Top hung vs side hung windows: the key facts, in plain language.
Top hung and side hung are two of the most common opening aluminium window styles. A top-hung window is hinged at the top and opens outward from the bottom; a side-hung window is hinged at the side and swings out like a casement. Top hung is the mainstay of South African homes, largely because of how well it copes with rain and security — and Coetz™ makes both styles to order, so you can pick the right one for each room. Here’s how the two compare.
Quick comparison
| Feature | Top Hung | Side Hung |
|---|---|---|
| How it opens | Hinged at the top, opens outward from the bottom | Hinged at the side, swings out like a casement |
| Rain protection | Excellent — can stay open in light rain | Rain can enter when open |
| Ventilation | Good, controlled airflow | Wider opening, more airflow |
| Security | Strong — small, controlled opening | Good, larger opening to secure |
| Projection | Projects out a little | Projects further out |
| Best for | SA homes, bedrooms, general use | Rooms needing maximum ventilation |
How they open
A top-hung window pivots on hinges at the top and pushes out at the bottom, creating an awning-like opening. A side-hung window is hinged on one vertical edge and swings outward, opening the full height of the sash. The mechanism changes how each handles weather, ventilation and cleaning.
Ventilation & weather
Top-hung windows shed water well — the outward-and-down opening means you can leave them ajar during light rain without water pouring in, which is a big reason they’re so popular in South Africa. Side-hung windows open wider for stronger airflow, but driving rain can enter while they’re open. If weather resilience matters, top hung has the edge; if maximum ventilation is the priority, side hung delivers more.
Cleaning & everyday use
Both are straightforward to operate with a handle and stay. Top-hung sashes are easy to wipe from inside on ground floors; side-hung sashes swing clear, giving good access to the outer glass. Both use durable aluminium hardware and Coetz™ standard 6.38 mm Clear Laminated Safety Glass.
Advantages of top-hung windows
- Excellent rain protection — leave ajar in light rain
- Strong, controlled security opening
- The proven favourite for South African homes
- Neat, compact projection
- Made to order by Coetz™ in your exact size and colour
Advantages of side-hung windows
- Wider opening for maximum ventilation
- Good access to clean the outer glass
- Full-height sash opening
- Suited to rooms that need a lot of airflow
Which should you choose?
- Best all-rounder for SA homes: top hung.
- Best rain resilience: top hung.
- Best for maximum ventilation: side hung.
- Best security with a controlled opening: top hung.
- Best for bedrooms and general rooms: top hung.
Coetz™ makes both top-hung and side-hung casement aluminium windows to order in standard sizes and five colours, glazed with 6.38 mm clear laminated safety glass. Browse our aluminium windows — including side-hung casement options — or send us your opening size for a no-obligation quotation.
What is the difference between a top-hung and a side-hung window?
A top-hung window is hinged at the top and opens outward from the bottom, like an awning. A side-hung window is hinged on one side and swings out like a casement. Top hung sheds rain better; side hung opens wider for ventilation.
Why are top-hung windows so popular in South Africa?
Because they cope well with rain — the outward-and-down opening lets you leave them ajar in light rain without water getting in — and they offer a secure, controlled opening. They are Coetz™’s core window range.
Which window gives more ventilation?
Side-hung windows open wider and generally allow more airflow. Top-hung windows still ventilate well with a more controlled, weather-resistant opening.
What glass do Coetz™ windows use?
Coetz™ windows use standard 6.38 mm Clear Laminated Safety Glass.
Shop & related
Top Hung Windows
Made-to-order top-hung aluminium windows in your exact size.
Top Hung Vs Side Hung Windows
Coetz Glazing manufactures to your sizes and supplies direct — send us your sizes for a fixed-price quote.
Still weighing up top hung vs side hung windows? Call 010 412 0062 or WhatsApp 076 613 4418 and our team will talk it through. Send us your opening sizes and how the space is used, and we will tell you how top hung vs side hung windows works out for your project.
If you are still unsure about top hung vs side hung windows, send us a photo of the opening.
Our team can price both options in top hung vs side hung windows for your openings, so you compare real figures. Every point in this guide to top hung vs side hung windows reflects South African conditions and building practice.
All Aluminium Windows
Browse the full Coetz™ aluminium window range.
Helpful next steps: How to Measure Aluminium Windows · Aluminium vs Timber Windows · Warranty.
More on top hung: top hung window sizes and top hung window designs.
More on side hung: side hung window sizes and side hung window designs.
Comparing hinged windows with sliders? See casement vs sliding windows.
