Sliding windows
Slim aluminium sliders that open sideways, so nothing swings into the room or out over the patio.
What is a sliding window?
A sliding window opens by moving one or more sashes sideways along a track, past a fixed or second sliding pane. Nothing swings in or out, so a slider is the natural choice where an opening sash would be in the way, for example over a path, above a worktop or onto a balcony. Aluminium is the best material for sliders because its stiffness keeps big sashes straight and the frames slim.
Sliding windows at a glance
- Opening: Horizontal sliding, with two or more panes
- Frame: Thermally broken aluminium with slim interlocks
- Glazing: Double or triple glazed, low-e with argon
- Operation: Sashes run on stainless or nylon rollers in a low-friction track
- Security: Multi-point or hook locks, with anti-lift blocks
- Finish: Any RAL colour, with dual colour available
When a sliding window makes sense
Wide openings. Long, low windows such as kitchen windows over a counter, or a strip of glazing along a landing, look and work better as sliders than as a row of casements.
Where swinging sashes cause problems. An outward casement can catch people walking along a narrow path. An inward window can hit taps. A slider avoids both.
Modern, horizontal looks. Slim vertical interlocks give long, uninterrupted views. That suits contemporary houses and extensions.
The trade-off is that only part of the window can open at once. On a two-pane slider, the opening is roughly half the window. If you need a full-width opening for escape or ventilation, we’ll talk you through the alternatives.
How we survey, supply and fit sliding windows
- Survey. We measure the opening and check that the head and sill are level and true. A slider needs a straight track to run smoothly.
- Specification. We agree which panes slide, the glass, the locks and the colour.
- Made to measure. The frames and sashes are built and glazed to your sizes.
- Fitting. We fix the frame dead level, seal and insulate around it, and adjust the rollers so the sash glides with one hand.
- Handover. We show you how to keep the track clean. That’s most of the maintenance a sliding window ever needs.
Choosing sliding windows
Two, three or four panes. Two panes, one fixed and one sliding, suit most kitchen and landing windows. Wider openings can have two sliding panes meeting in the middle.
Escape openings. In bedrooms, check that the open part of the slider is big enough to escape through. Otherwise, choose a different window type for that room.
Glass. Large panes near floor level need toughened safety glass. Laminated glass adds security on the ground floor.
Matching doors. Sliding windows look right beside sliding patio doors in the same frame system.
Sliding window ideas
These are illustrations of design ideas, not photos of specific Brega Glazing jobs. See more in our ideas gallery.
Typical uses for sliding windows
- Kitchen windows over worktops and sinks
- Windows that open onto paths, decks or balconies
- Long horizontal windows in modern houses and extensions
- Holiday homes and coastal houses where a sash would catch the wind
Sliding window FAQs
Are sliding windows as energy-efficient as casement windows?
A good aluminium slider with a thermal break and quality brush and gasket seals performs well. Casements usually seal slightly tighter because the sash compresses against the frame. For most rooms the difference is small, and the glazing makes a bigger difference than the opening type.
Can sliding windows be used as fire escape windows?
Only if the opening part is big enough on its own. Because a slider opens only partly, it needs to be bigger than an equivalent casement to give the same clear opening. We check this at survey.
How do I keep a sliding window running smoothly?
Vacuum or brush out the bottom track every few months, wipe it clean, and keep the drainage slots clear. Don’t oil the track. Oil attracts grit.
Are sliding windows secure?
Modern aluminium sliders use hook or multi-point locks plus anti-lift blocks, which stop the sash being lifted off its track. Laminated glass adds another layer of security on ground floors.