Sliding windows are a glazing method that is relevant both on loggias and balconies, and in insulated residential premises. In places where hinged sashes are not applicable due to limited space, “solid” double-glazed windows were previously installed. But today sliding windows solve the problem of some inconveniences:
- You can freely place flowerpots on the windowsill.
- Curtains and blinds do not interfere with the opening of the doors.
- There is no risk of the open sash slamming shut due to a draft.
- Impressive dimensions of the doors are allowed: three meters high and two meters wide.
- Narrow frames provide more light.
Sliding windows can even be used for remote glazing of balconies due to their low weight. The heat transfer resistance coefficient for different types of windows ranges from 0.6 to 0.8, which is quite consistent with the thermal insulation standards of classic windows.
Sliding windows are distinguished by the type of opening mechanism and by profile material: PVC or aluminum.
Advantages and disadvantages
Sliding windows are successfully installed on loggias, balconies, verandas and terraces. They retain all the advantages of the usual swing plastic windows, but at the same time they allow you to gain space and get a more interesting and visually attractive system.
Advantages of sliding windows:
- saving space. Hinged windows require some space to open the sashes. Plus, if there is something on the windowsill, then all the items will have to be removed. Fully open sliding windows will not take up a bit of space, and for a small balcony this is a significant advantage;
- fixing the sashes in a certain position will not allow them to open or slam shut under the influence of a draft;
- wide glazing possibilities, i.e. a hinged system can replace conventional windows of any size or be installed from floor to ceiling;
- sliding windows have a lighter and airier look, and some systems are completely devoid of lintels, opening up a gorgeous view of the city or natural landscape;
- high strength and reliability despite visual lightness;
- sliding systems allow you to organize warm and cold glazing;
- the mosquito net in such windows also moves, allowing the window opening to be completely cleared;
- ease of opening and closing the doors and their fixation;
- the ability to install a window of any size.
Among the shortcomings we note:
- moving parts of the system must be lubricated once a year;
- difficulties in care - one of the sashes will be difficult to wash;
- the system is not suitable for narrow areas of glazing, as there will be no room for the sashes to move;
- Lift-and-slide and tilt-and-slide glazing systems will not allow you to fully open the window opening, but this is not such a significant disadvantage;
- the system is inferior to traditional casement windows in terms of thermal insulation and moisture protection.
a plastic profile is used for sliding systems ; aluminum is used less frequently, and wood is even less often used. Among plastic profiles for sliding windows, Rehau profiles performed best. The company is constantly improving its products and offering energy-saving profiles with different characteristics (number of chambers, mounting width, etc.). To be guaranteed to get windows with a famous German profile (and not a fake with a big name), it is better to contact trusted manufacturers. Residents of Odessa and the south of Ukraine can recommend the NOVIKON company, which since 2004 has been producing windows based on the energy-efficient Rehau profile and provides a 15-year guarantee.
Peculiarities
Glazing of premises can be cold or warm, and various materials are used. These operations are characterized by some important indicators. The similarity lies in excellent protection from precipitation, drafts, wind and dust. Warm glazing is characterized by increased noise insulation and tightness, which allows you to maintain a higher temperature on the balcony during the cold season. Cold glazing is characterized by the lightness and strength of window structures.
For your veranda, you can choose metal-plastic PVC windows and cornices from the Slidors brand, which are distinguished by their unsurpassed quality.
Plastic window structures are not an innovation today. Their advantages are known, so more often the choice is made on them. True, the disadvantage is quite significant - the classic plastic window is a bulky structure.
You will learn more about the benefits of sliding plastic windows from the Slidors brand by watching the following video.
Lift and slide windows
This system is often used for glazing terraces and verandas. The movement mechanism of the doors resembles that implemented in sliding wardrobes. When the sash is opened, it is raised slightly, the frame moves to the width of the sash located next to it, and moves along its guide. When the sash is closed, the mechanism operates as a pressing mechanism. Lift-and-slide windows protect well from cold, moisture and drafts, since the design includes a rubber seal.
The structure consists of at least two frames, one of which will be load-bearing and the second will be movable. Often a mosquito net guide is installed in parallel.
The system is highly durable and stable, allowing the installation of fairly massive frames measuring 200*300 cm. The disadvantage of this type of window is that the entire opening cannot be completely freed from the frames, since one sash is hidden behind the other. However, this type of construction is often used in private homes for fencing terraces and verandas, and for glazing the living room. The system maintains excellent visibility and becomes a reliable barrier against the cold. The threshold, as a rule, is made low, almost invisible, so the boundary between the street and the house seems to be erased.
Tilt and slide windows
This mechanism is reminiscent of the principle of opening doors on tourist buses. First, you pull the sash towards you, and then move it to the side, while the rollers of the moving sash move into a parallel guide. You can move the sash completely, or you can lock it in a certain position by turning the handle. In addition, like casement windows, tilt-and-slide windows can be opened to a ventilation position.
Like lift-and-slide windows, tilt-and-slide windows are provided with a rubber seal, which helps protect the apartment from cold and noise. The system is used for glazing balconies, loggias, as well as terraces and verandas. Unfortunately, you can’t do without a threshold here, so you’ll have to move a little more carefully, and manufacturers recommend installing special overlays on the threshold that help protect the profile from possible damage.
When thinking through the glazing system, keep in mind that the moving sash will move slightly forward, i.e. In front of the window, you need to provide a space 12-13 cm wide. Also take into account that it will be impossible to completely free the glazed area from glazing - some of the sashes will be motionless.
Sliding folding system (“accordion”)
These windows open like the famous accordion doors. The doors slide to the side and fold like an accordion, allowing you to completely free the entire opening. If desired, you can open only one or several doors. Yes, the ability to completely free the entire window opening is a big plus, but the main disadvantage of this system remains its low tightness.
“Accordion” is not able to reliably protect an apartment from cold and noise - it will become a barrier to wind and precipitation, therefore it is only suitable for cold glazing of loggias and verandas. A sliding folding system should not have more than 7 sashes, and the maximum opening size is 650*230 cm. In addition, it is necessary to provide a place where all sashes will be folded.
Installation
You can install plastic sliding windows yourself, while studying some of the installation features of such structures. When installing windows, you should pay attention to the following points:
- carefully filling the installation gap between window openings and blocks;
- profile integrity (no bends or kinks);
- strength and durability of the window frame, preference should be given to brick or concrete.
The sliding plastic structure will give not only expanded space (even if small), but also coziness and comfort to the apartment. This profile is designed for installation of a single-chamber package with energy-saving glass, or single glass. The window sashes of such windows open and close thanks to special rails.
Frameless glazing system
Frameless glazing allows you to preserve the view as much as possible - neither partitions nor profiles will interfere with you. The doors are made of impact-resistant glass and are attached to one or two guides. To open a window opening, you need to move the sashes to the side one by one. There are no “dead” zones - the opening can be completely cleared, and all the sashes will be neatly placed near the very edge.
Frameless glazing is suitable for both balconies and terraces. The thickness of the glass is at least 6 mm, so the design is completely safe. The sealing system makes such a window airtight, but still, in terms of heat and sound insulation, frameless glazing is inferior to its analogues. It is suitable only as cold glazing when the balcony or veranda is not intended to be used in the summer as a heated residential space.
The system is suitable for balconies of any shape, lets in a lot of light, protects well from rain and wind, and the sashes on both sides will be easy to wash.
Where to use sliding windows?
You can use them anywhere, here are just a few examples:
- loggias and balconies . The first two systems of sliding windows are suitable for heated and insulated windows. If the view is beautiful, and everything can be agreed upon according to the documents, then you can arrange floor-to-ceiling glazing and admire the views. In this regard, it is easier for residents of new buildings. If the developer used floor glazing and installed conventional casement windows, then they can be replaced at any time with a sliding system;
- gazebos and terraces in a country house are simply created for sliding glazing systems;
- for a living room in a country house with access to the street, a sliding system would also be appropriate;
- office premises and retail pavilions;
- restaurants and cafes.
Yes, sliding systems are slightly more expensive than standard swing systems, but the significant benefits are worth paying for.
Tags:Windows
How to choose?
- It is more advisable to rely on a specialist when choosing sliding windows and follow his advice. It is advisable to familiarize yourself with the manufacturers before purchasing: read reviews, find out about their reputation.
- We should not forget that a quality product will be more expensive than a cheap option. However, by paying now, you won’t need to call a repairman in the near future and re-buy broken items.
- You should definitely ask the seller for a product quality certificate - this procedure will protect you from unexpected troubles.
- The type of glazing also needs to be chosen before going shopping.
- For installation, it is better to contact specialists.
