When replacing the windows in your Indianapolis home, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by your many options. From casement windows, to double-hung windows, to sliding windows, it’s not always obvious which type of window to use where. Sliding windows are a style of window that don’t always get as much attention as they deserve. They consist of two glass panels, mounted next to one another in the same frame. To open the window, you can slide one panel to the left or the other to the right.
Here’s a look when and where you may want to use sliding windows in your home.
If you have any window openings that are wider than they are tall, a sliding window is the ideal window style to choose. Other window styles, like double-hung and casement windows, are typically designed for frames that are taller than they are wide. They tend to look out of place in wide window openings, whereas sliding windows appear balanced and appropriate.
If you have any windows that open up onto a patio or a porch, you need to choose a window style that does not swing outward when opened. Casement windows and awning windows both create obstructions on the exterior when you open them. You would not want a guest or family member to bump their head on the open window when on the patio. Sliding windows stay flush in the frame, whether opened or closed, making them a good choice for window openings against walkways, patios, porches, or balconies.
If you suffer from arthritis or another condition that makes it hard for you to operate small latches and cranks, sliding windows are an easy-to-operate choice for windows you plan to open regularly. To open the window, you can use your whole hand to push the sash to the right or the left. You don’t even need to support the weight of the window as you do to open a double-hung window from the bottom.
Sliding windows are one of the easiest styles of windows to “escape” through if there is a fire or another emergency that makes it necessary to flee the home. They’re easy to open when you’re in a panic, and the opening is typically large enough for an adult person to fit through. For this reason, they are often used to meet egress window requirements in basements, attics, and bedrooms.
Sliding windows are a low-maintenance choice for homeowners. Their locking mechanisms and open-close mechanisms are very simple, so they are less prone to breakage than those of other window styles. There are no pulleys or springs to worry about wearing out over time. Plus, modern sliding windows are very energy efficient, helping to keep your energy bills in check.
If you are looking for an easy-to-operate window to place against a patio or in another horizontal window opening, a sliding window is likely to be your best bet. Contact Renewal by Andersen to schedule a free, in-home consultation. Our technicians can review the features of our sliding windows with you to ensure they fit your needs, while also making recommendations as to the best color and hardware choices for your home’s decor.
