Double-Hung UPVC Window

Double-Hung UPVC Window – Energy-Efficient Simplicity for Every Home

A double-hung UPVC window is the most widely installed window type across North America and a growing favorite in many other markets, valued for its intuitive operation, adaptable ventilation, and straightforward maintenance. With two independently movable sashes — the upper sash sliding down and the lower sash sliding up — the double-hung design allows homeowners to ventilate from the top, the bottom, or both simultaneously, creating controllable airflow patterns that suit different rooms, seasons, and climates. SKATE's double-hung UPVC windows combine the inherently energy-efficient thermal properties of uPVC with robust hardware and a wide selection of profiles and glazing configurations to meet demanding energy codes.

What Makes UPVC the Right Choice

Unplasticised polyvinyl chloride (uPVC) is one of the most thermally efficient window frame materials available. Unlike aluminum, uPVC is a natural thermal insulator — it does not require a thermal break to prevent cold bridging, because the material itself has very low thermal conductivity. This makes SKATE's double-hung UPVC window an excellent specification for projects where maximum energy efficiency, minimum condensation risk, and the lowest possible frame U-value are the primary objectives.

UPVC is also inherently resistant to moisture, salt air, UV degradation, and chemical exposure, making double-hung UPVC windows ideal for coastal, humid, and high-rainfall environments where other materials might deteriorate over time.

Dual-Sash Operation & Balance System

The defining feature of the double-hung UPVC window is its dual-sash balance system. Each sash is supported by concealed spring balances or coil-spring tilt latches that counterbalance the sash weight, allowing smooth, effortless vertical sliding with a single hand. The balance system maintains the sash in any open position without drifting, eliminating the frustration of sashes that close under their own weight or jam in extreme temperature conditions.

Tilt-In Cleaning Feature

Both sashes of SKATE's double-hung UPVC window tilt inward for exterior glass cleaning from inside the building. This is achieved by pressing the tilt latches at the top corners of the sash and swinging the bottom of the sash inward. This feature removes the need for exterior access, window cleaning services, or ladders — a significant safety and convenience advantage in multi-storey installations.

Energy Performance

SKATE's double-hung UPVC window with double Low-E argon glazing (5+12A+5 mm) achieves a whole-window U-value of approximately 1.6 W/m²K — comfortably exceeding the requirements of ENERGY STAR zones 1 through 3. Triple Low-E argon configurations bring this to below 1.2 W/m²K, meeting the most demanding cold-climate energy codes. The solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) can be optimized for either solar heat retention in cold climates or solar heat rejection in warm climates through appropriate Low-E glass selection.

Glazing Options

All SKATE standard glass configurations are available: standard clear double-glazed, double Low-E + Argon, enhanced double glass, triple Low-E + Argon, triple Low-E + Krypton, laminated safety glass, and tempered safety glass. The glass is factory-installed at our production facility before shipment, ensuring consistent glazing quality and eliminating site glazing risks.

Color & Finish

UPVC double-hung windows are available in white (the most common choice for heritage and colonial-style architecture), as well as woodgrain foil-wrapped finishes that closely simulate the appearance of painted timber. Dual-color options — white interior and grey or cream exterior, for example — are available as standard production options.

Ideal Applications

Double-hung UPVC windows are the standard choice for: traditional American colonial, craftsman, and farmhouse residential architecture; budget-conscious residential projects requiring high energy performance; coastal properties where corrosion resistance is critical; replacement window projects in existing homes; and any application where ease of cleaning, low maintenance, and reliable operation are the key specification criteria.