Pros and Cons of Aluminium Double Hung Windows: Are They Worth It?

Double hung windows have remained a popular choice in Australian homes for decades, thanks to their practical design, flexible ventilation, and timeless appearance. With two vertically sliding sashes, they suit a wide range of spaces, from bedrooms and living areas to multi-storey homes where controlled airflow and safety matter. Today, aluminium double-hung windows are the most common option, offering improved durability and lower maintenance than older materials.

When weighing up window options, aluminium stands out for its strength, reliability, and long-term performance in Australian conditions. Aluminium double hung windows don’t warp, swell, or require ongoing painting, making them a smart choice for homeowners who want a window that performs well year after year. Their slim profiles also allow for generous glass areas, helping maximise natural light while maintaining smooth operation.

Like any window style, there are both advantages and disadvantages of double hung windows, and they won’t suit every home or layout. Understanding how they function, where they perform best, and where their limitations lie is key to making the right decision. In this guide, we break down the pros and cons in detail to help you decide whether aluminium double hung windows are worth it for your home.

What Are Aluminium Double Hung Windows?

Aluminium double hung windows are vertical sliding windows with two operable sashes that slide up and down within the frame. Unlike sliding windows that operate side to side, both the upper and lower sashes can be opened independently, giving you greater control over airflow and ventilation throughout the day.

This design allows warm air to escape through the top sash while cooler air enters through the bottom, a key benefit of double-hung windows in Western Australian homes. It makes them especially useful in bedrooms and living areas where comfort, airflow, and safety must work together. Opening only the top sash can also be a safer option in homes with children, as it allows ventilation without creating a low opening.

Aluminium is the preferred material for double hung windows due to its strength, stability, and low maintenance requirements. Compared to timber or uPVC, aluminium window frames resist warping, swelling, and weather damage, making them better suited to Australian conditions. Aluminium double hung windows are commonly used in bedrooms, living spaces, and multi-storey homes where reliable operation, long-term durability, and controlled ventilation are important.

Advantages of Aluminium Double Hung Windows

Aluminium double hung windows offer a combination of practicality, durability, and everyday comfort that suits many Australian homes. Their design has stood the test of time, but modern aluminium construction has significantly improved performance and longevity. When weighing up the advantages of double hung windows, it’s easy to see why they remain a popular choice for bedrooms, living areas, and multi-storey homes where ventilation, usability, and low maintenance matter.

Provides All-Weather Ventilation

One of the key benefits of double hung windows is their ability to provide effective ventilation across a wide range of weather conditions. Because both sashes can operate independently, you can open the top sash to release warm air while keeping the lower sash closed. This allows fresh air to circulate without letting rain blow directly into the room.

In Perth’s climate, where homes often need airflow without exposure to sudden weather changes, this feature is particularly valuable. It helps regulate indoor temperature naturally and reduces reliance on mechanical cooling, making aluminium double hung windows a practical option for year-round comfort.

Fewer Horizontal Obstructions for a Clearer View

Compared to sliding windows, double hung windows typically offer cleaner sightlines. Sliding windows often have a fixed vertical sash that interrupts the view, whereas double hung windows are divided horizontally, which many homeowners find less visually intrusive.

This makes them perfect for living areas and bedrooms where maintaining a clear outlook is important. The balanced proportions of double hung windows also suit a wide range of architectural styles, helping them blend seamlessly into both traditional and contemporary homes.

Highly Durable with Minimal Maintenance

Modern aluminium double hung windows are built for long-term performance. Aluminium frames are strong, corrosion-resistant, and ideal for Western Australian conditions, including coastal and high-humidity environments. Unlike timber, aluminium does not require painting, sealing, or regular upkeep, and it won’t warp or swell over time.

These durability benefits mean aluminium double hung windows maintain smooth operation and appearance for many years with minimal maintenance. For homeowners seeking a reliable window solution that performs consistently over the long term, this is one of the most compelling advantages of double hung windows.

Safe Ventilation for Multi-Storey Homes and Bedrooms

Another practical advantage of double hung windows is their ability to ventilate a room safely. By opening the top sash instead of the bottom, fresh air can circulate while keeping the lower portion of the window closed. This reduces the risk of falls, making double hung windows a sensible option for upper floors and family homes.

This feature is particularly useful in bedrooms, where airflow is important, but safety is a priority. In multi-storey homes, aluminium double hung windows provide peace of mind while still allowing natural ventilation, without the need to fully open the window at a low level.

Smooth, Controlled Operation

Aluminium double hung windows are designed for controlled, vertical movement that feels stable and predictable during everyday use. Modern balancing systems allow each sash to move smoothly and stay securely in position once opened, rather than slipping or dropping over time.

This controlled operation makes double hung windows easy to use for all household members and reduces wear on the window components. When combined with the strength of aluminium frames, it contributes to consistent performance and long-term reliability.

Versatile Design That Suits a Wide Range of Spaces

Double hung windows suit a variety of room types and layouts, which is why they remain a popular choice across many homes. They work equally well in bedrooms, living areas, hallways, and upper-storey rooms where outward-opening windows may not be practical.

Their vertical opening design means they don’t interfere with external walkways, patios, or landscaping, while still providing effective airflow. This versatility makes aluminium double hung windows a flexible option that can be used consistently throughout a home without compromising function or appearance.

Disadvantages of Aluminium Double Hung Windows

While aluminium double hung windows offer many practical benefits, they’re not the right solution for every home or opening. Understanding the disadvantages of double hung windows helps ensure they’re used in the right locations and avoids frustration later on. As with any window style, suitability depends on layout, access, and how the space is used day to day.

Harder to Clean Externally

Another common disadvantage of double hung windows is limited access for external cleaning. While some models allow the sashes to tilt inward, this feature isn’t always available or practical in every installation, particularly with larger or higher windows.

In multi-storey homes, cleaning the external glass may require professional access or specialised equipment. For homeowners prioritising easy cleaning from inside, this can be a drawback compared to other window styles.

Horizontal Sash Can Interrupt Views

Unlike fixed or awning windows, which use a single uninterrupted pane of glass, double hung windows are divided horizontally by a meeting rail between the two sashes. In some settings, this can slightly interrupt views, particularly where a large, open outlook is a priority.

This is largely a design preference rather than a performance issue, but it’s worth considering in living areas or spaces designed to maximise uninterrupted sightlines.

Higher Initial Cost Than Simpler Window Styles

Double hung windows use a more complex internal mechanism than basic sliding or fixed windows. Because of this, they may have a higher upfront cost than simpler window designs with fewer moving parts.

While aluminium construction helps reduce long-term maintenance costs, the initial price point is still something to factor into the overall budget when weighing the advantages and disadvantages of double hung windows.

More Moving Parts Than Fixed or Sliding Windows

With two operable sashes and balancing systems, double hung windows naturally have more moving components than fixed or single-sash windows. Over time, these components may require adjustment or servicing to maintain smooth operation.

That said, modern aluminium double hung windows are engineered for durability, and when properly manufactured and installed, maintenance requirements are generally minimal.

Limited Maximum Height and Size

Double hung windows are subject to size limitations due to their vertically sliding design and internal balancing systems. This restricts how tall or large a single unit can be compared to fixed, raked, or floor-to-ceiling window designs.

In homes with large openings or architectural glazing, double hung windows are often paired with fixed windows above or beside them to achieve the desired scale while maintaining functionality.

Aluminium vs Other Materials: Why Aluminium Double Hung Windows Perform Better

Aluminium remains the most practical material choice for double hung windows, particularly in Western Australian conditions, where heat, moisture, and long-term exposure can affect performance. When comparing materials, the advantages of aluminium are clear.

• Built for Western Australian conditions: Aluminium resists moisture, heat, and corrosion, reducing the risk of warping or deterioration over time.
• Lower maintenance than timber: Aluminium frames don’t require painting or sealing and retain their appearance with minimal upkeep.
• Better long-term value: Reduced maintenance and long service life help offset initial costs over time.
• Slimmer frames with consistent operation: The strength of aluminium allows for slimmer profiles and reliable sash movement year after year.

These benefits make aluminium double hung windows a reliable, low-maintenance choice for homeowners seeking long-term performance and value.

Where Aluminium Double Hung Windows Work Best

Aluminium double hung windows are a practical choice in areas where controlled airflow, safety, and reliable operation are important. Their vertical-sliding design makes them suitable for a wide range of layouts and room types, particularly when outward-opening windows may not be ideal.

• Bedrooms: Provide effective window ventilation while allowing the top sash to open for safer airflow, making them perfect for family homes.
• Living areas: Offer balanced proportions and controlled airflow without interrupting furniture placement or walkways.
• Upper floors: Allow ventilation without creating low external openings, which is ideal for multi-storey homes.
• Homes with limited external clearance: Their vertical operation supports a practical window design where outward-opening windows could obstruct balconies, paths, or neighbouring spaces.

For more guidance on selecting the right window style for each room, see our guide on How To Choose the Right Window For a Room.

Are Aluminium Double Hung Windows Worth It?

For many homes, the answer is yes — whether double hung windows are worth it comes down to how well they suit your layout, ventilation needs, and long-term expectations. Aluminium double hung windows are a strong option for homeowners who value controlled airflow, durability, and low maintenance, particularly in bedrooms, living areas, and multi-storey homes.

They’re ideal for spaces where safe ventilation is important, where outward-opening windows may cause clearance issues, or where a consistent window style is needed across multiple rooms. Their reliable vertical operation and aluminium construction make them ideal for Western Australian conditions and everyday use.

However, aluminium double hung windows may not be the best choice for very large or full-height openings, or where completely uninterrupted views are a priority. In these cases, fixed, raked, or alternative window styles may offer a better solution. The key is matching the window type to the space — when used in the right locations, aluminium double hung windows are a practical and worthwhile investment.

Aluminium Double Hung Windows at Ross’s Discount Home Centre

At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we stock a range of aluminium windows designed to suit everyday Australian homes. Select sizes and configurations are available in stock for walk-in purchase, while additional sizes, colours, and configurations can be arranged via Special Order to suit your specific requirements.

Our aluminium double hung windows are supplied by Jason Windows, a trusted Australian manufacturer known for quality construction, smooth operation, and long-term reliability. Available colour options typically include Silver Lustre, White Lustre, Charcoal Lustre, and Pearl White, allowing you to choose a finish that works with both traditional and contemporary homes.

If you’d prefer to see the windows in person, you’re welcome to visit our showroom to view available stock and discuss your requirements with our team. Whether you need a standard size or a custom solution, Ross’s Discount Home Centre offers practical options backed by experience and local availability.

Conclusion

Aluminium double hung windows remain a popular choice because they strike a practical balance between ventilation, usability, and long-term performance. Their ability to provide controlled airflow, suit a wide range of rooms, and operate reliably with minimal maintenance highlights many of the advantages of double hung windows for Western Australian homes.

That said, they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution. Limitations such as height restrictions, access for external cleaning, and potential view interruptions mean they work best when carefully matched to the right spaces. Understanding both the pros and cons helps ensure they’re used where they perform best.

When suitable, aluminium remains the smart material choice. Its durability, low maintenance requirements, and consistent operation make aluminium double hung windows a reliable investment that continues to deliver comfort and value over the long term.

If you’re considering aluminium double hung windows for your home, our team can help you decide whether they’re the right fit for your space. Visit Ross’s Discount Home Centre to view available options or speak with us about stock sizes and special orders.