Whether you’re building a new home or replacing the windows in an existing structure, you may wonder whether slider windows are an option for you. If you have questions about their structure, function, and the benefits of this type of window over others, you may find the information in this article helpful. In some cases, building code requires them for safety purposes.
What are Slider Windows?
If you’re familiar with West Coast construction or homes built in the 1950s and 1960s in America, chances are, you’ve seen these windows. They slide open horizontally rather than vertically. They may have a frame of wood, metal, vinyl, or fiberglass according to energy needs, age of construction, and local building codes. As well, while they are often used for the main windows of a structure, they are also installed as ground level windows for basement ventilation and lighting.
Why Sliders?
In the case of basement windows, a window that opens and closes horizontally helps to cut down on moisture infiltration. However, in areas that are subject to earthquake activity, slider windows are mandated as a safety precaution. In the event of an earthquake, a vertically opening window can potentially fall closed or fail to open. Horizontally sliding windows will stay open in this case or be easier to open in cases where they constitute an escape route.
Related Resource: Install an Awning Window
When you’re deciding on which windows will be appropriate for your home, whether you’re building from the ground up or simply updating an existing structure, sliding windows may be an ideal choice. In some cases, slider windows are mandated by the building code, but even when they are not required, they can often prove to be the best option.
