Are you tired of your old and drafty windows? Look no further than this blog post on sliding windows! These modern windows not only enhance the aesthetic of your home but also offer energy-efficient properties that will save you money in the long run.
In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of sliding windows and explain why they are a popular choice among homeowners and commercial building owners.
What Is A Sliding Window?
Sliding windows is one of the most popular types of windows among homeowners and commercial building owners. In contrast to traditional crank windows, sliding windows are characterized by their horizontal or vertical movement, which allows for easy opening and closing of the window.
Sliding windows make a great option for both residential and commercial buildings as they allow fresh air and natural light to enter the building. In addition, sliding windows improve the curb appeal of your home or office, increasing the property value.
However, installing an AC unit in sliding windows can be a bit more challenging than installing it in a traditional window due to the different sizes of window openings, so it’s essential to make sure that the unit chosen is compatible with the window. Despite these challenges, sliding windows remain popular for their functionality, design, and energy efficiency.
Types Of Sliding Windows
There are various types of sliding windows that you should consider before installing one.
Single-Slide Windows
Single-slide windows are characterized by their simplicity and functionality. They consist of only one sash that moves horizontally on a track, which makes them easy to operate. In addition, their compact design makes them a popular choice for smaller spaces such as apartments or condos. Single-slide windows are often made with wood, vinyl, or aluminum, and their classic design can complement any architectural style.
Furthermore, they are known for their ease of maintenance as they have a smooth gliding track and a simple locking mechanism. Overall, single-slide windows are a practical and elegant option for those looking for a simple and low-maintenance window.
Double-Slide Windows
As the name suggests, double-slide windows feature two sashes that move horizontally on a track. This type of window provides more ventilation than a single-slide window since you can open the window on either end. Double-slide windows are an excellent option for rooms that require more ventilation or light.
Also, double-slide windows are made of the materials such as wood, vinyl, or aluminum which allow them to match any architectural style. Although, they are larger in size than single-slide windows, which may be a concern for some homeowners due to their complexity.
Three-Pane Sliding Windows
Three-pane sliding windows are an ideal option for homeowners who are seeking to enhance their home’s style, functionality, and energy efficiency. They feature a large window in the center, with side windows that slide open and close. These windows are great for maximizing natural light and a view of the scenery outside. Furthermore, these windows are simple to clean and maintain, making them a practical choice for homeowners.
Additionally, their sleek and modern look adds a touch of elegance to any room, and their design allows homeowners to save more wall space than with traditional windows. They also offer better resistance to weather conditions and thermal insulation, ensuring comfortable temperatures and greater durability of the windows.
Double-Hung Sliding Windows
Double-hung windows are known for their sleek and modern design, which makes them a popular choice among homeowners and commercial building owners.
These windows consist of two sashes that can slide past each other within the same frame, and either pane of the window can move up or down on a track. This type of sliding window provides great ventilation as the bottom sash can be opened to bring cool air into a building, while the top sash can be opened to exhaust hot air.
These windows are also favored by many homeowners for their easy maintenance since both the top and bottom windows can be popped out for quick and efficient cleaning.
What Are The Benefits Of Sliding Windows?
Sliding windows are a popular choice among homeowners as they have many benefits. Some of these we’ve included below.
Increased Natural Light
One of the key benefits of having sliding windows in buildings is the increased level of natural light they provide. Having natural light in a room can cut short the electricity expense, and additionally, it can improve a room’s overall brightness and ambiance, making it more open and inviting.
Additionally, being able to control the amount of light entering a room by adjusting the position of the sliding window can also be beneficial, allowing a greater degree of privacy and control over the lighting in a room.
Improved Ventilation
Improved ventilation is another benefit of having sliding windows. Because sliding windows can be opened, they allow fresh air to enter a home and circulate. Sliding windows help to improve indoor air quality by removing stale or stuffy air and reducing the need for artificial cooling or heating units.
Space-Saving
Sliding windows save wall space since they provide both light and ventilation, so you may not need other external light sources or ventilation units. This feature of sliding windows makes them more popular than traditional crank windows, especially since sliding windows don’t take up space when they open.
Easy Operation
Sliding windows are easy to operate as they simply slide along a track rather than have to be cranked open. They move along with the track depending on whether it’s horizontal or vertical. They can be opened regardless of the age of the person opening them, which is great for installation in places such as nursing homes.
Modern Design
Sliding windows provide a home with a modern and sleek appearance due to their minimal design, large panes, versatility, variety of styles, and low profile. They have clean lines that can give a room a clean and contemporary look, and the large panes of glass can make a room feel more spacious and modern.
Increased Energy Efficiency
Sliding windows can be designed to be energy-efficient in several ways.
Low-E Coatings: These coatings are applied to the window glass, which helps to reduce the amount of heat that is transferred through the window. This can help keep a room cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, reducing the need for artificial cooling or heating.
Weather Stripping: This is a sealant applied around the window’s edges, which can help prevent drafts from entering the room. This helps to improve insulation and reduce energy costs.
Thermal Breaks: These are materials placed between the window frame and the window sash, which can help reduce the amount of heat transferred through the window.
Double-Paned Glass: This type of glass has two layers of glass with a sealed space between them. This sealed space is filled with a gas that acts as an insulator, which can help to improve energy efficiency.
These features make sliding windows more energy-efficient and help to reduce energy costs associated with heating and cooling.
Cost Of Installation
The cost of installing sliding windows will vary depending on several factors, such as the size, material, and location of the windows, as well as the cost of labor in your area.
Size: Larger windows will cost more than smaller windows.
Material: Different materials have different price points. For example, windows with a vinyl frame are less expensive than windows with a wood or fiberglass frame.
Location: The location of the windows can also affect the cost of installation. Windows located on the second or third floor or in difficult-to-reach areas will likely cost more to install than windows on the first floor.
Labor: The cost of labor will vary depending on where you live. In general, labor costs are higher in urban areas than in rural ones.
Additional Features: Additional features such as a low-E coating, weather stripping, or double-paned glass can also add to the installation cost.
On average, the cost of installing sliding windows ranges from $400 to $1,200 per window, including labor and materials. However, the cost can be higher or lower depending on the factors mentioned above.
Getting a quote from a professional contractor is always recommended in order to get a more accurate estimate.
Application Areas For Sliding Windows
Sliding windows are not only used in residential buildings, they can serve various purposes in many areas like those listed below:
Residential Settings: Sliding windows are commonly used in homes to provide natural light and ventilation. They also create a more open and airy feel in smaller spaces, such as apartments and condos. Sliding windows can also be equipped with energy-efficient features, such as low-E coatings, to help reduce energy costs.
Commercial Settings: Sliding windows are a popular choice among commercial building owners for their ability to provide natural light and ventilation. Furthermore, they are often used in retail spaces, offices, and other commercial settings to create an open and inviting atmosphere.
Other commercial settings, like hotels and restaurants, use windows to provide access and frame outdoor spaces such as balconies or terraces, creating an enjoyable atmosphere for guests.
Industrial Settings: Sliding windows in industrial settings provide natural light and ventilation, as well as access to outdoor spaces. They are often found in factories, warehouses, and other industrial buildings, playing a crucial role in creating a comfortable and safe working environment.
Medical Settings: Sliding windows in medical facilities such as hospitals and clinics provide natural light and ventilation to patient rooms and other areas.
Educational Institutes: In educational settings such as schools, universities, and libraries, sliding windows provide natural light and ventilation to classrooms and other spaces.
Tips To Maintain Sliding Windows?
Follow the tips below to extend the lifespan of your sliding windows:
- Clean the tracks regularly
- Lubricate the tracks
- Check for leaks
- Clean the glass
- Check the locking mechanism
- Inspect the frame
By taking the above steps, you can extend the lifespan of sliding windows.
Final Thoughts
No one should struggle to try to open or close their windows. Sliding windows are a cost-effective solution for replacing old windows and providing homeowners with an easy way to bring adequate ventilation and light into their homes. Now that you know how they can benefit you and save you money in the long run, it is time to install one of the types we’ve talked about on this blog.
Before you install sliding windows, it’s important to call a professional and skilled contractor, like the team at Champion Exteriors. We have years of experience helping homeowners with their roofing and exterior projects, and we can help you install beautiful sliding windows! Give us a call today at (888)-926-1474!