What are slider windows, and how do they differ from double hung windows? A slider window opens side to side on a track. A double hung window opens up and down in its frame. Both are popular choices for vinyl replacement windows, and the right one depends on the shape of the opening and how you use the room.
What Are Slider Windows?
Slider windows, also called sliding or gliding windows, have sashes that move horizontally. You push one panel sideways past the other to open it. There is nothing to lift, which makes them easy to operate.
Because they are wider than they are tall, sliders suit wide openings and give a broad, open view. They are particularly good for ventilation and work well in a room that has only one window. Put one facing a backyard or garden and you get plenty of fresh air.
What Are Double Hung Windows?
Double hung windows have two sashes, one above the other, that move up and down. This is the style found in most homes and apartments, and it fits the look of nearly any Connecticut house, from a colonial to a ranch.
Double hung windows are very versatile. You can open the bottom, the top, or both. Opening both lets cooler air in low and warm air out high. When installed correctly they are also efficient, helping keep heat out in summer and cold out in winter.
Slider vs Double Hung: Which Is Right for You?
Most of the time, a double hung window is the safe choice. It suits tall, narrow openings, matches the windows most homes already have, and works in almost every room.
A slider is the better pick in a few situations.
Wide, short openings
Where the opening is wider than it is tall, such as in a basement, above a kitchen counter or in a ranch-style bedroom, a slider fits the space naturally.
Hard-to-reach spots
Over a sink or behind furniture, sliding a sash sideways is easier than leaning in to lift one.
Rooms that need more air
In a room with a single window, a slider can open up a large area for airflow.
You do not have to pick one style for the whole house. Many homeowners use double hung windows in most rooms and sliders where the opening calls for one. For more on choosing, see our guide to picking the right replacement window.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are slider windows as energy efficient as double hung windows?
Both styles can be efficient when they are well made and properly installed. Fit and installation matter more than the direction the sash moves.
Which style is easier to open?
Sliders, in most cases. They glide sideways with no lifting, which helps in spots that are awkward to reach.
Can I replace a double hung window with a slider?
Often yes, as long as the opening has a suitable shape. A wide opening may take a slider where two double hung windows sit side by side today.
Need Help Choosing or Installing Your Windows?
Aladdin, Inc. has been installing replacement windows throughout Connecticut for decades, and we know it can be hard to settle on a style. We also install entry doors and patio doors if you are updating more than the windows. Send us a message or call (203) 776-9996 to talk through the options for your home.