With SoftLite’s abundance of style choices, deciding on the right windows for your home can prove to be quite a challenge for many homeowners. Thankfully, our dealers have years of experience developing custom concepts, artfully designed with your needs in mind. All designs vary by individual client preferences, as well as local inspection standards and building codes. Understanding the benefits that accompany each window type will ultimately help you determine which style is right for your home. When considering a slider window vs double-hung or casement windows, two crucial design features will likely influence your conclusion: aesthetics and ease of use.

Slider Window Function

Slider Windows vs Double Hung

Typically showcasing a more modern look, slider windows are essentially double-hung windows rotated 90 degrees. Because of this, homes with low ceilings can usually benefit from a slider window concept, especially if there’s plenty of horizontal space available along the wall.

Due to their similar structure, sliders can be just as energy-efficient, durable, and easy to clean as your typical double-hung window.

Casement vs Slider Windows

Unlike slider windows, casement windows open outward with a crank mechanism and are typically in a vertical configuration. So sliders are also a better choice for areas with low ceilings or limited outdoor space.

Due to the difference in structure, casement windows provide slightly more energy efficiency. However, the differences are minor with today’s advancements in efficient design. Sliders are slightly more durable due to the lack of a crank mechanism. Casements offer more ventilation because the entire window opens, but sliders offer more control over airflow.

Slider Windows Aesthetics

If you simply prefer a more modern appearance for your home, sliders are an excellent option. They have a more contemporary look than the traditional double- hung and casement designs. Their large window panes allow for an abundance of natural light to enter the home.

Slider Windows Ease of Use

In certain cases, it’s easier to open and close a slider window than a conventional double-hung or casement. For instance, windows that are behind a kitchen or bathroom counter can be particularly difficult to reach. Since double-hung windows require the operator to push the frame upwards, this configuration can lead to added difficulty opening. For this common situation, a slider or casement is more convenient than a double-hung.

A slider window can also be more accessible for people who have mobility problems, particularly with their arms. For example, someone who has trouble lifting their hands above their shoulders, amputees, or those in wheelchairs often choose slider windows over double-hungs to install in their homes. Because the sashes in sliders open sideways instead of against gravity, they don’t require nearly as much pressure to operate. This design makes slider windows significantly easier to utilize for those with physical disabilities. The same applies for people who may have trouble operating the crank mechanism of a casement window.

Find Your Perfect Window

Slider windows are a great addition to any home, offering increased accessibility and enhanced appearance. Need more help making your decision? Check out our deep dive on when to choose a slider window. Or, find a SoftLite Dealer today to learn if a slider window is the perfect fit for your home and to explore all window styles!