There are many different styles of windows, but one of the latest is the sliding window. Not that it is exactly new, but many years ago it was not an option at all, as timber was the main building material for windows and was used for holding window glass in the various styles that were available.
Sliding windows depend on aluminium for the tracks to slide them along; if it was timber the material would wear quickly or warp in the weather and make sliding them open or shut impossible. If you are wondering what kind of windows are best for your new home, here are some pros and cons of sliding windows. Note, these are sliding windows with aluminium surrounds.
Pros
- With sliding windows you can have a much larger window space. This allows more light into the house and more cool breezes when the day is hot. You can also enjoy a wider vista if you have a nice view to admire. This would not be possible with other kinds of windows due to the weight of the glass, but with sliding windows the weight is supported by the aluminium slot – and the building material underneath it.
- Sliding windows are easy to open and shut as you don’t have to push them up, just slide them along.
- You can get almost any size window in this style; large, small, wide, high.
- The locks on the windows are simple to work and secure.
- They are easy to clean.
- No maintenance, such as painting, is required for the part surrounding the glass.
- The aluminium does not warp, so they never stick.
- They take up no more space than the wall, unlike awning or hopper windows that protrude on the outside.
- They are cost effective, being cheaper than some other styles.