If your home already has a breath-taking view, sliding picture windows can be a fantastic addition to the overall décor. But, if the view is nothing to rave about, then these windows are an absolute must! Modern-day metros and mini-metros have a space crunch that has made homeowners look for ways to optimise space by opening them up with the help of sliding windows. These structures maximise space by not opening inwards or outwards. They slide for awarding a room with heaps of natural light.
Sliding windows can be installed in various dimensions and types. For example, sliding French windows open up smaller rooms, sliding picture windows bring the outdoors inside, and sliding horizontal windows offer ventilation along with a certain degree of privacy. Additionally, these designs come in a host of materials that further spoil buyers for choice.
Choose the Right Sliding Window
Begin by zeroing down on a particular type of window design. Say, you choose to slide French windows for your bedroom and living room. Now comes the real challenge - the framing material for these windows. After all, sliding window frames must complement the interior décor of your home.
Here is a guide that can help you choose the right type of sliding windows based on the type of material. These materials are often readily available and come in a wide variety of colours and finish.
Wooden Sliding Windows
The aesthetic appeal of wooden frames is hard to beat. Most people choose this elegant and pricey option purely because it significantly uplifts their home décor. This material can take any standard room of your home and award it an artistic expression. Wood-framed sliding windows may be a traditional option but they are versatile enough to suit modern home interiors.
Before opting for wooden sliding windows, quiz your fenestration expert on the weather stripping measures taken by them to protect and enhance the lifespan of this material. You can also choose from both hardwood and softwood options while designing sliding windows. Hardwood, of course, costs more and can be given a natural finish. Softwood costs less but demands to be protected with paint or wooden finish.
Vinyl Sliding Windows
This material is the perfect amalgamation of performance and aesthetics. Unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (uPVC) is low on maintenance and high on aesthetic appeal. If you live in humid conditions or where dust is a way of life, uPVC sliding windows are the right choice for you.
uPVC frames provide thermal comfort, insulation, and noise-reduction when coupled with the right kind of glazing. The tenacity of this material comes from being manufactured with the help of vinyl polymer bound to chlorine atoms. Vinyl frames are not precisely plastic and are in a material league of their own. They are available in many colours and finish that last for several years. Whether you choose a sliding French window or picture window made with uPVC frames, you can rest assured of its longevity.
Metal Sliding Windows
Most modern metal frame windows are made from aluminium because it is light, recyclable, easy to maintain, and can support a vast expanse of glass. These frames are inherently stable and can be thinned out to increase the area of glass pane inside the window. This feature makes aluminium sliding windows an excellent choice for ushering in heaps of natural light in any room of your home.
If you are worried about corrosion, fret not! Modern aluminium window frames come with a special coating that makes them rust-free and more durable. Combine aluminium frames with double glazed toughened glass for best results.
Other Materials
You can also use more than one material for sliding window frames. For example, wooden frames can be used on the inside of a window to enhance décor, while uPVC frames can be installed on the exterior of these windows. This technique will not only save the wood in case of torrential downpours but will also reduce the overall maintenance cost.
You can also try composite frames that are a combination of wood by-products and plastic. With the right finish, these frames adopt a wooden look. They are structurally durable, resistant to moisture, and have useful insulation properties.
The Bottom Line
Now that you have weighed the pros and cons of the materials mentioned above deciding on a type of sliding window will not be too difficult. However, taking an expert’s opinion is always recommended. If you are looking for one, turn to AIS Glasxperts. We offer a wealth of window designs and materials to match your sensibilities. Our team of experts provides 360-degree solutions, from site assessment to product selection to installation, even after-sales support.
To get the best out of fenestration, book a consultation with our experts by visiting www.glasexperts.com today!
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