Sliding Windows
A sliding window is a type of window that moves horizontally along a track. Unlike other window types, sliding windows don’t require any additional space to operate since they glide laterally, making them a great choice for rooms with limited space or where an outswing could be a hazard. Discover more about sliding windows and how they can enhance your home at Buildmart.
What Are Sliding Windows?
As the name suggests, a sliding window glides horizontally on a track and does not need much space to open or close. They are master space-savers since they move in just one plane of motion, and this is their main advantage.
Due to how they operate, sliding windows can be used in areas where other window styles cannot be used due to space limitations. For instance, in tight spaces near the kitchen sink, in small bathrooms or basements, a small sliding window can be strategically installed to maximize fresh air.
Horizontal Single Sliding Window
Sliding windows often provide a broader, unobstructed view of the outdoors, making them an excellent choice for rooms where you wish to enjoy a panorama or bring in a lot of natural light, making them a perfect window for kitchens or small bathrooms. Lastly, they’re known for their functionality and low maintenance, making them a practical and durable choice for any home.
Advantages of Sliding Windows
- Easy to operate and do not take on a lot of space.
- Sliding windows are ideal for use in areas where other windows cannot be used due to space limitations.
- They are inexpensive compared to other window styles.
- Sliding windows are durable. They do not rely on pulleys and springs, which generally fail over time due to wear and tear.
- Slider windows are easy to clean and maintain.
Disadvantages of Sliding Windows
While sliding windows offer several benefits, their main drawback is their lower energy efficiency. The main reason for this is their weather stripping design.
The weather stripping, usually consisting of a brush-like structure around the window sash, doesn’t form a fully airtight seal. As a result, it can allow cold air to infiltrate your home, leading to increased energy usage as your heating system works harder to maintain a comfortable temperature.
This can impact your energy bills and the overall comfort within your home, especially during colder months.
In terms of numbers, sliding windows tend to be approximately 20% less energy-efficient than other types. For instance, if a casement window has an energy rating (ER) of 41 and higher, a sliding window’s ER would typically be around 34.
This difference, though it might appear small, can significantly impact the overall energy consumption of a home, particularly in extreme weather conditions.
Types of Sliding Windows
Here are the common types of sliding windows:
- Single sliders – one sliding window – this is so far the most common configuration of sliding windows. One glass pane is fixed in this configuration, while the other is left to slide freely on a track. Another construction can be one fixed glass pane at the centre and a sliding glass pane on either side of the fixed glass pane.
- Double slider window – as the name suggests, this construction comes with two sliding glass panes within a window frame. The two panes typically slide past each other to open or close.
- Vertical sliding windows (also called hung windows) – vertical sliders are window construction where one sash is fixed while the other moves vertically up and down. In most cases, the window uses springs with a sliding track and locking system.
- Timber sliding windows – if you want to display the beauty of wood, then you can use timber.
- Aluminum sliding windows – they are low maintenance, affordable, and durable.
- Vinyl sliding windows – vinyl windows are preferred for their low cost and maintenance. They are also durable and energy-efficient.
Features of Our Vinyl Sliding Windows
What you should know before buying this kind of window from Buildmart:
- Your windows can come as double or triple glazing with argon gas in between the panes
- The average energy rating of a sliding window is ER34
- We offer 12 custom colours to choose from
- Custom grills can be added upon request
- Premium European ROTO hardware use in our windows
- Lifetime warranty on windows
Thermal Transmittance of Sliding Windows (U-value)
The U-Value of a window shows the amount of heat leaving a window, a total heat transfer out of a window. In this case, the lower the number, the better the window and the glass are.
Type of Sliding Window | U-value (BTU/hr-ft²-°F) |
---|---|
Double-Pane Slider | 0.28 |
Triple-Pane Slider | 0.18 |
R-Value of sliding Windows
This parameter assesses the insulating properties of the window and the window’s resistance to conductive heat. In other words, it shows the amount of heat actually retained by the window. The higher the number, the better the window is.
Type of sliding Window | R-value (hr-ft²-°F/BTU) |
---|---|
Double-Pane Slider | 3.57 |
Triple-Pane Slider | 5.55 |
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)
The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) determines the amount of sun radiation that comes through the window. This number represents the heat gain through a clear glass 3mm thick. The lower the number, the better the glass.
Type of sliding Window | Solar Heat Gain (SHGC) |
---|---|
Double-Pane Slider | 0.46 |
Triple-Pane Slider | 0.38 |
Visible Transmittance (VT)
Visible light transmittance (VT) represents how much visible light is entering the home through the glass. The higher this percentage, the better.
Type of sliding Window | Visible Transmittance (VT) |
---|---|
Double-Pane Slider | 0.59 |
Triple-Pane Slider | 0.52 |
Greener Homes Canada Grant
Since our sliding windows have ER 34, they qualify for the standard rebate of $125/per rough opening under the Greener Canada Homes Grant.
Sliding Window Installation and Replacement
At Buildmart, we pride ourselves on the quality of our windows and the professional service we provide. When you choose our windows, you benefit from a lifetime warranty on both hardware and installation. However, it’s important to note that the installation warranty is only extended when our highly skilled team, who specialize in window installations in Ottawa, conduct the installation.
We have the utmost confidence in their expertise, as window installation is their primary profession. This allows us to extend a labor warranty for their work.
Alternatively, we do offer a ‘supply only’ solution, though it’s important to remember that this option does not include an installation warranty. If you prefer to undertake the installation yourself, please make sure to follow the installation steps carefully to ensure proper window fit and performance:
- Once you get rid of the old window, apply caulking to the frame and use shims to ensure the new replacement slider windows are plumb and level.
- Ensure the window frame is well secured to the window opening before taking in the sliding window into it. At this stage, it will be necessary to adjust the tension on the rails to make sure they unstick.
- Now install weatherstripping around your single slider window.
Manufacturers of Single Sliding Windows
Whether you need new or replacement sliding windows, you want to get them from a reputable Canadian supplier. Buildmart orders all windows from industry leaders such as STAGE, WindowPro, Dimensions, and others. We use only time-tested solutions form manufacturers with top reputation.
Sliding Windows: Custom Colour Options
At Buildmart, we offer a broad range of colour options for our customers. Our window profiles can be customized with 12 unique colours. These profiles can be painted either on the interior, the exterior, or both, based on your preference.
For instance, if you wish to have a brown exterior and a white interior for your window, we can certainly accommodate that. We use only high-quality paint, which is resistant to fading, ultraviolet radiation, and extreme temperatures.
With this quality, we guarantee that your sliding window frames will maintain their vibrant colours for an extended period of time.