Recently, we’ve put out articles covering casement window parts and breaking down the awning window. As we continue to look at different window styles around the home, it’s time to cover sliding windows vs hung windows so you can better understand the differences between the two. So let’s get into it!
As their name suggests, sliding windows are operable windows that open by sliding the sash horizontally along the bottom part of the window frame (called the sill). These windows are highly popular and sought after due to their simplicity, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness. They are also popular for homeowners who live in older heritage-style homes, as they help to keep the same mid-century aesthetic. Sliding windows come in the following styles — Single Sliders, Double Sliders, and Triple Sliders (which consist of two operable sashes and one stationary sash).
These are sliding windows that only allow one window pane/sash to slide open along the window sill.
These are sliding windows that allow two panes/sashes to slide open along the window sill.
While hung windows still use a sliding motion to open, they are notably different from sliding windows. Hung windows are operable windows that slide open and closed vertically along the sides of the window frame (called the jambs). Like sliding windows, hung styles are very popular due to their simplicity, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness. They also come in two styles — Single Hung and Double Hung Windows.
These are hung windows that only allow one pane/sash to slide open along the window jambs.
These are hung windows that allow two panes/sashes to slide open along the window jambs.
Based on the descriptions above, it’s easy to see that there is very little difference between these two window designs with the exception of how they open and close. Both are simple to operate and are highly versatile window designs that can be used in a variety of applications around the home.
That said, homeowners should take the size and shape of the window opening into account. If the window opening is wider, sliding windows typically make the most sense. Conversely, if the opening is taller, hung windows are an excellent choice. What’s more, if the window opening is at a height, sliding windows make sense given that the sash will be easier to slide horizontally rather than vertically.
Depending on whether you go with a double or single configuration, the cost of sliding windows and hung windows is quite comparable. As with any replacement window project, quality windows can be a significant investment, but certainly, one worth making. Investing in quality now can mean saving time, money, and energy in the long run.
As we have already mentioned, both sliding and hung windows are very simple and uncomplicated window designs. They are free of cranks or hinges and open and close simply by sliding the sash along the sill or the jambs. Here is a look at the parts that comprise these windows:
The Frame: The frame is the structure that both surrounds and supports the entire window unit. A frame’s components can vary depending on the type of window being installed.
The Glazing: This term refers to the cut piece of glass that fills the window frame. If a window has one pane of glass, it is a single-glazed window; if it has two panes, it is double-glazed; three panes, triple-glazed. Most domestic windows on the market are either double-glazed or triple-glazed.
The Sash: The moveable panel that holds the glass and the framework of the glass firmly locked in place. When you open a sliding or a hung window, the sash is the component of the window that actually slides open.
The Casing: The decorative mold that goes around the window frame on the inside of the home.
The Sill: The horizontal section that forms the bottom of the window frame. On sliding windows, the sash moves along the sill to open and close.
The Jamb: A vertical section that connects to the interior of the window frame. On hung windows, the sash moves along the jambs to open and close.
The Head: The horizontal section that forms the top of the window frame.
Multi-Point Locks: The locking system that holds the window sash in place in multiple parts along the frame when it is closed.
When completing a window replacement project, it’s highly likely that you will be installing both sliding and hung windows around your home. Ultimately, homeowners should be thinking about the efficiency, durability, and style of their windows regardless of the window units they are having installed.
IGU is the term used to describe the unit that is formed when panes of glass are set apart and sealed within a frame. These IGUs are responsible for sealing the home against the elements and significantly contribute to the energy efficiency of your home. They are made up of:
This transparent, incredibly thin coating helps the window reflect unwanted solar heat, allowing homes to cool more efficiently in warmer temperatures. It also reflects the radiant heat emitted by objects inside the home (such as an HVAC unit) back into the home. This helps reduce heat loss during the colder months.
Gas fills are an essential step in creating an insulated glass unit. Manufacturers fill the space between the glass units with gases like krypton or argon. Why not just air? These heavier noble gases can better impede the transfer of heat through a window.
These seals insulate the edges of the glass unit and keep the glass panes firmly apart from each other. Warm-edge spacers are essential to a window’s ability to remain energy efficient over the long term. For the best performance, be sure to inquire about duralight soft edge spacers. These are made of 4-layer material that naturally expands and contracts with any movement of the unit. This makes seal failure virtually impossible.
For More Information on Energy-Efficient Windows, Consult Our Guide Here!
Frames are essential for the strength, structural integrity, and aesthetic quality of any replacement window or door. In terms of what frames are traditionally made of, the materials can vary.
Vinyl PVC is a low-cost and highly efficient material due to its very low thermal conductivity. That said, vinyl window frames lack strength, durability, and structural integrity. They are disposable products that are highly susceptible to wear and tear as well as expansion and contraction in the heat of Canadian summers and the bitter cold of the winters.
While durable and relatively inexpensive, they have a very high U-factor. U-factor is a measure of thermal transmittance or the rate of heat transfer through a material. Aluminum loses heat and cold very quickly, making it the least energy-efficient frame option.
Wood frames are sturdy, constructed from a renewable resource, and have a high aesthetic value. That said, wooden window frames are very expensive, require regular maintenance (painting, sanding, caulking), and are prone to rot and mildew. They can also expand and contract in extreme weather conditions leading to insulation issues.
Composite frames can be used in a number of different applications because they appear to be solid wood, but are in fact a combination of materials such as wood, vinyl, and resins that come together during the manufacturing process.
Fibreglass is a strong, durable material that requires very little maintenance. The hollow core in the frames is often filled with foam for additional insulation. While these frames are stronger than vinyl, they are still prone to expansion and contraction in varying weather conditions. The corner of a fibreglass window, known as the miter joint, cannot be welded together. Instead, they must be mechanically pressed together which can eventually lead to issues like water penetration.
We’ve established that vinyl frames are efficient, yet lack strength and durability. We’ve also established that aluminum is a very strong, durable material despite its poor insulation. The solution? Combine these materials to create a window frame that ticks all the boxes. In combining aluminum and vinyl PVC — along with the added strength of galvanized steel — Hybrid Fusion Frames are both extremely strong and highly efficient. Because of the added strength, these frames can have a slim, stylish profile that places visual emphasis on the window’s glass and the outdoors beyond.
Aside from the efficiency, strength, and security of your sliding and hung windows, they simply have to look good! Here are a few ways we achieve a high degree of aesthetic value with our replacement windows. These features matter to homeowners and should certainly not be overlooked.
Hybrid Fusion Frames come standard with a slim, stylish profile that places visual emphasis on the window’s glass and the outdoors beyond. The profile of our frames is a full three inches thinner than our competition. This ultra-thin design reduces the frame’s size and maximizes the glass surface to create a more contemporary look. Plus, homeowners can also choose to customize the look of these high-performance frames.
With a wide range of colours and textures to choose from, we can help you match an existing style or branch out into new aesthetic territories. This way, you can achieve the beautiful look of wooden window frames without having to concern yourself with the cost of purchase and upkeep.
Like many other operable window systems, both sliding and hung windows can come with fixed insect screens. While these fixed screens can seem benign, they can actually block up to 50% of the natural light that streams into your home via windows. Plus, these models will accumulate dirt, dust, and other allergens over time. That said, insect screens can come in handy.
The solution? Retractable insect screens give you complete control over when, where, and to what extent your screens are in use. With a 50% improvement in Visible Transmittance — a metric that gauges how much natural light enters your home via a window — the difference between fixed and retractable screens is a hard one to ignore!
There is also the option to add retractable solar screens and blackout blinds to your sliding and hung windows. These retractable models allow for a cleaner, less cluttered look while retaining all the heat-saving advantages and privacy benefits.
Replacing or installing windows can be a stressful process. For homeowners, having the right knowledge — from cost and energy efficiency information to understanding the materials used and added features — can make all the difference. Not only will the process go smoother, you’ll also end up with a better product that you can count on for years to come.
If you’re looking for more information about sliding windows vs hung windows or more general guidance on window replacement, we are ready to help! Book a free, no-hassle consultation today with one of our representatives. We will walk you through the replacement process, answer any questions you may have, and introduce you to our innovative product line.
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