Get to Know Gliding Windows

In some parts of the country, gliding windows (also called sliding windows) have gotten a bad reputation. Which probably isn’t surprising considering how some brands design their windows…it’s almost as if they took a double-hung window, turned it on its side, and called it a “sliding window.” 

This setup makes sliding windows hard to operate and clean (and hard to KEEP clean—especially the tracks), plus they are more likely to leak, leading to drafts and poor energy efficiency.

But for all of you who love the sleek, modern look and wide expanse of glass you get from a sliding/gliding window…take heart—not all of them are made the same!  

You know the old saying, "you don't know what you don't know"? Well, we think that everyone should get to know the advantages of sliding windows, because the company you choose for your replacement windows matters. Check out these seven ways that Renewal by Andersen^® Acclaim™ sliding windows are unique, and we think you’ll be all in!

Next time you look at a sliding window, notice how the sash sits in the frame. Most of the time in sliding windows, the sash sits on the sill (the bottom of the frame) on a gray piece of weatherstrip that runs along the length of the sill. That means it can accumulate grit, dust, and debris, and get otherwise filthy, and it can also wear out over time, letting in air and water.

Renewal by Andersen’s sliding window does away with the fuzzy weatherstripping located on the frame, and instead moves it to the sash. The weatherstrip being in the sash means it’s easier to keep clean/undamaged, it’s out of sight, and it provides a better seal.

Our sliding window design uses a continuous monorail frame that has a ridge that runs around the entire perimeter of the frame in one continuous loop. There is one loop for each sash. This means that the sash and weatherstripping envelop this monorail along the top, bottom, and side of the sash, minimizing air and water infiltration in a superior way...all while allowing the sash to glide easily.

The Acclaim^® sliding window also includes patent-pending water-management technology featuring a sill design that directs water out quickly and efficiently keeping the elements away.

Have you ever noticed how fine handmade furniture, cabinetry, or other quality-built items or structures have a unique look to the corner joints? That joining technique is called mortise-and-tenon construction.

This style of woodworking is very strong and stable—and it is, of course, beautiful.

Unfortunately, in our industry, many less expensive windows, especially vinyl ones, are typically glued together with unsightly corner welds. Those typical welded vinyl corner seams have distracting ridges, and a less attractive appearance.

Our goal at Renewal by Andersen was to craft both a better looking and better-quality window. To do that, we combined state-of-the-art manufacturing technology with precision engineering to replicate the traditional appearance of mortise-and-tenon corner construction. That allows us to build a window with unprecedented performance AND a beautiful look with clean lines.

The Acclaim^® window construction eliminates those unsightly corner welds seen in many vinyl windows, so all you see is smooth, clean lines that enhance any view. And, of course, the strength and durability of Fibrex^® composite material provides greater strength and durability—meaning our gliders won’t sag even after several years.*

What does that mean for you? It means, when you choose an Acclaim^® sliding window, you get a product so strong that we can provide one of the largest, and most elegant, sliding window sizes in the industry without sacrificing performance.

And just how big is big? How about 62"x108"? That's more than FIVE feet by NINE feet! Think of the beautiful views...and the bountiful breezes you can get with a "window wall" like that! And of course, because our patented roller system has self-lubricating rollers and stainless-steel axles, opening your window is a breeze, too. Whether it's a mini 1'x2' window or a jumbo 6'x7' one, you'll have a window that is easy to operate, regardless of size.

Cam refers to the function of the locking system. Locks on sliding windows are not meant just to lock your windows closed. They also actually play a very important part in the energy efficiency of the window.

We use dual-action cam locks, where most other sliding window locks are single-action cam. Why does this matter? Slider locks lock the window—but they also play a big role in the efficiency of the window. They are meant to pull the two sash together so you don’t get air coming in between the two sash which, when closed, sit nearly kitty-corner from each other (the ends don’t butt up against each other).

A dual-action cam window lock pulls the two sashes together, as it should, but also, at the same time, pushes the sash outward toward the frame so you get a nice, tight seal on the sides, top and bottom of the window as well. In Acclaim^® sliding windows, the sash is being pushed deep into those monorail frames, making it extremely hard for air to get through.

Renewal by Andersen can make some of the largest sliding windows in the industry. So if you have a great view, we can make a window that allows you to see it. But what’s even better is that this view can be accompanied by ventilation. These sliding windows can open from both sides, so you get the best of both worlds—a great view and maximum ventilation.