Double-Hung UPVC Window – Energy-Efficient Simplicity for Every Home
This type of window is the most widely installed window type across North America and a growing favourite 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 aluminium, 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 it ideal for coastal, humid, and high-rainfall environments where other materials might deteriorate over time.
Technical Specifications
| Profile Material |
uPVC (Multi-Chamber) |
| Profile Wall Thickness |
1.2 mm / 1.4 mm / 1.5 mm / 1.6 mm |
| Profile Width |
50 mm – 83 mm |
| Glass Options |
DGU / TGU · Low-E · Argon-filled |
| Air Leakage |
≤ 0.3 cfm/ft² | Class 3 (EN 12207) |
| Water Tightness |
E800 Pa (EN 12208) |
| Wind Load |
≥ 2000 Pa | Class C4 (EN 12210) |
| Sound Insulation (Rw) |
Rw 35 – 40 dB |
| Thermal Performance | Thermal Performance |
| Weight |
Light |
| Available Materials |
Vinyl / uPVC |
| Certifications |
CE, NFRC, AS 2047 |
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 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 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 optimised 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.
Colour & 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-colour options - white interior and grey or cream exterior, for example - are available as standard production options.
Ideal Applications
The 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do double-hung UPVC windows compare to aluminium double-hung windows?
A: UPVC frames have superior thermal performance (no thermal break required), lower material cost, and greater corrosion resistance, but aluminium frames offer greater strength, slimmer sightlines, and better suitability for very large glass areas.
Q: Can UPVC double-hung windows be painted?
A: uPVC windows are not designed to be painted. However, a wide range of factory-applied colours and woodgrain foil finishes are available to match your design requirements.
Q: Are double-hung UPVC windows NFRC rated?
A: Yes. They are NFRC-certified, providing verified U-factor, SHGC, and VT ratings for building permit submissions in North American markets.
Why Choose SKATE
SKATE manufactures double-hung UPVC windows at our direct 160,000 m² production facility in China, supplying verified quality products to residential and commercial projects in over 30 countries. Our NFRC, CE, and AS 2047 certifications provide the assurance that our products meet the standards your project requires.
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