Slider Windows - Pros & Cons

Operation

• In winter, the sliding track may fill with snow and ice, making it difficult to open and close the window.

Energy-Efficiency

• Because the contact point between the sliding sashes (where they meet) is not always pressure closed, some windows may be more susceptible to high winds pushing through, causing drafts. Look for slider windows that have a male/female type connector and lock that pull the two sashes together.
  
• To make sliding windows as efficient as casement or awning windows, a triple-glazed option is often used - bringing the cost of the window higher.
  

Cleaning & maintenance

• Over time, the sliding track is prone to collecting dirt which can make opening and closing the window more difficult.
  
• Depending on the environment you live in (dusty dirt roads…) the tracks may need to be cleaned or flushed with water on a regular basis.
• With sliders that cannot be extracted from the frame, the exterior screen will need to be removed in order to clean the exterior of all panes.
• The outside pane of a non-removable or non-tilt window is difficult to clean from inside the home.

Screens

• In order for a slider window to operate properly, the screen must be placed on the exterior (outside) of the window frame. This means the screen is always exposed to the external environment and it will likely accumulate pollen, dandelion dander and dirt.
• Screens should be removed during winter to prevent possible snow buildup between the window and the screen. As a result, the screen must be stored in a safe place where it won’t get damaged.
• Dual-slider windows often have a single screen that spans both sliding sashes.
  
• Most (not all) modern slider window screens can be removed from the inside of the home.
  
• Most (not all) single-slider window screens simply slide to one side.
  

Security

• Latches do not always close easily, the window must be tightly shut.
  
• Multi-locking mechanisms are recommended to maximize home security.
  

Size

• Slider windows are best for horizontal, rather than vertical orientations (height restrictions).
  
• They are best for areas in which there is a wide not narrow opening.

Materials

• Because of the nature of slider windows (sliding), they are not typically available in “wood only” configurations.

Noise reduction:

• Slider windows may not provide as much sound insulation as some other window types, potentially allowing more external noise into your home.
  

Limited ventilation control:

• Unlike casement windows that can open fully, slider windows have limited ventilation control as they only open from one side.