Also called gliding windows, sliding windows feature one sliding sash and one fixed sash. These windows grace many homes in the country – they’re often chosen by homeowners because of their aesthetic appeal and functionality. Sliding windows, however, do not just look and work well; they are also energy efficient.

The way sliding windows are designed makes them especially suitable for:

PASSIVE VENTILATION

Although they do not have quite the same capacity for ventilation as casement windows, sliding windows are better than, say, fixed windows. Their movable sashes can be opened to at least one half of the entire glass area. But there are also double-sliding windows with two operational sashes for more adequate ventilation.

DAYLIGHTING

Sliding windows have the largest allowable glass area in individually-installed windows. This large glass-to-frame ratio means more opportunity to maximize natural light.

PART ONE: ENERGY EFFICIENCY POTENTIAL

And it doesn’t stop there. You can build on your sliding window’s capacity to offset some energy costs by:

• Choosing the right energy performance values. ENERGY STAR and the National Fenestration Rating Council rate window products according to their energy performance. These cover four metrics: U-factor, solar heat gain coefficient, visible transmittance, and air leakage. Condensation resistance is also measured, although manufacturers have the prerogative as to whether or not they will print the information on their products. Choose windows that have high visible transmittance, no matter where you live, since this factor is indicative of the unit’s capacity to transmit daylight. High air leakage is also another important consideration, especially in the case of sliding windows. U-factor and solar heat gain coefficient values should likewise be ideal to your climatic conditions.

• Picking the right position for installation. How your windows are oriented in reference to the sun is important to their performance. East and west orientations can work, depending on where you live. But south-oriented windows work best for almost all types of regions. In addition, make sure the surroundings are suited well to your windows. Trees and their overhanging branches, for instance, can limit daylighting and necessary solar heat gain.

That does not mean, however, that sliding windows don’t have issues, where energy efficiency is concerned. In the next part of this blog series, we

will discuss how to manage those exact issues.

PART ONE: ENERGY EFFICIENCY POTENTIAL

In part one, we talked about the energy efficiency potential of sliding windows and how to build on it. Today, we examine the flip side of the coin:

managing the issues.

Sliding windows can be prepped for maximum energy efficiency, but they can also have issues that may detract from your cost savings. One of the most problematic things about this window type is their air leakage capacity. Detecting air leaks is fairly easy; in some cases, you only need to feel the draft to know your windows are not as airtight as you thought. If the signs are not as obvious, however, a professional contractor can help you set up a fan depressurization test – or you can use an incense stick or similar “draft detectors” around your windows and see if it gets affected.

The good news is, you can do something about leaking windows. These include:

• CAULKING AND WEATHERSTRIPPING

Caulking is used for cracks and other obvious signs of leakage, while weatherstripping is applied around joints where the frame meets the glazing. There are various types of materials for these two applications, such as adhesive-backed foam, tubular rubber-gasket weatherstripping, tension seal, and felt.

PART TWO: MANAGING THE ISSUES

• ADDITIONAL SASH LOCK

Sliding windows typically have only one sash lock, where the two sashes meet. To make sure the sashes fit snugly against each other when you lock them, you can opt to install a secondary sash lock. If your window measures 24 inches wide, for instance, you can position a lock at 8-inch intervals.

• INSULATION

Window insulation helps block out cold air. Most of the kits you will find today feature a shrink-wrap plastic sheet that you can attach to the interior of the glazing. The downside is that you will not be able to open the window until the warmer season arrives.

It is important to remember, however, that weatherstripping fails over time. So while the task is easy enough for a DIY project, it is best to commission a professional for it. Some types of weatherstripping are also not readily available in the DIY market.

But which contractor should you choose? And what other installation considerations should be factored into the whole project? Find out in the

closing segment of this three-part blog.

PART TWO: MANAGING THE ISSUES

In part one, we talked about how sliding windows are energy efficient and how to make them more so. In part two, we discussed how to manage their air leakage issues. Now, to cap off the series, let’s examine what you need to know about their installation, and who you should choose to install them.

There are various considerations that a smart homeowner should think about where sliding window installation is concerned. The first is safety. Handling glass is a complicated process that may lead to a lot of unpleasant consequences, when it is not done properly. This is why hiring professional help is recommended; an experienced installer has technical knowledge that is vital to the success of the project.

CHOOSING YOUR CONTRACTOR

Make sure your contractor is licensed by or registered with your state, first and foremost, to ensure the proper acquisition of permits, as well as secure damages and other things in case something goes wrong. A local contractor is also best, since he or she will be more familiar with your area’s weather conditions and – more importantly – how best to manage them with your sliding windows.

PART THREE: INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS

Experience should also matter to you. A particularly diverse portfolio is useful, since it attests to the scope of project experience and knowledge that a contractor may have gained over the years. Also, choose a contractor who has a partnership with a trusted manufacturer of sliding windows. This will get you more comprehensive warranties, as well as advanced product knowledge that will enhance the quality of your window installation. And check your potential contractor’s rates. Ask for a quote first, and decide accordingly.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Technical nuances. Although installation covers basically the same things across different projects, sliding windows have to be installed a specific way for some types of homes. Things such as home design and materials, construction method, and site conditions have to be examined to arrive at the best approach. Choose a contractor who has installed sliding windows on different types of homes – since he or she will be familiar with the technical nuances of your home’s architectural style.

Building codes

Building codes should also be properly observed before, during, andafter installation. Installing sliding windows as egress windows, for instance, is required by international codes to have specific measurements that your contractor should be familiar with. Similarly, your own locality may have additional regulations regarding window installation.

PART THREE: INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS

Renewal by Andersen of Oklahoma

4440 N. Cooper AveOklahoma City, OK 73118

Oklahoma: (405) 652-1300Tulsa: 918-921-9211

RBAofOklahoma.com