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Sliding windows: types, installation method, maintenance and care

Sliding windows are an increasingly popular feature of modern residential homes, offering an aesthetically pleasing window style that can be installed either horizontally or vertically. They are cost-effective, energy efficient, and a breeze to install. With the proper maintenance and care, these windows can last for years and may even increase the value of your home. This post covers the different types of sliding windows available, the proper installation methods, and how to take care of them to ensure their longevity.

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The designs of modern window profiles are constantly progressing, so in this article we will introduce you to sliding windows. You will learn the main advantages of different types of sliding systems, study the features of installation, operation and maintenance of windows.

Sliding windows. Types, method of installation, maintenance and care

Sliding windows are a glazing method that is relevant both on loggias and balconies, and in insulated living quarters. In places where swing doors are inapplicable due to limited space, “blind” double-glazed windows were previously installed. But today, sliding windows solve the problem of some inconveniences:

  1. You can freely place flower pots on the windowsill.
  2. Curtains and blinds do not interfere with the opening of the sash.
  3. There is no risk of slamming the open sash from a draft.
  4. Impressive sash sizes are allowed: three meters in height and two in width.
  5. Narrow frames provide more light.

Sliding windows can be used even for external glazing of a balcony due to their low weight. The coefficient of resistance to heat transfer for different types of windows ranges from 0.6 to 0.8, which is quite consistent with the thermal insulation standards of classic windows.

There are sliding windows by the type of opening mechanism and by the material of the profile: PVC or aluminum.

Features of lift-slide and tilt-slide mechanism

Lift-slidethe design is arranged according to the principle of sliding wardrobe doors. When opening, the sash pressure is released and it can be freely moved along the guide, which has the length of the entire window span. When locking, the mechanism presses the sash down, closing the hermetic lock-type seals. The supporting frame of the windows has two rows of guides and the sashes can move on both. A third additional guide is installed on the inside for the movable mosquito net. It is this design that is characterized by the largest sash dimensions..

Sliding windows. Types, method of installation, maintenance and care

Tilt-slidethe sash design is in many ways similar to a swing device. The movement is carried out along two guides attached to the supporting frame from the inside. To open the window, you need to turn the lock handle and pull the sash towards you so that the rollers stand on the runners. After that, you can move the sash to the desired distance and fix it with a clamping mechanism. When locking the sash, standard fittings and a PVC window sealing scheme are used, therefore, in terms of heat and sound insulation, this design does not differ from a swing one. System feature – the sash can be tilted for ventilation.

Sliding windows. Types, method of installation, maintenance and care

Types of sliding window profiles

Aluminum sliding windows are not highly sealed. Brush seals protect against dust and dirt particles, but the climate in a glazed room is close to that of an outdoor one. This is acceptable for loggias and terraces, but little applicable in residential premises. However, some types of aluminum windows have full thermal insulation and are completely sealed, but such solutions are rare and expensive. The main advantages of aluminum windows are their extremely low weight and high strength. This makes them indispensable for light types of external glazing and allows them to withstand high wind loads without reinforcing struts. Also, aluminum frames are very narrow, so the amount of incoming light is maximized.

Sliding windows. Types, method of installation, maintenance and care

PVC profiles are used with high requirements for room thermal insulation. They have heat-insulating bridges and several rows of gaskets. Plastic windows are as tight as possible, drafts, dust and odors from the street are excluded. There is enough space inside the profile cavities for the installation of any type of fittings, including anti-burglary. On the other hand, PVC profile is characterized by high weight, which excludes its use in specific architectural projects. Plastic profile is much cheaper than aluminum, which explains its widespread use.

Sliding windows. Types, method of installation, maintenance and care

Features of installing windows

Requirements for window openings for swing and sliding windows are identical, but the installation process for different types of window systems is different.

Plastic windows have a supporting frame, into which “blind” spans are already inserted in the tilt-and-slide system. The frame is put on top and bottom in plastic mounting plates or base profile. Locking fastening, installation is carried out with a rubber hammer. Mounting “mustaches” are attached to the assembled box with screws, then the frame is inserted into the window opening, where it is attached on all four sides. The bottom edge is attached through to the masonry or fencing frame.

Sliding windows. Types, method of installation, maintenance and care

In long window openings, several frames are connected to each other with threaded ties or ordinary self-tapping screws. In this case, the inner wall of the supporting frame is drilled through, only the outer walls of the profile and the mounting plates are connected to each other. On balconies where the wall is filled with plastic bags from floor to ceiling, the structure may “float”. In this case, it is reinforced with stiffeners that expand from floor to ceiling and are attached to the concrete base with anchors.

After the frame has been installed, the upper and lower ebbs are attached. The gaps between the frame and the walls are filled with foam, the mounting holes in the profile are closed with plugs. A window sill is installed, the junctions of plastic parts are sealed with a PVC sealant, for example COSMOFEN 345. A guide is attached to the windows of the tilt-and-slide structure, otherwise the sashes are installed on the runners of the supporting frame. The sash must be brought into the upper guide, slightly raised and aligned with the lower edge, then lowered. Window adjustment is not required, but the frame must be mounted strictly horizontally.

Sliding windows. Types, method of installation, maintenance and care

Aluminum windows are installed in the same way. The frame is delivered assembled in the form of modular segments, which are joined together with a standard lock connection. All piece items for installation are also included. Expensive windows can have specific fasteners and locks.

Operation and maintenance

Quality windows last 50 years or more. The complex mechanics of lift-and-slide windows are protected from the accumulation of dust and dirt, and in tilt-slide windows with an open guide, dirt can be easily removed. Nevertheless, it is recommended to remove the flaps at intervals of 2-3 years and carry out a simple vacuum cleaning of all cavities and guides, as well as rubber seals. Brushed seals for aluminum windows require annual cleaning.

Some types of windows are not without difficulties in handling. For example, a lift-slide mechanism in a frosty winter climate can become iced up and stop opening.. Mechanics do not suffer from this phenomenon, unless you try to open the windows by force. The problem is solved either by itself with the arrival of a thaw, or by forced thawing with a hair dryer.

In modern construction, swing windows are gradually giving way to sliding and lifting windows. The slight increase in price is fully justified by the high comfort of use. And this is a reason to think: perhaps in your interior modern glazing will be very appropriate.

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Comments: 1
  1. Skylar Campbell

    What are the different types of sliding windows available in the market? How should I go about installing them? Can you provide guidelines for maintenance and care to ensure their longevity?

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