At some point or another, most homeowners find themselves considering window replacement. Whether you're looking for an upgrade or have damaged windows, choosing the right type of sliding windows and configuration is essential.
Sliding windows are a popular type of windows that open horizontally or vertically. Since both windows are usually clear, the view won't be blocked whether the window is opened or closed. The windows are also easy to use and require little maintenance.
Sliding window configuration determines how the window opens. Typically, it's configured with one sliding pane that glides over the fixed pane. However, there are multiple configurations to choose from. We'll cover the types of configurations available, factors to consider, and where to buy them.
Single Sliding Window
A single-sliding window is a perfect option for any area in your home that may benefit from increased airflow. This window style is configurated with one panel that slides from left to right and a stationary panel. The panes can also be easily removed for conveniently cleaning for both sides.
Double-Tilt Sliding Window
The double tilt-sliding window has two independent sashes allowing you to slide either window. This gives you the flexibility to choose which side you'd like to have open. In addition, both window panes can tilt inward, which maximizes the ventilation without obstructing the view. The standard sliding window only allows half the ventilation since one pane is fixed. Since the window tilts inward, you can easily clean the windows without removing the entire window.
Double-Lift-Out Sliding Window
Double-lift-out sliding windows contain sashes that can be lifted off of the frame. It has an active horizontal sash mounted on the dual rollers for effortless sliding. The lift-out function lets you lift the glass panes off of the frame, so you can easily clean them. Since the sashes easily latch and unlatch onto the frame, it's easy to remove and hook onto. Most lift-out sliding windows come with a fusion-welded frame and sash corners for additional security and strength to prevent cold air from coming in.
Three-Lite End Vent Sliding Window
A three-lite end vent sliding window is configured with three glass panes. The left and right sashes are operable and slide horizontally past the middle, fixed sash. Depending on the sliding window, it can come in equal sizing, or the center sash can be wider than the two outside sashes. Like the double sliding window, you can choose which side of the window you want to let air through. For example, a three-lite sliding window can be useful in the kitchen, where you'll want the window to slide open closest to the sink or oven to release the aroma out of your home.
Things to Consider Before Committing to a Sliding Window
Before choosing a sliding window, you want to carefully consider different factors. Choosing a poor-quality sliding window can lead to increased energy costs and damaged glass.
Frame Material
The frame material can affect the window's maintenance, durability, and heat transfer. There are four common frame material types: vinyl, aluminum, wood, and fiberglass.
Vinyl is made from impact-resistant PVC with hollow chambers inside to resist condensation and heat transfer. Furthermore, it doesn't require finishing or painting, and it won't fade over time.
Aluminum windows are a budget-friendly option for homeowners. This material is lightweight, durable, and easy to maintain. The aluminum windows are corrosion-resistant as well.
Wood is a relatively strong material that doesn't conduct much heat or cold and won't allow much condensation. However, they come unfinished, meaning you'll likely have to paint the interior and exterior surfaces. Clad-wood windows provide the benefits of wood on the interior but use a layer of aluminum on the exterior for better durability. Furthermore, it adds protection, preventing potential rotting and water damage that wood is prone to.
Fiberglass is a waterproof material that is very durable. It is resistant to peel, corrosion, rust, rot, warp, cracks, or bending. Furthermore, it has a low heat conductivity and low thermal expansion, meaning the temperature outside won't reach through the frame.
Glass options
The glass of the window is critical to determine the insulation and energy efficiency of the sliding windows. Some windows may have two layers or three layers of glass. These are called double pane or triple pane, and the multiple layers help maintain temperatures in your home. With the panes, the air is sealed between the panes acting as an insulator. As a result, condensation won't occur between the panes.
In contrast, some windows use low-emissivity or Low-E glass. This glass type has a thin layer of coating that lets light in but blocks out the heat that it makes contact with. On a hot summer day, the low emissivity will keep the heat at bay. During the winter months, it'll keep the freezing temperatures out of your home and keep the interior heat from escaping through the glass. Additionally, this glass type decreases the amount of harmful UV rays from entering your home. UV rays can damage the furniture, upholstery, and carpets in your home and causes them to fade.
The U-factor or U-value of the window will tell you the rate at which heat transfers through the frame and window. As a result, it's a good indicator of energy efficiency. The lower the U-value, the better the window can insulate against outside heat.
Solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) is another specification to look for in glass. It tells you the amount of solar energy that passes through the window. The higher the number it is, the higher the percentage of solar heat that passes through. In San Diego, it's beneficial to have lower SHGC ratings to safeguard against heat or cold temperatures.
Additionally, look for windows that are labeled as Energy Star certified. This certification means the product has high energy efficiency, saving you on utility costs and positively impacting the environment.
Other Window Features
When purchasing sliding windows, you may also find other features that enhance the durability and functionality of the window. For example, tempered glass is a form of safety glazing. When tempered glass is broken, it crumbles rather is shattering as standard (annealed) window glass would.
For those that live in an urban area, consider the sound transmission class (STC) rating of a window. This rating indicates how well the window reduces noise from the outside. A high number means that less noise will transmit through the window.
Some windows feature grids that break up the window in smaller panes of glass. The grids are mounted on the surface and provide a grid-like arrangement.
Size
While there isn't a one-size-fits-all rule to determine the right size of the window, there are some guidelines you can follow. First, consider the window sill height. Window sills shouldn't be higher than 44 inches from the floor, and your home must contain one egress window per bedroom. One team of expert installation professionals will evaluate each specific job to determine whether requirements will need to be met.
There aren't rules to how tall your windows should be when it comes to window head height. Often, the design will determine it. For example, if there's too much space between the window head and the ceiling, this could mean less natural light that enters your room. However, if you leave too little space, you may not have enough room for curtain rods.
Also, consider the weight-to-height ratio. The architectural style of your home mostly determines this. For example, if you have wide windows, consider having grilles that are taller than they are wide. Make sure to keep window sizes consistent to match other windows in your home.
Location
Before you purchase windows, make sure you know where you'll have them in your home. Sliding windows are best suited for homes with shorter walls. That's because the design called for tall and slender windows. Since they are easy to open and close, some homeowners choose to place these windows in hard-to-reach areas such as above a soaking tub or behind the kitchen sink. By knowing where you'll have these windows, you can perform measurements and consider what features you'll need for your window.
Security
With any window, you need to ensure that it won't be accidentally opened. Whether it's children who may accidentally fall out of the window or intruders who may come through your window, a lock is essential for you and your family's safety. With sliding windows, there are a few options you can choose from for security.
Sliding window guards work by putting the lock on the track of the window and then pressing the lever down into the lock position. You can adjust the position by pulling the lever into an open position.
Another option is a window wedge, a lock that controls how far a window can open. It's quite easy to reposition and install. It's a great way to prevent children from opening the window wider. The wedge lock is placed on the inner frame, not on the glass, for additional safety. Sometimes these locks have a moveable pink to customize the lockable setting easily.
Sliding window locks are a popular option since they are secure and easy to use. These locks are positioned on the track to prevent the window from opening. Typically, these locks use a thumbscrew or lever. If a lever is used, simply turn it to lock and unlock the window. For locks with a thumbscrew, you can twist it lock.
Color and Finish
Choosing the right window treatment color can give the right ambiance to your home. This is mainly due to personal preference; however, there are some tips you can follow to improve the interior and exterior design of your home by simply choosing the right window color and finish.
The key to hardware finishes is to select a primary material or color that you want to be the dominant look. By keeping the consistency of the finishes in a similar fashion, you create unity within your home. Some homeowners prefer to keep their finishes together in cool or warm tones, such as pairing copper, bronze, silver, gold, white, and chrome. This is a simple way to mix hardware without overdoing it and making the room look too busy. If you have warm-hued walls in your home, consider warm finishes such as copper. Walls with silver hues should be met with cooler tones. For neutral walls or furnishing, you can choose to cool down or warm up the look of your room to meet your preferences.
Blinds
If you're tired of the blinding light that enters your home and creates a glare on your TV or bleaches your furniture and carpet, consider betting blinds installed with your sliding window.
There are many blinds available such as roller blinds, wooden blinds, roman shades, cordless blinds, and vertical blinds. It's a great way to add visual appeal to your home while also providing privacy to prevent others from peaking through your window. Some blinds even offer various functions such as better thermal insulation, solar control, and moisture resistance. To create a warm and cozy atmosphere, blinds made of natural fabrics can be a great choice. For those who want to block light out completely, consider blackout curtains to help you sleep better.
Consider what features and design options are most important to you. This helps you describe what you're looking for when you are ready to purchase sliding windows.
Where to Buy Slider Windows
Although most box stores sell slider windows, we recommend buying them from a trusted manufacturer that can offer customized windows to meet your needs. This is where we can help. At US Window and Door, our expert installation team will come into your home and take measurements of your door opening. This ensures you'll get the correct size of window you need.
Milgard offers the finest windows, and we are proud to carry these outstanding windows. Their products come with a warranty, and we offer a lifetime limited warranty on the installation as well. We have a vast selection of frames, styles, and configurations to meet your needs. Milgard windows have been independently tested by third-party organizations to ensure they are durable, safe, and operable. During our in-home visit, we'll consider your needs and present you with options that best suit your home. Contact us today to get your Milgard replacement sliding windows and for professional installation.
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