Sliding windows are a common choice for today’s home. It’s easy to think of them as just another design feature, but what many homeowners don’t realize is that there’s more to sliding windows than just providing a nice view. There are definite advantages to going with sliding windows for window replacement. Some of these include:

EASE OF OPERATION

A light touch is all you need to open or close a properly-maintained sliding window. Simply unlatch the window and slide it into the position you want. Sliding it back closes the window, with the latch locking it.

DURABILITY

Sliding windows don’t have springs, pulleys or other mechanisms that will fail with time. The fewer the components that can fail or are subject to wear, the less likely the window will give you problems.

PART I: THE BENEFITS OF INSTALLING SLIDING WINDOWS

LOW-MAINTENANCE

With fewer moving parts than other windows, maintenance is a lot easier. As long as you keep the window track clean and free of debris -- an occasional pass with a vacuum or a soft brush will do -- the window will function well.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Sliding windows are great for helping you to easily control your home’s heating and cooling. Need more ventilation? Simply open the window wider. Need less air exchange between the outdoors and indoors? Make the opening smaller, or just close the window altogether.

Modern energy-efficient technologies contribute further to the energy efficiency sliding windows can offer. Along with all the modern window frame material options, sliding windows also incorporate many different glazing options for window glass, such as Low-E, multiple panes, gas fills, etc. Sliding windows are thus not only energy-efficient, but great at providing added insulation as well.

Sliding windows are a great window option, but will they coordinate well with your home? Check out some design tips and ideas in Part 2.

PART I: THE BENEFITS OF INSTALLING SLIDING WINDOWS

When installing windows, you want them to complement and enhance the look of your home; you also want them to contribute to your home’s comfort and overall vibe. A pretty window that makes your room uncomfortable is just as bad a choice as a functional window that is an eyesore.

SLIDING WINDOWS AND ARCHITECTURAL STYLE

Sliding windows work very well with homes made with the contemporary aesthetic in mind; the utilitarian “here and now” feel of contemporary homes is a great way to showcase your sliding windows. Contemporary homes also tend to make use of a lot of natural lighting, one of the main reasons they usually incorporate a lot of skylights in their designs. Sliding windows, with their ability to let in large amounts of light, are greatly preferred in such houses.

Sliding windows also work well in houses with more of a horizontal, sprawling layout, such as ranch homes. Because sliding windows are able to span large horizontal areas, as well as open by sliding sideways, they are able to complement the wide horizontal spaces of such buildings. In particular, the bungalow-style design of ranch houses works well when paired with wide sliding windows; they can cover the same horizontal space as multiple windows in a more conventional style.

PART II: DESIGN TIPS FOR SLIDING WINDOWS

OTHER DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

A window’s method of operation will help dictate where and how to install them. For sliding windows, the last thing you want is to detract from your windows’ ease of operation by making them hard to reach. Ideally, sliding windows should be placed conveniently for easy operation, right around the height of your typical kitchen counter or just above the back of a living room sofa.

Another factor that favors sliding windows is that they do not require any clearance to properly operate. This means that there is no need to allocate space around the windows for when you need to open them. This allows you to put your furniture right up against the window opening without having to worry about how that might impede the proper operation of the window.

Sliding windows look great and are easy to operate, but how do you keep them in good working order? More on this in Part 3.

PART II: DESIGN TIPS FOR SLIDING WINDOWS

One of the most common reasons for window failure is lack of regular maintenance. A big part of what makes sliding windows such a great choice for window replacement is how easy they are to take care of.

As a rule of thumb, if your sliding window starts to become difficult to open, it’s time to give it a little tender loving care. Here are some tips on how to do this.

DETACHING THE WINDOW FROM THE TRACK

Slide the window open past the lift blocks. Lifting it gently onto the upper track, pull the window toward you and lift it out of the frame.

KEEP THE TRACKS CLEAN

The tracks that sliding windows run on tend to accumulate dirt and grime. This is easily addressed with a vacuum or a soft brush, along with an occasional scrub with a mild dishwashing solution. In the case of hardened dirt, some detergent on an abrasive sponge or some steel wool will usually work. Afterwards, make sure to lubricate both upper and lower tracks with some silicone spray.

PART III: CARE & CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS FOR YOUR SLIDING WINDOWS

CLEANING THE FRAME

While cleaning instructions for your window’s frames will differ with the material, in general all you really need is a rag or soft brush and a mild mix of soap and water. Wipe down your window frames and let dry.

CLEANING THE WINDOW GLASS

You’ll want to clean your sliding windows out of direct sunlight. Otherwise, the cleaning solution will dry too fast and leave streaks on the glass.

Using a spray bottle, spray the glass with a mild cleaning solution; alternatively, a mix of 2 tablespoons of distilled white vinegar in 20 ounces of water works well too. Gently scrub with a nylon scrub brush to remove dirt or debris. Wipe down afterwards with a damp cloth, and then with a dry towel.

To polish the glass, use wadded-up newspaper. This also removes any chemical traces that might leave streaks on the glass.

PART III: CARE & CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS FOR YOUR SLIDING WINDOWS

Renewal by Andersenof Houston

9825 F.M. 2920 Tomball,TX 77375

877-533-6610(281) 547-6177

RBAHouston.com