When you’re looking for a sleek look that’s also space saving, don’t overlook this window. It’s often used in homes that might feature casement or awning windows, rather than more traditional styles, like single-hung or double-hung windows. Find out its benefits, where it works best, and everything else you need to know if you’re considering this window for your home.
Sleek? Space saving? Cost saving? Meet the sliding window! It might be one of the most overlooked windows out there, but it really shouldn’t be. We're here to tell you why.
Imagine a double-hung window flipped 90-degrees and you’ll have a pretty good idea of what a sliding window looks like. Typically, it includes two sashes that are set next to each other horizontally. It can slide right or left to open — you can decide which sash will open when you order your window. Like all our windows, it’s available with an insect screen. However, without an insect screen, it offers a large clear opening. This is one of its unique qualities.
We call our sliding windows, gliding windows and offer them through our 100 Series, 200 Series, 400 Series, and E-Series product lines.
A sash is the glass and framing around it. A gliding window includes two sashes side-by-side while a double-hung window includes two sashes stacked vertically. In contrast, casement and awning windows include only a single sash.
The horizontal orientation and opening style of a sliding window means it offers some unique advantages, including:
Here’s where the shape and opening style of a sliding window can really be leveraged:
One unique aspect of selecting a sliding window is deciding on its operation. Remember that a sliding window is like a standard, two-panel sliding glass door in that there’s one sash that moves (the “active” sash) and one that doesn’t (the “stationary” sash).
You want to make sure that your window will open in a way that makes sense in the context of your home. In some cases, it might not matter which sash is active. In other cases, a thoughtful choice might make life a lot more seamless.
Let’s say you’re adding one of our gliding windows to a small bathroom. Because of all the permanent fixtures in the space, it might be easier to reach one side of the window than another. Thinking carefully about the ideal direction for your window to open can help you avoid struggling to reach every time you want to let in some fresh air.
With the 100 Series and E-Series product lines, you get to decide how your window will operate — either active-stationary or stationary-active. Here’s where it gets confusing: This is the description from the exterior view. So, an active-stationary window slides to the left when viewed from the outdoors. When you are inside your home, the right-hand sash will slide left to open.
So, although it’s natural for you to think about opening your window from inside your home, you’ll need to reverse that to select your preferred operation. If you’re lost, we understand. It’s confusing. Your pro can help you make the right choice. Don’t have a pro? We can help you find a local contractor who specializes in our windows.
Whichever operation you choose, active-stationary or stationary-active, remember these descriptions are from the exterior view.
Window handing describes the direction a window opens. As noted above, this description is from the exterior view. So, a left-handed sliding window will be reversed in practice. Meaning when you open the window from inside your house, it will slide right.
This term is useful to know when communicating with a contractor. It's also used to describe a door’s operation, so a good one to know in the case of future home improvement projects.
A great option for replacement is available with the 100 Series Gliding Window insert replacement. Insert replacements are windows that can be installed into existing frames that are in good condition — not out of square, no rot, etc. An insert creates minimal disruption allowing you to keep your original frame along with interior and exterior trim, and siding.
Find out more about insert replacement windows or consult a contractor to find out if insert replacement windows are an option in your home.
If you happen to live in a stucco home in the Southwest, there’s a special insert replacement option that you’ll want to know about. Our 100 Series Flush Fin Windows are made to be installed in existing aluminum window frames without disturbing delicate stucco. These units are available in select geographic areas. Ask your contractor about this option.
And don’t worry if an insert won’t work for your home, the kinds of windows used in new construction homes can also be used in a replacement scenario. Again, your contractor will be able to guide you in selecting the best replacement window for your home.
Handing describes the direction a sliding window moves. Let’s say you’re trying to describe the handing on a sliding window that’s going to be replaced, you could open the window. If it slides right, you’d call it left-handed. If it slides left, you’d call it right-handed. The reason you reverse the direction is because handing is described from the exterior view.
When in doubt about this detail, ask your pro for help. Need some help with this? We can help you find a local contractor who specialized in our windows.
Yes! We offer this option through our 400 Series product line. The 400 Series Gliding Window has an active sash and a passive sash. The active sash is opened first and then the passive sash can be opened after. This is a great option if you want to maximize your fresh air!
What’s a double-hung window? Casement window? Picture window? We’ll explain all these types of windows and more.
See what a window or door will look like with different colors and options.
