Want a new set of windows for your home but hate squeaky hinges? This three-part blog series focuses on popular window designs that do not use hinges.
Part 2 – The Hingeless, Horizontal Sliding Window
Fans of contemporary home design are most likely familiar with the sliding window, which has become a staple for both commercial and residential buildings. This unhinged window design shares many traits with sash windows, but also has a few advantages of its own.
Some window experts consider the sliding window as a subtype of sash window and with good reason: the sliding window is basically a sash window laid down on its side. Although earlier versions of the sliding window have glass panels that are divided into smaller sections, new sliding windows almost always have single glass panes.
One thing that a sliding window excels at better than the sash window is size. Because sash windows operate vertically, ease of operation is greatly limited by the presence of springs and levers to counteract the weight of the sash and keep it up. Since the panels of the siding window operate horizontally, a larger, heavier panel won’t slide back to a closed position. This means sliding windows can afford to have larger panes than other types of windows, letting them provide a better view of the outdoors than their vertical counterparts.
Even larger sliding windows are surprisingly easy to operate, thanks to the presence of wheels and rails located at the top and bottom edges of the frame designed to reduce friction. The side of the rails may feature rubber stoppers to prevent the panels from shattering in case they are opened forcefully. A sliding window’s moving panels have a locking mechanism that fits a side hole located on the frame. Extra bolts that lock at the bottom edge of the frame may also be installed for better security.
Unlike sash windows, sliding windows almost always have two moving panels. This means it can be opened at the left or right side, whenever is more appropriate. Since sliding windowpanes use clear glazing, other window accessories, such as venetian blinds are often used to provide extra privacy and control the amount of natural sunlight. The clear-smooth panel surfaces also make it easier to clean than other windows.
You probably thought this is over, but we’re not done yet! Learn more about the third kind of unhinged window in part 3 of this blog series, coming soon.
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