Sliding windows made of aluminum profiles - from 5,000 rubles. per m2

But we must admit that this opening option is already quite boring. Therefore, if you want something new, then consider an option such as sliding plastic windows. By the way, they are also made from other materials, such as wood. In the article we will take a detailed look at warm sliding PVC windows, installation of sliding windows, the main pros and cons and much more. It will be interesting!

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of sliding window openings

can be opened with one movement of the hand, which reduces the amount of effort and time spent on this;

an unusual option that has not yet become boring;

a large number of variations;

lower weight of the structure compared to the swing version;

simple installation;

accessories that will definitely not fail in the next few years if used correctly

Disadvantages of sliding window openings

low thermal insulation properties compared to casement windows (options with the same glass thickness, number of chambers and thermal insulation material are compared);

children can open it easily, which means they can fall out

Peculiarities

Sliding balcony glazing has become popular due to its low weight, low price and convenient operation. The system is called this because it opens not in a hinged way (as is done in most windows, when you turn the handle and pull it towards you), but in a sliding way (that is, the glass slides apart, thereby freeing up space). The design of sliding and casement windows is completely different, so do not confuse them.

Such a product (sliding windows) can be made of plastic or wood, but the most popular option is aluminum sliding windows for the balcony. This material has many advantages compared to plastic. In addition, the sliding system has several varieties, which is why people often do not know what is best to choose. The types of sliding windows are described in as much detail as possible in the article below.

Differences between different types of sliding windows

Before installing sliding window systems, you need to choose the appropriate option. Such windows differ from each other in their thermal insulation properties, which is what you need to pay attention to first of all (if you deliberately install cold glazing, then this point can be omitted). Sliding windows can be opened in different ways: the frame with glass unit moves to the right and left or up and down. And of course, you should look at the design and material of the profile. This is what distinguishes the types of sliding windows from each other.

Sliding folding system (“accordion”)

These windows open like the famous accordion doors. The doors slide to the side and fold like an accordion, allowing you to completely free the entire opening. If desired, you can open only one or several doors. Yes, the ability to completely free the entire window opening is a big plus, but the main disadvantage of this system remains its low tightness.

“Accordion” is not able to reliably protect an apartment from cold and noise - it will become a barrier to wind and precipitation, therefore it is only suitable for cold glazing of loggias and verandas. A sliding folding system should not have more than 7 sashes, and the maximum opening size is 650*230 cm. In addition, it is necessary to provide a place where all sashes will be folded.

Convenience and functionality

On the plus side, one could notice that sliding windows are much easier to open than hinged windows. If we are talking about a coupe mechanism and not a sliding mechanism (their differences are discussed in the article below), then this is indeed the case. All that is required is a slight movement of the hand to pull the frame with glass to the side. Of course, children can also easily open this window. To avoid this, you should install special window latches to prevent kids from playing around. Another convenient advantage is that such windows can be opened as wide as possible (the hinged version cannot be opened this way). Thanks to this, it is possible to provide a large flow of fresh air into the room.

Aesthetic options

It’s immediately worth noting that sliding windows have much more aesthetic possibilities compared to casement windows. And if the design options and manufacturing materials for both window systems are approximately the same, then sliding windows can be made in different ways. This can be an “accordion”, English windows, a classic version, retractable windows and so on. Whereas hinged windows have only 3 opening options: inward, outward, and the upper half tilts.

Lift-and-slide plastic windows

In another way, lift-and-sliding windows are called English. The fact is that it was in England that they came up with the idea of opening windows not to the sides, but of moving the frame up and down. It looks aesthetically pleasing and unusual, while being quite functional and comfortable. At the same time, you can buy English windows that will open either the upper or the lower part, or both can be opened (but not at the same time). The only downside is the higher cost compared to classic PVC sliding windows.

Subspecies by design and type of glass

Structurally, this type of plastic double-glazed windows can be divided into 2 types:

folding;
top-hung.

Folding is considered the most practical and safe option for ventilation. Top-hung is the same design, only it opens from below . At the same time, the product can be opened outwards, which is not always convenient, but is important in some rooms.

Based on the type of glass, tilting windows can be divided into those with float glass installed - they come with the basic package. You can also highlight energy-saving glass - they save heat in the room, sun-protection glass - they reduce the transmission of light and solar thermal energy. Also, tempered glass, triplex, reinforced and armored glass are installed on folding double-glazed windows.

Where to use sliding windows?

Sliding glazing is used on balconies, more often on those with a small area. After all, this method of opening significantly saves space, which is why it is used on small loggias. Sliding windows can also be installed in ordinary window openings, both in an apartment and in a private house. However, it is worth noting that such windows have low thermal insulation properties (when compared with casement windows), so in such places it is better to choose another option. But for a gazebo or veranda, a sliding aluminum system is an excellent and budget option.

Why glass is used

A veranda is usually called a part of a house or an extension that is intended for receiving guests and storing things, or for personal relaxation. Such spaces can be closed or open.

Important! Only closed buildings allow this type of work such as glazing. It is possible to make glazing partially for the open space in the country house, but this is rarely used and justified from a practical point of view.

Sliding glass terraces provide owners with the following advantages:

Insulation of space, use as a winter garden, a full-fledged residential part of a house or apartment.
Additional protection for property.
A room that is not affected by weather conditions.

Types of sliding window designs

It was written above that sliding warm windows can be made of aluminum or plastic (PVC material). But they can also be made from other materials. One option is wood, but it is not suitable for a sliding structure. Therefore, sliding wooden windows to the balcony are almost never found. By the way, not so long ago, windows began to be made from fiberglass. This is very interesting material, about which you should definitely read the information below.

Aluminum sliding windows

Selecting a window begins with choosing the material. One of the most popular is aluminum. It is extremely important to choose the right aluminum windows from the manufacturer. First of all, you should decide on your budget: how much money you are willing to spend on windows. Then you should choose the appropriate options. Windows should suit you in terms of characteristics, design and price. Remember to look at the lifespan and selection is also important. But the question arises: how much do aluminum windows cost?

In Moscow, the cost for one window starts from 15 thousand rubles; in other regions prices are lower. So, in small towns you can find a window for 5 thousand rubles, but the quality of such a product may leave much to be desired. Therefore, you should pay attention to this too. It is advisable that the seller has a guarantee of at least several years for the product. It is important to install aluminum windows correctly. In this case, it is recommended to call a team of specialists who will carry out high-quality installation in the shortest possible time.

Plastic sliding windows

Houses are often equipped with sliding plastic windows. This material has long lost the trust of people in Europe due to its environmental unsafety. In Russia, PVC windows are still in great demand due to their low price and good performance. At the same time, such windows are slightly more expensive than aluminum ones (about 1000 rubles if the other characteristics of the window are the same). By the way, you can find a version of the window system that uses both plastic and aluminum. Thanks to this, the highest characteristics are achieved (good reliability and excellent thermal insulation properties). True, the cost increases along with the performance of the window.

Fiberglass sliding windows

But the really best option is fiberglass. This material began to be used in the production of profiles quite recently, but it has already been appreciated by a large number of people. Thus, glass composite can withstand large temperature changes (from -180 to +180 degrees Celsius). In addition, it does not fade in the sun, is lightweight, strong and reliable. In general, an excellent option for glazing a balcony, but expensive.

What are they made of?

In fact, sliding windows have the simplest design among all types of window systems. The main elements are a frame made of the selected material, a seal, a roller, a double-glazed window, a sash and a sill. All these elements are needed to perform the functions of a sliding window. You can also note the window sill, which does not belong to the window itself, but performs two important functions: decorative and protective. Indeed, sliding windows with a window sill look much more attractive than without it, and their service life is noticeably increased thanks to this simple design.

Requirements

For good heat conservation, the distance between adjacent glasses cannot be more than 15-16 mm. Otherwise, convection indicators will be disrupted, and the inner glass will cool more intensely. The glass itself must be thick in order to more reliably protect the interior of the room from low-frequency vibration, impact and other noise from the outside.

The low level of humidity inside the chamber helps protect the glass from freezing. To comply with this requirement, dried air is pumped into sealed chambers. Silica gel prevents free air exchange between the glass unit chambers and the external environment.

Sound-insulating double-glazed windows are made with chambers of different thicknesses from triplex glass.

In addition to the general requirements for double-glazed windows, sliding structures have additional ones:

reliability of the movement system;
long service life;
ease of care.

To meet these requirements, reliable rollers and guides resistant to mechanical damage are required, along which the shutters must move freely.

Installation

To install aluminum frames on the balcony, it is necessary to dismantle the old glazing. Then you should install the profile by inserting the frame into the grooves. Don't forget to secure the profiles with self-tapping screws and then with anchors. Be sure to seal all the cracks, otherwise it will blow in both winter and summer. Regular polyurethane foam will help with this. All that remains is to insert the double-glazed windows into the frames and check the functionality of the windows.

This is where the glazing ends, you can be satisfied with the work done. But if you do not have experience installing sliding windows, then it is better to call someone familiar with these skills. As a last resort, it is better to call a team of specialists for money than to do it yourself without knowing how to do it (in this case, you will make a large number of mistakes, correcting which you will have to spend a considerable amount of money).

What are French frames?

The dimensions of the sashes are proportional to the size of the opening. The frame material is selected according to the requirements of the room and based on the area of the glass sheet. For premises such as balconies and loggia, building regulations have introduced restrictions on the total weight of the structure, including finishing. Light glazing is chosen for them. In panoramic external doors, structural durability is important; their frames are heavier.

Components of sliding systems:

guides from below and from above;
double-glazed windows in frames;
rollers;
seals;
built-in latches.

Simplified systems, with moving doors, transmit light well when closed. On sunny days, most of the space can be left open for ventilation. Instead of double-glazed windows moved to the side, mosquito nets of appropriate sizes are installed.

In addition to simplified systems, the care of which does not imply maximum safety, there are windows that can be assembled in the form of a half-opened book inside the limited space of the loggia. Washing glass indoors is safer.

Panoramic sliding windows and doors are divided into 2 categories :

warm;
cold glazing.

Using the example of the technical characteristics of the Spanish Provedal system, it becomes clear that several types of profiles and guides are used for glazing loggias. The type of profiles of the side and front frames is different. The upper and lower frames, located one above the other, are made on the basis of a profile with the same cross-section.

Components:

top, bottom, side frames;
side frame;
brush seal;
roller on a bearing in a fluoroplastic cage;
aluminum casting;
rubber seal;
glass.

Frames in a row can be of the same width or of different widths. The side ones, as a rule, coincide with the width of the loggia.

The aluminum profile of the Provedal C-640 system is produced in Spain. It is used in the glazing of balconies, unheated buildings, loggias. Sliding structures of different widths are made from it - balcony glazing, interior and entrance doors of unheated rooms. C-640 – “cold glazing” profile, the temperature difference between the street and the glazed room is only about 5° C.

Glazing of a large area can be not only sliding. In some cases, it is more advisable to install swing or portal systems . To maximize the effect of unity with nature, a frameless design is suitable. Whatever method is chosen, panoramic glazing has positive and negative sides, which directly depend on the location of the home.

When are such decisions appropriate?

For which rooms is it recommended to install sliding glazing in the city

A beautiful view from the window in houses whose windows overlook a park, alley, sea or lake.
Read also: Insulating walls in a bathhouse: how and with what to insulate from the inside - tips and recommendations on materials
Owners of apartments from the upper floors of the high-rise can enjoy the flow of light and a bird's-eye view of the city.
Glazing of loggias and balconies with frames equipped with special latches is necessary if there are children and pets in the house.
Those whose loggias overlook the roadway cannot do without protecting the premises from dust and street sounds.
Sliding systems on loggias are necessary if they are used for drying clothes, growing ornamental plants and vegetables.

When it is impossible or unprofitable to install panoramic windows:

In the city, not very attractive realities can often be seen from the window in the form of garbage cans or the wall of a neighboring building painted with obscene expressions. This view will not add optimism and good mood.
The facades of city houses with a standard layout are not designed for the installation of panoramic windows. An increased glazing area should be included in the house design so as not to cause damage during its redevelopment.

It is most advisable to install sliding glazing systems in country houses. They are needed in order to:

save on electricity;
visually increase the area of the room;
give the interior colors additional depth and richness;
protect the open veranda or terrace from rain and snow.

The main thing when choosing panoramic glazing is to choose the right profile and glass unit that will provide the necessary protection. This depends on many factors - selection of materials, their combination in the system.

Where to install?

How to choose?

In order to correctly select windows, you must first decide on a budget: how much money you are willing to spend on it (don’t forget to count the costs of materials and payment for installation services). After that, choose the type of windows: cold or warm type, opening method, material of manufacture, and so on. Don't forget to look at the thermal insulation and sound insulation characteristics - this is very important. And of course, do not forget to take into account such basic characteristics as size, weight and thickness.

Characteristics of such PVC products

The technical characteristics of plastic folding windows include material of manufacture, weight, color, seal, mechanism. It is recommended to consider these indicators in more detail :

production material – plastic, namely ethylene and combined chlorine;
profile class can be A - 3 mm thick and B - 2.7 mm thick;
the number of cameras can be 1, 2 and 3 glasses;
the number of sashes can be up to 3 pieces;
the weight of such a window depends on the glass;
color – classic white.

The folding mechanism is installed at the factory, it can be right or left, and can be supplemented with a rotating mechanism. It has a fitting groove of 9-13 mm, can be white or brown, depending on the manufacturer.

Care

Sliding windows, unlike casement windows, require more careful maintenance. Therefore, let's take a closer look at the features of caring for sliding windows on the balcony. Mandatory maintenance elements include adjusting locks, adjusting limiters (they can get lost), lubricating fittings, and cleaning the surface from dust and dirt. It is worth noting that it is necessary to clean not only the surface of the glass unit and profile, but also the insides of the gutters, seals and other elements of sliding windows.

If cracks have formed on the surface, they urgently need to be sanded and covered with a special product. It is enough to lubricate the fittings once a year, but if it wears out quickly, you can lubricate it once every six months. Regular machine oil is suitable for this purpose, or you can purchase a specialized product from the manufacturer. The surface of the profile itself must be wiped from dust at least once a week; this is not only the care of interior elements, but also the prevention of allergic diseases. It is enough to wash the glass itself once every 2-3 weeks with specialized products and a soft cloth.

Pros and cons of use

Folding plastic devices have pros and cons, let's start with the advantages:

suitable for areas where it is necessary to create an increased level of security;
suitable for rooms where regular ventilation is required - in smoking rooms, bathrooms;
simple in design;
easy to adjust;
affordable.

Among the disadvantages are the difficulties in caring for such a window, because in order to wash the glass from the outside, you need to open the window completely, and this is not possible.

Types of sliding windows

Repair and decoration of windows will primarily depend on the selected sliding window option. As you probably already guessed, window systems have a huge number of classifications. Here is one of them, which divides them according to the opening method: lift-slide, tilt-slide and accordion. Let's look at these 3 most unusual ways of opening sliding windows in as much detail as possible.

Lift and slide windows

English windows stand out among a number of other varieties. Their main feature is that it is a solid frame, in which there is only one window and a binding is required (most often on top). Such windows also open in a way that is unusual for Russians - they rise or fall. That is, if other sliding structures move right and left, the English mechanism allows you to move the frame with the glass unit up and down. This is an unusual solution for an apartment in Russia, so if you want something unusual, then this option is for you.

Tilt and slide windows

This option is probably the most unusual and rare. The design of such windows allows you to rotate the frame with a double-glazed window either in a horizontal plane or in a vertical one. It’s worth noting right away that it looks beautiful, unusual and attractive, but it is often inconvenient (if the area of the room is small or you need to constantly walk close to the window sill). If you have one of the two situations, then get ready for the fact that you will often hit an open window with a tilt-and-slide opening system.

Sliding folding accordion system

“Accordion” was especially popular at the end of the last century and the beginning of this one. Remember kindergarten and elementary school, when children are asked to fold paper like an accordion, or remember the instructions for medicines, which are also folded like an accordion. This is exactly how windows with the accordion folding system will open. Of course, this technology is one of the most difficult and complex, and therefore is quite expensive. True, visually such windows are among the most beautiful and attractive.

Features of the lift-slide and tilt-slide mechanism

The lift-and-slide design is based on the principle of sliding wardrobe doors. When opening, the pressure of the sash is weakened and it can be freely moved along the guide, which has the length of the entire span of the window. When locked, the mechanism presses the sash down, closing the sealed lock-type seals. The supporting frame of the windows has two rows of guides and the sashes on both can move. The third additional guide is installed on the inside for a movable mosquito net. It is this design that is characterized by the largest dimensions of the valves.

The tilt-and-slide design of the sash is in many ways similar to the swing design. The movement is carried out along two guides mounted on the supporting frame from the inside. To open the window, you need to turn the lock handle and pull the sash towards you so that the rollers rest on the runners. After this, you can move the sash to the desired distance and fix it with a clamping mechanism. When locking the sash, standard fittings and a sealing scheme for PVC windows are used, so in terms of heat and noise insulation, this design is no different from a hinged one. A special feature of the system is that the sash can be tilted for ventilation.

Frameless glazing system

Windows in Russia are not often made in the French manner. First of all, it's too expensive. And secondly, not every city has a company that is ready to install frameless glazing. However, you may decide to make the windows in French, which means this option should also be considered in as much detail as possible. So, let's look at a project from the manufacturer: frameless glazing of an apartment.

It’s worth noting right away that this style of glazing is called “French glazing.” The main advantage is that the doors are not framed. Thanks to this, a panoramic window is created through which it is pleasant to observe the world around you. And of course, the main advantage of frameless glazing of a loggia is its excellent appearance, which every owner of frame glazing can envy.

But before you glaze your apartment in this way, you need to think about the disadvantages. Firstly, the prices for frameless glazing are astronomical for many Russians, especially for balconies in Moscow. Secondly, low thermal insulation and sound insulation characteristics. And of course, it is worth noting that to install the glazed material you will have to hire a specialized team in any case. Because without them nothing will work.

But it’s still interesting how the frameless glazing of the balcony holds up. The side surfaces of the glass are secured with a reliable sealant to another glass covering. And at the top and bottom, the double-glazed windows are attached to the load-bearing elements of the house through guide elements. Although some installation specialists use a slightly different method, installing glass directly to the house (guide elements are not used). In principle, there is not much difference, but it is better to entrust the choice to professionals.

Types of sliding windows

Aluminum frames for balconies have several classifications, so they can be divided into 3 types according to the built-in mechanism: coupe mechanism, retractable mechanism or English mechanism. The aluminum frame in this case has completely different fittings, which is why the opening method is different. Therefore, let's look at the sliding windows for the loggia from this side too, so that you can choose the most suitable mechanism for opening the windows on your balcony.

With coupe mechanism

Sliding balcony frames with a compartment mechanism strongly resemble the principle of operation of a wardrobe (although why do they remind you, they are made according to the same principle). The point of the work is that the double-glazed windows are installed on a roller basis parallel to each other (that is, they never intersect). Thus, the frames with glass can be moved in any direction, you can even move two double-glazed windows to one side, or you can move them along different edges of the profile. It is very convenient and practical.

With retractable mechanism

Aluminum balcony windows with a retractable mechanism work on a completely different principle. To open a window, you first need to pull the system towards you and then slide it to the side. Of course, it's not as convenient as the coupe mechanism. But such aluminum balcony frames retain heat much better, which is a big advantage. But the prices for such a mechanism are several times higher than those of a coupe mechanism. But if you need a warm balcony, then such glazing is worth the money.

English

English windows stand out among a number of other varieties. Their main feature is that it is a solid frame, in which there is only one window and a binding is required (most often on top). Such windows also open in a way that is unusual for Russians - they rise up. That is, if other sliding structures move right and left, the English mechanism allows you to move the frame with the glass unit up and down. This is an unusual solution for an apartment in Russia, so if you want something unusual, then this option is for you.

Characteristics of sliding windows

The window is equipped with Guardian multifunctional double glazing.
To make the balcony (or other room) as warm as possible, a polyurethane spacer can be installed instead of an aluminum spacer.
Profile thickness: 78 mm or 90 mm.
The window can be painted on both sides (one color on the outside and the other on the inside).

Sliding plastic windows

The sliding method of opening plastic windows involves just the same sliding system. PVC window systems still remain one of the most popular in the Russian Federation. Therefore, I would like to consider sliding plastic windows in as much detail as possible from all sides. It’s worth noting right away that if you are concerned about the environment, then plastic windows are not for you. If you are not concerned about this issue, then I recommend reading useful information on why you should choose plastic windows.

Lift-and-slide plastic windows

Sliding windows for veranda

Sliding windows are most often installed on a balcony, loggia, gazebo or veranda. The last option is what interests us. This room usually does not require really high-quality thermal insulation, so sliding windows are ideal for a veranda. Such window systems with warm glazing usually maintain the temperature around +15-20 degrees Celsius, even if the outside temperature is negative (up to -30 degrees Celsius). In addition, in hot summer weather, sliding windows can be opened wide to bring in fresh air.

Advantages of the sliding system:

Parallel sliding structures allow optimal use of room space - their doors do not require space to open.

Due to its strength, aluminum allows most of the partition to be devoted to translucent elements, as a result more light passes through the partition.

The sliding window sash can be easily moved to the distance required to ventilate the room in each specific case.

You can choose the color of the structures you need to give your windows and doors the desired shade and emphasize your individuality.

Sliding windows look unusually impressive from the facade, reminiscent of panoramic structures. The panoramic effect is also present when looking at such a window from the depths of the room, and the room itself seems more spacious.

To summarize

This brings us to the end of the article about sliding windows. I recommend purchasing fiberglass window profiles if your budget allows. This is really high-quality material with good characteristics, but expensive. If you are interested in unusual ways to open windows, then I recommend considering options such as English windows, an accordion system, or tilt-and-slide windows.

Of course, it is not advisable to carry out installation yourself without the appropriate equipment, skills and knowledge, otherwise there is too high a risk of making a large number of critical errors. In this case, it is better to enlist the help of someone familiar with these skills or hire a specialized team. If you still have any questions regarding sliding windows, be sure to write them in the comments below the article. We will definitely read and answer them as soon as possible. Thank you for your attention, see you soon!