Window Replacement – Part 2: Gliding Windows

If your objective is to find a window that is easy to operate and requires minimal space, then you might want to consider gliding windows. Also known as sliding windows, gliding windows feature a clean, simple design with one or both sashes operable. To use, just give a sash a gentle push. The sashes slide over each other during operation so they don’t require clearance to open, making them great for areas with tight spaces.

Advantages of Gliding Windows

Aside from being easy to use and having a space-saving design, advantages of gliding windows include:

• They are energy-efficient. Gliding windows shut tightly when closed, helping reduce air leakage and keeping indoor heat in and outdoor heat out. The use of better framing materials also improves the window’s insulative properties, as well as low-emissivity glass coating that filters out heat from the sun without limiting natural light.
• They are easy to maintain. One of the best features of gliding windows is that they are easy to maintain. All you need to do is to ensure that the rollers are well-lubricated and the tracks are free of any debris, and you can ensure that your gliding windows will be working a long time.
• They offer great views. Gliding windows feature expansive glass areas that let you frame outdoor views for enjoyment indoors. Place the windows close together and you get a wider strip of glass that can let in panoramic views. And by letting in views from the outside, gliding windows do a great deal in seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor spaces in your home.

What to Consider

Gliding windows are available in a range of customization options. They mostly match more modern homes but they can still complement traditional home styles when customized right. The use of grilles or muntins, however, cuts back on unobstructed glass areas, limiting your views of the outdoors.

Looking to add something unique to your home? Bay and bow windows might do the trick. Head on over to Part 3 of this blog series to learn more.