When to Choose a Sliding Window
One of the best investments you can make for your house is new windows. Replacement windows can enhance your home’s curb appeal, improve its energy efficiency, and increase its overall value, but choosing the right windows can be challenging. If you’re ready for a home makeover, one great option is sliding windows.
What Are Sliding Windows?
Sliding windows are windows with panels that slide from side to side in both directions and lift off easily for cleaning. Sometimes referred to as gliding windows, gliders, or sliders, they typically have a clean, contemporary look that suits most modern homes.
Advantages of Sliding Windows
Because of their streamlined design and oversized glass panels, sliding windows have several advantages over other types of replacement windows:
- They’re easy to use: Sliding windows typically glide on a roller, so they open and close easily, often with just the push of a finger.
- They’re simple to clean: Most sliding windows feature panels that lift out completely, making them easy to clean.
- They optimize natural light and outdoor views: Sliding windows typically have oversized glass panels that let in plenty of natural light and offer homeowners wide, unobstructed views.
- They provide plenty of ventilation: Because of their streamlined design, most sliders open fully to let in fresh air. On some styles, panels can be opened simultaneously to promote better ventilation.
When Should You Choose a Sliding Window?
Sliding windows can bring a clean, elegant look to any room in your home, but they can be especially beneficial for certain spaces:
- Small homes: Gliders can make smaller homes more spacious by creating an unobstructed view of the outdoors.
- Low-ceilinged rooms: Because sliding windows are often lower and wider than traditional window designs, they’re ideal for rooms with low ceilings.
- Low-ventilation areas: Because they open fully, sliding windows are a great choice for low-ventilation spaces, such as condos that only have front and rear windows.
- Large spaces: Many sliding windows, especially those that feature three or four panels, have a wide design that brings balance and elegance to large spaces.
How Do You Know Which Window Style Is Best for Your Home?
Replacing your home’s windows is a big investment, so you’ll want to choose windows that suit your needs and your house’s style. It may be helpful to consider the following factors when choosing new windows:
- Your home’s architectural style: Whether your home is traditional, contemporary, or one of a kind, the windows you choose should coordinate with your home’s exterior and interior architecture.
- The room’s dimensions: The windows you choose should always fit the scale of your rooms.
- The purpose of the windows: The windows you choose should reflect their intended purpose, whether that’s weatherization, ventilation, or curb appeal. If you’re trying to frame a beautiful view, for example, picture windows may be the perfect option, whereas if you’re seeking privacy, you may want to choose windows featuring obscure glass.
- Your personal style: Whether your style is quirky, traditional, or dramatic, the windows you choose should reflect your personal aesthetic as well as that of your home.
The Benefits of Professional Window Installation
Whether the advantages of sliding windows are too good to resist or you’d rather opt for a more traditional double-hung style, your windows should be installed professionally. At Thompson Creek Window Company, we handle all aspects of your window purchase, from manufacturing to installation. Contact Thompson Creek today for a free estimate.