Are you looking to replace your old windows?
If your shortlist doesn’t include sliding windows, then better revise it ASAP. Studies show that sliding windows dominate the commercial market. About 46% of commercial establishments use sliding windows.
Image by JamesDeMers
Though this type of window is a favorite in the commercial sector, it doesn’t mean you cannot use them in your home. Sliding windows offer many benefits for your family can enjoy.
However, like any other installation, these windows are not perfect. They also come with certain disadvantages. Thus, you need to learn about the pros and cons of sliding windows before installing one.
Looking for the best window solutions for your home? Continue reading below and discover if sliding windows are right for you.
The Pros: Sunlight and Ventilation
One of the key advantages of sliding windows is that it adds more appeal to your home. Sliding doors allow more sunlight to enter your home. This is crucial for rooms that require ample amounts of light.
Your kitchen requires the most amount of light possible. Though you may install light fixtures, nothing beats natural light, especially during mornings. There’s a certain kind of vibe and elegance that natural light brings.
It helps improve the kitchen experience whether you’re slicing vegetables or cooking fresh eggs. Sliding windows improve your home’s indoor ventilation. This is essential during the hot days of summer.
The great thing about sliding windows is that you can control the amount of fresh air you wish to invite. You can also open either side of the windows if you’re using a double-pane slider. This means you can get a breath of fresh air with a single sliding motion of your windows.
Remarkable Durability
Since you will be sliding the windows over and over, you can expect remarkable durability out of them. The construction and engineering of sliding windows are different from other conventional windows. For starters, sliding windows do not come with springs or pulleys.
These small parts tend to wear after some time. What sliding windows use are small wheels. You will find these wheels inside a track that allows the windows to slide and glide from side to side.
Furthermore, the windows come with aluminum parts, which do not warp. Thus, you don’t need to worry about seeing them stick.
You can expect your sliding windows to withstand even the harshest of weather. It will not crack or break under intense wind conditions.
Energy Efficiency
Another key advantage of using sliding windows is energy efficiency. Your windows play a critical role in maintaining indoor air temperature. They account for up to 30% of your home’s heat gain and losses.
Old and inefficient windows can contribute to high monthly bills. One of the keys behind sliding windows’ energy-efficient nature is the glazing.
Another is the perimeter of the windows’ tank. It features gaskets that allow the windows to insulate. This means the windows can help keep your home cool during summer and warm during winter.
Easy to Operate
With the ongoing pandemic, opening your windows is advisable. This will help keep the tiny particles of the virus from suspending in the air.
Sliding windows are easy to operate and only have a basic mechanism. This is a big advantage for families who have elderly members who do not have the strength to push windows.
The wheels on the track allow the windows to slide with ease and without obstruction. To keep the windows from sliding, they come with durable latches to lock them into place.
Low-Maintenance
As mentioned prior, sliding windows have fewer parts compared to other window types. This makes them one of the easiest windows to maintain. You don’t have to worry much about parts breaking and failing.
The only kind of maintenance that you need to do is to lubricate the slider. It’s best to do this at least once every quarter to make the most out of your sliding windows.
The Cons: Cleaning the Outside
Like any other fixture, sliding windows are not 100% perfect. Cleaning the exterior of sliding windows can be a challenge for some homeowners. Unlike other window types, you cannot tilt and lift the sliding windows.
This means you cannot clean the exterior side of the windows when you’re indoors. Hence, you need to come out of the house and do the cleaning outside. This can be a hassle during the winter.
One alternative to look into are the sliding windows that feature a tilting pane. You may also look for sliding windows with removable panes for easy cleaning.
Key Considerations when Buying Sliding Windows
Check the materials of the sliding doors you are buying. Ensure that they are durable and won’t damage your current window frames.
You may also need to check the styles of the windows. Ensure that you’re getting windows that match the design of your home.
Do they come in the right colors? You want something that complements the design of the room. You do not want windows that will disrupt the flow of the room.
Last but not least, you need to find a reputable window contractor. You want the right people to install your sliding windows. You do not want any shoddy installations that will only end up in you wasting your money down the drain.
Looking for a reputable windows installation company? Contact WTX Windows Doors for a consultation.
Follow these tips by heart to maximize the advantages of your sliding windows.
Improve Your Home in All Aspects
Now that you know the pros and cons of sliding windows, you can decide if they’re the perfect type of windows for you. Should you choose to push through, you can start hunting for a contractor you can trust.
However, a new set of windows is only one of the many ways to improve your home. Check out our other blog posts and discover more home improvement projects.
