Single-Hung vs Double-Hung Windows: What’s Best for Your Toronto Home?

Choosing between single-hung and double-hung windows comes down to how you live: ventilation needs, cleaning access, energy performance, and budget. In Toronto and across the GTA, climate and proper installation matter even more; drafts and poor sealing can erase the benefits of any window style.

Encore Home Improvements installs both options with a Windows Wise Certified team. That means accurate measurement, proper flashing, insulation, airtight sealing, and a clean finish, so you actually feel the comfort and efficiency you’re paying for.

Why homeowners choose Encore (Toronto & GTA)

Professional window installation in Toronto & the GTA — single-hung and double-hung
Windows Wise Certified installers, trusted methods, and neat caulking
Guidance on Low-E, double/triple pane, and hardware for Toronto’s climate
Friendly, on-time crews and tidy job sites

Quick comparison

Single-hung: bottom sash moves; top sash is fixed. Usually more budget-friendly and tighter-sealing (fewer moving parts). Exterior cleaning on upper floors is harder.
Double-hung: both sashes move (often tilt inward). Flexible ventilation and easier cleaning from inside. Costs more and can be slightly less efficient due to extra seals.

Single-Hung Windows

How they work: The lower sash slides up; the upper sash is fixed.
Pros

Lower upfront cost
Often better air seal (fewer joints)
Classic look that suits many Toronto homes
Consider
Limited airflow (only the bottom opens)
Exterior cleaning is trickier on the second/third floors
Best for: basements and ground floors where outside access for cleaning is easy, or when energy efficiency + price are the priority.

Double-Hung Windows

How they work: Both sashes open; many models tilt in for easy cleaning.
Pros

Superior ventilation control: open top and/or bottom for natural airflow
Clean from inside, ideal for multi-storey homes
Consider
Higher cost than single-hung
More moving parts can mean slightly lower efficiency (quality product + proper installation mitigate this)
Best for: bedrooms, bathrooms, and upper floors where easy cleaning and airflow matter most.

What matters in Toronto’s climate

Energy performance: choose Low-E glass and gas fills (e.g., argon). Proper window installation in Toronto is critical—gaps and poor flashing cause drafts, moisture, and heat loss.
Ventilation & comfort: double-hung can improve summer air exchange; in winter, either style performs well if properly installed and sealed.
Maintenance & safety: tilting sashes inward is a real advantage for upper floors and busy streets.

Which should you pick?

Lowest initial cost + solid efficiency: Single-hung
Best airflow + easiest cleaning (upper floors): Double-hung
Mixed floors? Go double-hung upstairs and single-hung where you can clean from outside.

Ready to compare at your home?

Encore Home Improvements provides window installation and door installation in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). We’ll help you choose between single-hung and double-hung based on your rooms, floors, and comfort goals—then install them the right way.

📞 Request a free estimate for window replacement and professional window installation in Toronto & the GTA.