support the window’s parts. The sill is the bottom of the frame, and the head is the top. The jambs also work as tracks for the sashes, the parts that hold the glass panes. Double hung windows have two operable sashes, and single hung windows have one. The frames and sashes can be made of wood, steel, vinyl, or aluminum.

Balances make opening or closing windows easier by counterbalancing their weight. Several types of balances are available, and they’re usually hidden inside window jambs. Some hung windows also have ventilation stops, keepers, or locks that can prevent intruders from opening a partially open sash all the way. These devices can make your home more secure, and they’re most common on double hung windows. Both types of hung windows usually have window sash locks on the top rails of movable sashes as well.

What Is a Tilt Sash?

A tilt sash can tilt inward for cleaning, and it usually has tilt latches. To tilt a sash, you’ll need to remove any screens, open the window partially, and use the tilt latches. Then, you can tilt it to the angle you desire and use the tilt latches again to keep it in place.

When you’re ready to close the window, use the latches and tilt it back to a vertical position. You should hear it click into place. After that, you can switch the latches to a secure position. With many double hung windows, you can use the same steps to tilt the upper sash.

Do All Double Hung Windows Tilt-in for Cleaning?

Not all double hung windows tilt in for cleaning, but most of them have this feature. Tilting windows usually have tilt latches or buttons near their sides, so you can see whether your windows can tilt easily.

Do I Need Windows With Tilt Sashes?

Tilt sashes make windows are easier to clean than those without them, especially if they’re double hung and both sashes can tilt. You can stay inside while cleaning the inside and outside of the windowpanes. This is especially convenient for windows that are difficult to reach from outside. For example, many windows are behind thick bushes or above the ground floor.

Windows with tilt sashes can increase the value of your home by making it more attractive to buyers, but you only need them if the outsides of your windows get dirty often. In some locations, the rain will wash your windows regularly. However, a window a few feet away under an awning or tree could need frequent cleaning.

Do Single Hung Windows Have a Tilt Sash?

Tilt sashes are more common on double hung windows, and some single hung models have them as well. A single hung window with a tilt sash is easier to install and more affordable than a double hung model. However, it’s harder to clean, and it doesn’t provide as many options for ventilation.

A double-hung window lets you open the top and bottom sashes simultaneously, allowing warm air to escape through the top and cold air to enter through the bottom during summer. These windows look great, and they can help you lower your utility bills. Contact an expert to learn more about double hung windows and get help choosing the best models for your home.