Categories Blog

What Are The Benefits of Sliding Windows?

You’ve undoubtedly seen sliding windows before, but have you ever considered them for your home? Sliding windows are a popular window type for several reasons, from style to functionality and more. Compared to other types of windows, the benefits of sliding windows are convenience and durability that modern homeowners need. 

If you’re seeking out window replacement services, sliding windows are an excellent option to consider. Let’s learn more about the key benefits of sliding windows so that you can decide whether or not they’re right for you. 

What Are Sliding Windows?

Before we get into the benefits of sliding windows, let’s clarify exactly what this window style is. Sliding windows have two panes: one fixed in place and one that slides. The moving pane slides sideways along a track that’s inside of the window frame. This functionality is similar to double-hung windows, but rather than sliding vertically, sliding windows slide horizontally. 

The Benefits of Sliding Windows

Energy-Efficient

Homeowners today are conscious of the environment and the amount of energy that their households consume. By reducing your home’s energy consumption, you can both lessen your impact on our planet and make your monthly energy bills more affordable.  

Sliding windows have fewer components than most other window styles. This streamlined design allows for fewer moving parts. With fewer parts, sliding windows close very tightly and with a great seal. This will reduce air leakage in and out of your home, allowing your HVAC system to operate more efficiently in every season. 

You can even install sliding windows with special panes that are designed for greater insulation. This will bolster the insulation that your home already has installed for increased overall energy efficiency. 

Easy To Use

Sliding windows are one of the easiest types of windows to operate. All you need to do is unlock the window, if applicable, then slide the moving pane sideways to your desired position. To close the window, you’ll simply slide the pane back into place. Compared to crank-operated windows, for example, sliding windows provide more ease in operation, making them a smart choice for elderly or disabled individuals. 

Low Maintenance

Spending your time maintaining your windows is unlikely to be something that you want to do. Thankfully, sliding windows have minimal maintenance requirements. Sliding windows don’t have parts that will need lubricating over time. With few moving parts, in fact, individual components of your sliding windows are unlikely to need replacing. With large, unobstructed panes, sliding windows are also relatively easy to clean. 

Ventilation

Ample ventilation is an important reason to have many windows installed in your Denver home. You can open your windows whenever your home gets stuffy and needs some fresh air. Or, perhaps you’ve been cleaning with bleach or even cooking and need to filter out strong smells. In these cases and more, you’ll be happy to be able to open a few windows for ventilation. 

Sliding windows have expansive panes, meaning that they allow for excellent home ventilation. Some sliding windows even span the space from your ceilings to your floors; with the window open, you’ll get plenty of fresh air in from the outside. 

Natural Light

Natural light: We all need it in our homes, whether we realize it or not. Sunlight is crucial for our mood, productivity, and even aspects of our physical health. People who are exposed to sunlight during the day have better quality sleep and can reap mental health benefits over time. 

Sliding windows provide a wide, uninterrupted view of the outside. This allows for maximum sunlight to enter your home during the daytime hours. Whether in your kitchen, living room, or home office, sliding windows will provide a space through which sunlight can enter your home and brighten up your living space.  

Learn More About the Benefits of Sliding Windows

If your windows are old or damaged, there are several advantages to scheduling a window replacement. As a modern window design, sliding windows will increase the value of your home while providing all of the benefits listed above.

Contact Superior Windows today to learn more about having sliding windows installed in your Twin Cities home.

Categories Blog

Awning Windows vs. Sliding Windows

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If you’re considering revamping your home’s windows, know that there are numerous designs to choose from. Many people wonder about Awning Windows vs. Sliding Windows. What are the main differences, and which is the best window for my house?

For window installation in Minneapolis, awning windows and sliding windows are two popular options among modern homeowners. These distinct window designs offer different benefits and drawbacks that you should consider as you select new windows for your home. Let’s review the pros and cons of awning windows and sliding windows to help you find the best window design to fit your needs. 

Awning Windows

Awning windows are gaining popularity in residential applications. As with casement windows, awning windows open outward, with hinges located at the top of the window. This is unique from many other window designs. Awning windows have just one sash, without any dividers.  

To operate awning windows, you’ll need to turn the window crank. When the crank is turned, the window will open outward at about a 45-degree angle. This open window creates a shape much like an awning, giving the design its name. Additionally, since the windows open outward from the bottom, awning windows can remain open in a rainstorm without water entering your home. 

Note that awning windows are ideal for higher floors in your home. This is because an open awning window may get in the way of outdoor areas that you use regularly, such as a patio. 

Pros

Natural Light

The single-sash design of awning windows, with no dividers, allows sunlight to enter your home unobstructed. Natural light is sure to beautify any home, and considering the high volume of sunlight that we receive here in Minneapolis throughout the year, you should take advantage of it!

Energy-Efficiency

Due to the hinges at the top of an awning window, this window design provides a very tight seal. Little to no air will pass through this type of window when it’s closed, providing greater energy-efficiency for your home. With less air leakage, awning windows will allow your heater and air conditioner to run more efficiently. 

Ventilation

Awning windows provide excellent ventilation, due to the fact that they can open fully. Even when it’s raining, you can safely open up awning windows to bring fresh air into your home. 

Cons

Impractical For Some Ground-Level Areas

As aforementioned, when awning windows are installed near outdoor areas that are often in use, they can become an obstruction. Awning windows open outward and therefore take up space outside. 

Maintenance

Awning windows tend to require more maintenance than other window types. This is largely because of the crank mechanism. 

Sliding Windows

Sliding windows are sleek, simple windows that are popular among homeowners today. Two sashes are contained in just one frame with a sliding window. The sashes slide to one side inside of the frame to open the window. Sliding windows with two individual sashes are also available, enabling homeowners to open both sashes for more ventilation. 

The contemporary look of sliding windows makes them a leading pick for homes of all styles. Additionally, sliding windows save space by containing the sashes within the frame.  

Pros

Natural Light and Outdoor Visibility

Sliding windows are typically large and have undivided panes. So, natural light can easily enter your home through sliding windows, and you’ll get an unobstructed view of the outdoors. 

Ease of Use

Unlike awning windows, sliding windows don’t require a crank for operation. The sashes slide easily to open, making sliding windows practical for people who are elderly or may struggle to open other types of windows. 

Energy-Efficiency

Sliding windows are a highly energy-efficient window option. With fewer parts than most other window designs, sliding windows don’t provide gaps through which air can leak. That said, the seal of sliding windows isn’t as airtight as that of awning windows. 

Cons

Rattling

In a storm, sliding windows may rattle, causing a disturbance in your home. 

Cleaning

Sliding windows require regular cleaning to avoid the accumulation of dust and debris in the tracks.

How to choose between Awning Windows vs. Sliding Windows?

For more help finding the right windows for your Twin Cities home, contact Superior Windows today.