Sliding windows - a super modern option for an apartment and house

For a long time, sliding windows were a phenomenon that was relatively rare in our country, and the replacement of old wooden windows with aluminum and plastic constructions that we are used to now was widely popular. But over the past decade, consumers have finally rated sliding windows as a universal window system, which has a number of indisputable advantages for both the house and the apartment.

The main feature of the sliding windows (and at the same time the main difference between them from the classical construction we are used to) is the way of opening the sash. It opens not with a turn, but with an offset parallel to the frame. This gives a number of significant advantages, especially when it comes to small spaces.Often, many homes can not boast of an abundance of free space, and one-bedroom apartment type, as a rule, by definition, are small and cramped. When installed in such a room of a sliding construction, the user will feel an obvious advantage in that the window can be opened, for example, with only one hand, without the need for space for a revolving sash.

Thanks to this design feature, there are many nice features. In particular, a good owner will always be able to figure out how to use the vacated window sill - the hinged casement will no longer interfere.

As already mentioned, for our country, sliding windows are a relative novelty. But as for Western countries, there this structure has long ago and firmly gained market positions - the long years of using this mechanism in Europe allowed to fully find out all its advantages, disadvantages, features in use. We can only summarize this experience and make useful conclusions. Consider the types of sliding windows that modern manufacturers offer us.

First of all, the windows are divided into “warm” and “cold”. As for the first type, its task is to protect against raging elements - rain, wind and snow in the cold season. As a rule, aluminum is used for such structures. This version has been used for glazing of balconies, loggias, summer terraces and pavilions, therefore it cannot be definitely considered for houses and apartments.

As for the "warm" option, the profile structures in this category are characterized by a very high degree of tightness - they require a material such as plastic or wood. Previously, aluminum was not used for the production of “warm” structures, but technical progress does not stand still, and now new models equipped with special thermal inserts and reinforced sash thickness have appeared on the market.

Now consider the types of mechanisms. Structurally, sliding windows can be divided into three main categories of systems:

• parallel-sliding system;
• tilt-and-slide system (also called inclined);
• vertical sliding system (or "English window").

As for systems of parallel-sliding type, this solution can be safely called a classic. Window shutters move along guides horizontally along the window opening. Both in the closed state and in the open, the movable and adjoining part of the plastic frame is held in the space reserved for them - according to the same principle on which the wardrobes are arranged.

The tilt-and-slide system has a lot in common with parallel-sliding, but there is still a significant difference - turning the moving part of the window frame to get it on the seat. To open such a window, you must first fold the sash and move it “towards you”, after which it will fall onto the guide chute, and then smoothly “drive around” the window profile and move horizontally.

The system is very similar to the opening doors of the Ikarus buses (by the way, one can often hear how the experts among themselves call this design exactly that way). This system has several indisputable advantages: firstly, it provides excellent tightness around the perimeter of the window, and secondly, you can open the windows in the upper part for ventilation. The functionality is obvious.

Well, the third option - the so-called "English window" (vertically sliding system). This construction for our country is still exotic, although recently it has been gaining popularity among owners of country houses. The essence of such a mechanism is simple. The window frame consists essentially of two, which are parallel to each other in the same plane. The lower part is a movable sash, which moves up along the guides and can rise to the height of the window opening, “clinging” to the upper part. At the same time, the upper flap remains fixed.

The “English window” is a very interesting construction, which deserves special attention due to its undoubtedly useful qualities. The fact is that these lifting and sliding windows have gained popularity in country houses for a number of reasons: they have the reputation of being the most resistant to breaking, withstand the most extreme weather conditions (heavy rain, gusts, severe snowfalls), are not subject to freezing, they are not distortions or swelling of the wall beams are terrible, they tolerate temperature drops or the formation of condensate.Experts with good reason consider these windows as the most reliable.

If a fundamental decision is made to install sliding windows in an apartment or a country house, then the owner inevitably faces the question of price. Of course, in today's market there is a mass of pricing solutions to this issue. Let's try to briefly figure out what the price of the sliding system depends on.

First of all, it is, of course, the glazing area. The second factor will be the type of construction that the purchaser has chosen for his home - this will be one of the three options described above, as well as the choice of material. But there is one more important question - the forces that will be installed. These may be invited experts, but installation is also possible on their own. Of course, the second path will have a major impact on the cost of the entire project.

Do-it-yourself installation of sliding windows for a person who has the skill of technical work. At the first stage, of course, you will need to choose the type of construction that will be installed in your house or apartment, it was written about them above.Next, you will have to decide on the material from which the frames will be made - here the variety of choices is obvious: the better and more durable the material, the longer and better the entire structure will serve, delivering the user a minimum of problems in care and maintenance.

The choice of accessories also applies to this aspect: you may want to see tinted or decorated glass in your home. It is possible that you will need mosquito nets and other similar details.

The initial stage is, of course, in the measurement. It is necessary to figure out exactly which measurements should be done, and then carefully and carefully measure all the necessary distances.

Sliding window systems have carrying frames - otherwise they can be called “deaf”, as they remain stationary during operation. Independent installation is recommended to begin with the equipment directly to the base part of the window span by a special profile in the form of plates, to which special devices are attached, called “mounting whiskers”.

The next stage of the work is that the base “blind” part of the frame must be installed in the window opening. For installation, screws are usually used, after this stage is completed, plugs are inserted into the holes in the profile, and the space between the window and walls is filled with mounting foam. Frames are supplied with threaded fasteners that need to be interconnected. Next, you need to fasten the guide runners and mount the sash on the grooves of the "deaf" frame. To install the window sash, it must be placed on the upper part of the guide rail, then mapped and then lowered to the bottom.

An important point during installation is to install the frame in the strictest compliance with the horizontal profile - this is a prerequisite, if it is not followed, the entire system will be broken.

As mentioned above, sliding windows are quite unpretentious in operation. Manufacturers claim that the mechanism and accessories are fully capable, on the condition of careful attention and regular maintenance of the locking mechanisms, to withstand long service life - on average, for 25-35 years.Of course, these periods may vary under different conditions. It is possible that in your case they will last longer.

Also, the useful life depends on the type of construction itself - such a window, regardless of operating conditions, will only require replacing the lower edge of the seal and the device for upper fixation of the movable sash. And even then, it will happen only after 15 years of service windows.

Horizontal windows for the same period of work will require much more attention from you - adjustment of the blocking system will be required, with a high degree of probability due to wear, you will need to replace the rollers. The wear rate depends on the height of the frame: the higher it is, the faster the wear will occur.

Adjusting the locks, adjusting and lubricating the restrictors move - these are the main types of work when servicing sliding windows. The sealing surface, made of silicone and equipped with brushes, needs to be cleaned of dust and lubricated with special means for protection.

In modern conditions, the market is saturated with offers from various manufacturers, a variety of choices makes you wonder. The Internet is replete with advertisements of various companies. In such a situation, it is important not to make mistakes in choosing a glass unit, in order not to end up in a difficult situation. The best option here is to listen to the recommendations of experts.

Of course, preference should be given to a company that exists on the market for several days, managed to earn a positive reputation, has established itself as a reliable partner. It is necessary to focus on customer reviews, but it must be remembered that the presence of positive feedback alone is a disturbing signal, indicating that some of them can be written by the manufacturer for promotional purposes. Therefore, you need to study and such an important factor as the price of the goods.

Here it is worth remembering about free cheese in a mousetrap and not making a choice in favor of cheap constructions. High-quality products can not be cheap, but later it will surely save you a decent amount, since it will not become unusable, not having served even half the time (which is more likely to happen with a cheap system).

As in many other industries, German manufacturers have earned the greatest prestige on the sliding window market - their products are of high quality, meet all applicable European quality and safety standards, will last and will be unpretentious in operation. Of course, the price of German products will not be low.

Among the manufacturers of high-quality glass fiber composite products can also be identified brands KBE and Slidors, opening systems which will last for many years.

The most frequently asked question that confronts the customer is, perhaps, the choice of material. The most common material is PVC profile. Firstly, the systems produced from it are considered to be among the warmest and most practical - extraneous smells and sounds, cold air and dust will not penetrate your home. Mosquito nets on these designs are installed very easily.

In addition, PVC has a decent degree of impact resistance, is easily washable, is not susceptible to deformation over time, durable, quite affordable. Since we are interested in the material from the point of view of the best fit to its installation on its own, PVC has a clear advantage here - fittings are easily replaced during operation if necessary, removing it and installing will not be any difficulty for a person who has some skill of similar work and is familiar with the basics assembly process. No special training is required here.

Of course, the choice of this material will also affect the cost of the system in the direction of increase, while the service life will be significantly less time.

In conclusion, you can give another advice that will be useful to people who first acquire such structures for their apartment or country house. It would be advisable not to save time on seeing as many options as possible. It may be better to even visit the sites where such structures are installed and touch everything with your own hands - the only way to make the only right choice and not regret it afterwards. Considering the fact that sliding window structures are still a super modern option, with a high degree of probability you will choose them.

You will learn more about sliding windows in the following video.