When Is It Ideal to Get a Sliding Window?

Whether you’re looking for casement, picture or double-hung windows, you can expect them to come in different shapes and sizes. With many options to choose from, it’s not always easy to find which works best for your home. If you’re planning a full window replacement and you’re browsing different styles, one way to decide is to ask yourself how you’ll use them. 

Each window type is designed for a specific purpose, so you’ll need to learn how they can function in each area of your home. For instance, you might want some rooms to have natural ventilation, so you should get windows that can catch the breeze and redirect it indoors. Other areas may only need large windows that can complement the view of the surrounding landscape or even have them custom-made because the opening doesn’t fall under standard sizes. But if you’re looking for a window that’s easy to use and can cover a large opening, you won’t go wrong with sliding windows.

Sliding windows offer versatility and ease of use, making them ideal for almost any home style. If you’re planning a full window replacement this spring, it helps to know whether you should get them for your home.

How Sliding Windows Came to be 

Also known as “gliding windows”, “sliding sash windows” and “sliders”, sliding windows are said to have originated in Europe. They were referred to as the “Yorkshire sash” that simply used interlocking wooden frames that would slide open. Some speculate that the design originated in Holland while others believe that it came from France. The latter seems more plausible because the word “sash” is a variation of the French word “chassis” or “frame”.

Today’s sliding windows are still essentially double-hung windows turned on their side, but they’ve come a long way from glass panes on interlocking wooden frames that slide open. They’re now designed to utilize low friction rolling sliders to allow smooth and easy operation, with the frames also available in different types of materials. You can even have them with a low-profile, double cam lock for added security for your home.

When Are Sliding Windows Ideal?

Because sliding windows are easy to use, they’re often placed in hard-to-reach areas, which can be either above a kitchen sink or bathtub. They’re also ideal in places with an unobstructed view or where maximum ventilation is required. You might opt for sliding windows if you’re looking for a casement look that’s easy to operate and maintain. They’re also available in two- and three-light sliding combinations, so it won’t be hard to find one that fits a particular window opening in your home.

Cincinnati window installation pros recommend sliding windows if you’re looking for a wide horizontal configuration for your openings. They won’t wear down easily after years of installation because they don’t have any cranks or other hardware installed. They’ll have locking mechanisms, of course, but these are still less likely to wear down compared to other windows, so you won’t have to worry about your home’s security.

How You’ll Benefit From Sliding Windows

• They’re easy to use. Sliding windows are highly popular for their simple yet easy-to-use design that allows you to slide one side open with just a push of a finger. They’re not relatively heavy, so you can slide them easily without any requirement of extra force while using them. The sliding track does tend to collect dirt over time or snow during the winter season. This can affect its operability, so make sure they’re cleaned or flushed with water regularly. They can also get off-track if not operated properly, but it’s usually an easy fix if you have the right tools available.

• They don’t require extensive maintenance. Compared to other windows, a sliding window is relatively easy to clean and maintain. This is because it has fewer parts that may otherwise wear down over time and need to be replaced. Cleaning is also more convenient especially if you have a tilt or double-tilt sliding window installed. Their exterior side can be cleaned from inside your home by tilting them in, which means you won’t need to step outside!

• You get a full, unobstructed view. Sliding windows come highly recommended for openings that have a width that’s greater than their height. Their wide design offers a bigger and more unobstructed view of your surrounding outdoors while also allowing more natural light indoors.

• You’ll increase your home’s energy efficiency. Windows are meant to keep the indoors within comfortable temperatures. This helps in reducing your dependency on your air conditioning system to stay cool under spring weather conditions, which means fewer energy expenditures each month. They also have multiple glass panes that keep the heat from entering your home and retain the indoor temperatures. Sliding windows also help facilitate unobstructed ventilation in your home when they’re opened to let in cool breezes on windy days. If you have dual sliders installed, you can have both sashes slide sideways providing two areas of ventilation. And since they allow more natural light indoors, you won’t need to rely much on artificial lighting during the day.

• You boost your home’s security. Sliding windows can have different types of locking mechanisms depending on your preferences. A single-lever latch is a mechanism that locks where the two windows meet in the middle. Two track-latches are mechanisms that lock the end of each sliding sash, which are typically used in dual-sliding windows. Multi-point mechanisms can have three or more locks and tend to be available in high-end products. You can even have sliding windows with self-locking mechanisms as well!

When it comes to quality sliding and casement windows, you can always count on the products and services offered by Renewal by Andersen® of Cincinnati! Call us at (513) 283-8996, or fill out our convenient contact form to get started! We serve our customers in Ohio, including Cincinnati and West Chester. We are the premier company in the area for windows and doors. We look forward to assisting you!