Sliding Windows

Sliders

Sliding windows, or sliders, come in two principal varieties: those in which both sashes slide horizontally - a double-sliding window - and those in which only one sash slides - a single-sliding window. The sashes slide along grooves on the inside edge of the frame structure. The upper groove is called the head track and the lower groove, the sill track.

Maximum ventilation comes when both sashes are aligned, but this will never be more than 50% of the total window area. At a minimum, a sliding window may be opened just a crack, which is not possible with a casement window.

Screens may be placed on either the exterior or the interior side of the window to provide secondary glazing. Air leakage for sliding windows tends to higher than for hinged windows, as there is little pressure between the sashes and the frame.

Single and Double-Hung Windows

The difference between sliders and hung windows is the axis of movement. The sashes of a sliding window are displaced horizontally, while those of a hung window are displaced vertically. As with the slider, one or both sashes of a hung window may be opened. A single-hung window is a window in which only one sash may be opened and in a double-hung window, both sashes may be moved. A counterbalance system, with balance, cord and pulley, is built into the frame of the window allow the window to remain open and not succumb to gravity. Only a maximum of 50% of the total window unit area may be opened and air leakage rates are higher than those of hinged windows. A tilt window is a single or double-hung window whose operable sash, or sashes, can be tilted into the room to facilitate washing.

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