Why Slider Windows Are a Good Replacement Option Over Single-Hung & Double-Hung Windows

Planning for a Needed Windows Replacement

Seeing some cracks or cloudiness inside your pane glass? Got some damaged, moldy, overly weathered, or just plain worn-out frames? If you’re making plans to go ahead and replace those faulty windows, that’s a smart move. Modern replacement windows offer significant advantages over older legacy windows, including greater ease of operation, improved energy efficiency, easy maintenance, and better home security protection. On top of all that, new windows really help to boost your home’s curb appeal, too!

Three Popular Window Styles to Consider

But which style of replacement windows is right for you? Single-hung and double-hung are still the most popular types of windows across America, but slider windows are a smart design that’s definitely worth your consideration, as well. Ready to learn more? Here’s a basic breakdown of these three popular designs:

1. Double-hung windows

Double-hung windows are the most common type of residential windows in the U.S. These are top-and-bottom rectangular windows with a classic, traditional look. Unlike the single-hung window design, which includes a fixed top sash, double-hung windows feature top and bottom sashes, which are both fully operable. Modern double-hung windows can also be tilted inwards for greater ease of cleaning, inside and out.

2. Single-hung windows

Single-hung windows are also still popular, often seen in new construction, apartments, and office buildings. Even though single-hung windows don’t offer as much functionality in terms of opening and closing options, having a fixed upper sash does offer one advantage in particular; single-hung windows are typically more energy-efficient than double-hung windows. They tend to be a little cheaper, too.

3. Slider windows

Slider windows have been around longer than you may realize – they were first developed in Europe some 300 years ago! Sliders aren’t new to the U.S. either, and are another common style found across the country. Like single-hung and double-hung windows, sliders are rectangular in shape. The key difference is in how they operate; sliders open and close by sliding horizontally, rather than by lifting and lowering vertically.

A Closer Look at Sliders

Interested in providing better security for your home? Then slider windows may be a better solution. While slider windows are very simple to operate from the inside, they’re actually much harder to break into from the outside. Slider windows are fairly simple in design; the main feature is a large, framed glass panel. But unlike single-hung or double-hung windows, which have to be raised and lowered, sliders are mounted on gliding tracks which allow them to slide open and shut with little effort. Slider windows aren’t all that different from single-hung and double-hung windows in basic appearance – they’re all rectangular, operable windows. But sliders offer some horizontal orientation advantages that aren’t available with vertical single-hung and double-hung styles.

A Summary of Slider Advantages:

1. Simple to maintain

These windows are built with fewer parts than most other conventional window styles. With fewer moving parts to worry about, ongoing maintenance becomes simpler and more cost-effective, as well.

2. More durable

The pulleys and springs that can be seen in some other window styles can wear out and fail over time. Slider windows don’t have that problem, because they don’t rely upon any of those types of components to operate.

3. Energy efficiency

The uninterrupted, easy-to-close design of slider windows makes them more energy-efficient than both double-hung and single-hung windows. This means you can save even more on your energy bills over time.

4. Easy to operate

Slider windows are pretty simple to navigate, because they SLIDE open and shut, rather than having to be pushed up or down. This is something to consider while remodeling for the future, because slider windows are also easier to operate as you get older.

5. Unimpeded views

Sliding windows are typically larger than single-hung or double-hung windows. Since your eyes take in more views from side-to-side than up-and-down, a sliding window actually offers a more natural view of the outside world. If you like to visually soak up the outdoor scenery around your house, sliding windows are a better option.

Better opportunities for natural light and ventilation

Because slider windows feature a large, unobstructed design, they usher in more natural light. But what about ventilation? Slider windows can also be opened wider than many single-hung or double-hung windows, so they provide more opportunity for natural ventilation, as well. In addition, slider windows can be placed in some locations where other traditional windows might be hard to use.

More Benefits of Choosing Slider Windows

Slider windows offer wide sightlines and unimpeded views. Their adaptable design also makes sliders well-suited for usage in hard-to-reach areas like over a kitchen sink, over a shower or bathtub, or in laundry areas. Basically, if it’s a location which may prohibit the raising and lowering of a vertical window, a slider window could be a perfect solution. But what if you still like the look of window grilles, like those typically offered with single-hung or double-hung windows? No worries! These types of grilles can also be added to sliders as well. In fact, grilles can be mounted externally, or can even be placed internally between your dual or triple window panes.

Skywalker Offers and Installs a Full Selection of Quality Slider Windows in NC & VA

Skywalker Windows & Siding is proud to offer a nice selection of quality slider window products from top manufacturers like ProVia, West Window Corporation, Pella, and others. In addition, each of our slider window offerings can be customized in multiple ways, including preferred frame material choice, dimensions, grid options, custom hardware, and more.

But no matter which style of window you prefer, one of the most important considerations for any window replacement project is to ensure that your windows are installed properly in the first place. The professionals at Skywalker install everything we sell, and we do so with the best workmanship (and with the best customer service) you’ll find anywhere across our service area.

Skywalker is one of the highest-rated, most-awarded contractors serving the NC Piedmont Triad, Piedmont Triangle, Lake Norman area, and the Southern VA region. Got questions? Ready to get started? Reach out to us today at (336) 265-9595. We’d be honored to let you experience the Skywalker difference for yourself!