Premium Double-Hung Window Replacement: Bismarck & Fargo, ND

The double-hung window is the most iconic architectural element in American home design. Defined by its two operable sashes that slide vertically, it offers a perfect blend of traditional aesthetics and modern functionality. At The Window & Door Store, we have refined the double-hung window to meet the extreme demands of the North Dakota environment, combining 19th-century charm with 21st-century thermal technology.

Whether you are restoring a historic craftsman in Fargo’s Cathedral District or updating a contemporary home in Bismarck, our custom-built double-hung windows provide the ventilation, ease of cleaning, and energy efficiency your home deserves.

What Makes a Double-Hung Window Unique?

To the untrained eye, a double-hung window looks similar to a single-hung window. However, the difference in utility is profound.

Dual Operable Sashes

In a single-hung window, only the bottom sash moves. In a double-hung window, both the top and bottom sashes can be opened. This allows for superior ventilation. By opening the bottom sash to let cool air in and the top sash to let warm air escape, you create a natural convection current that can significantly cool a room without relying solely on air conditioning.

Tilt-In Cleaning Functionality

Perhaps the most loved feature of our double-hung series is the easy-tilt sash. Gone are the days of climbing dangerous ladders to clean the exterior glass of your second-story windows. With a simple release of the recessed tilt latches, both sashes pivot inward, allowing you to clean the outside of the window from the safety and comfort of your home.

Engineered for North Dakota: The “Weather-Tight” Double-Hung

In many parts of the country, double-hung windows are criticized for being “leaky” because of the meeting rail where the two sashes overlap. In Bismarck and Fargo, a “leaky” window isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a financial drain during a -20°F cold snap.

At The Window & Door Store, we have solved this engineering challenge. Our double-hung windows feature:

1. Interlocking Meeting Rails

Our sashes don’t just “touch”; they interlock. When closed, the meeting rail creates a hooked seal that prevents wind-driven rain and snow from being forced into your home. This design also adds a layer of security, making it nearly impossible to jemmy the window open from the outside.

2. Triple-Fin Weatherstripping

We utilize high-density, antimicrobial weatherstripping on all four sides of both sashes. This creates a redundant seal system that achieves some of the lowest air infiltration ratings in the industry, specifically designed to withstand the high-velocity winds of the North Dakota prairies.

3. Constant Force Balance Systems

Because double-hung windows rely on vertical movement, the “balance” is the most important mechanical component. We use stainless steel constant force balances that provide “fingertip” operation. Even after a decade of use, your windows will stay exactly where you position them—no more windows slamming shut or getting stuck halfway.

Aesthetic Customization: Matching Your Home’s Character

A window should do more than just seal out the weather; it should enhance your home’s soul. We offer a wide array of customization options for homeowners in the Bismarck and Fargo areas.

Interior & Exterior Color Palettes

From traditional White and Almond to modern Architectural Bronze and Black, our frames are available in finishes that won’t fade under the intense summer sun. We also offer rich wood-grain interiors (like Cherry, Oak, and Maple) that provide the warmth of real wood without the maintenance of painting or staining.

Decorative Grids & Simulating Divided Lites

If you are aiming for a classic “Colonial” or “Prairie” look, our internal grids allow for easy cleaning, while our Simulated Divided Lites (SDL) provide the authentic look of individual panes of glass for historic restoration projects.

Hardware Finishes

Choose from a variety of lock and lift-rail finishes, including Brushed Nickel, Oil-Rubbed Bronze, and Polished Brass, to match your home’s existing hardware and interior design.

Energy Efficiency: Triple-Pane Performance

When replacing windows in Fargo or Bismarck, the glass “recipe” is everything. Our double-hung windows are available with the Restorations Series high-performance glass packages.

  • Low-E Glass Coatings: Multiple layers of microscopic silver are applied to the glass to reflect infrared light (heat). This keeps your furnace’s heat inside during winter and the sun’s radiant heat outside during summer.

  • Argon & Krypton Gas: These heavy, inert gases are injected between the panes to provide significantly better insulation than plain air.

  • Structural Foam Spacers: Most windows use metal spacers to hold the glass panes apart. Metal conducts cold. We use warm-edge foam spacers that reduce condensation and keep the edges of the glass warm.

The Installation Advantage in Fargo & Bismarck

A double-hung window is a precision instrument. If the frame is even slightly “out of square” during installation, the sashes will stick, and the seals will fail.

Precision Measurement

We don’t believe in “standard sizes.” Every double-hung window we install in North Dakota is custom-manufactured to the nearest 1/8th of an inch of your specific opening. This ensures a tight fit and maximizes the glass viewing area.

Full-Frame vs. Insert Replacement

  • Insert (Pocket) Replacement: If your existing window frames are structurally sound, we can perform an insert replacement. This preserves your existing interior trim and is a faster, more cost-effective option.

  • Full-Frame Replacement: For older homes where the original wood frame has rotted or where you want to maximize energy efficiency, we perform a full-frame replacement. We strip the opening down to the studs, inspect for water damage, and install a completely new system.

Comparison: Double-Hung vs. Other Window Styles

Feature Double-Hung Casement Sliding
Ventilation High (Top & Bottom) Maximum (Full Opening) Moderate
Cleaning Easiest (Tilt-in) Easy (Interior Access) Moderate (Lift-out)
Aesthetics Traditional/Classic Modern/Unobstructed Contemporary
Space Saving Vertical (No swing) Requires exterior space Horizontal (No swing)

Why Choose The Window & Door Store?

We have built our reputation in Bismarck and Fargo on a simple promise: The last windows you will ever need to buy.

Local Expertise

We understand that a window in Fargo needs to handle the humidity of the Red River, while a window in Bismarck needs to handle the dry, high-wind gusts of the Missouri River Valley. We live here, we work here, and we know exactly what your home is up against.

No-Pressure Consultations

We don’t believe in “one-day-only” discounts or high-pressure sales tactics. Our consultants provide a thorough inspection of your current windows, explain your options clearly, and provide a quote that is good for 30 days.

Lifetime Transferable Warranty

Our warranty covers the vinyl, the glass, the hardware, and the labor. Better yet, it is transferable. If you sell your home in Bismarck or Fargo, the new owners will inherit the protection of The Window & Door Store, significantly increasing your home’s resale value.

Frequently Asked Questions About Double-Hung Windows

Are double-hung windows more expensive than single-hung?

They generally carry a slightly higher upfront cost due to the additional hardware and the second moving sash. However, the ease of cleaning and superior ventilation often provide a better long-term return on investment.

Can I get double-hung windows with screens?

Yes. All of our double-hung windows come with high-visibility full screens or half screens that allow you to enjoy the fresh North Dakota air without the North Dakota mosquitoes.

How do I know if my double-hung windows need replacing?

If you notice “fogging” between the panes (seal failure), if the sashes are difficult to lift, or if you can see the curtains moving on a windy day, it is time for an upgrade.

Get Your Free Double-Hung Window Estimate Today

Ready to transform your home’s comfort and style? Whether you’re in Bismarck, Fargo, or anywhere in between, The Window & Door Store is ready to help.

Call us today or visit one of our showrooms to see our double-hung windows in action.

  • Bismarck: (701) 223-1008

  • Fargo: (701) 205-0110