"A woman relaxes in front of her Acclaim Sliding window. She reads a book quietly with her dog."

Resource Article

Get to Know Gliding Windows

What makes gliding (or sliding) windows a great choice for replacement?

In some parts of the country, gliding windows (also called sliding windows) have gotten a bad reputation. Which probably isn’t surprising considering how some brands design their windows…it’s almost as if they took a double-hung window, turned it on its side, and called it a “sliding window.” 

This setup makes sliding windows hard to operate and clean (and hard to KEEP clean—especially the tracks), plus they are more likely to leak, leading to drafts and poor energy efficiency.

But for all of you who love the sleek, modern look and wide expanse of glass you get from a sliding/gliding window…take heart—not all of them are made the same!  

You know the old saying, "you don't know what you don't know"? Well, we think that everyone should get to know the advantages of sliding windows, because the company you choose for your replacement windows matters. Check out these seven ways that Renewal by Andersen® Acclaim™ sliding windows are unique, and we think you’ll be all in!

Black dog looking out Renewal by Andersen window in a living room

1. Dual monorail frame

Next time you look at a sliding window, notice how the sash sits in the frame. Most of the time in sliding windows, the sash sits on the sill (the bottom of the frame) on a gray piece of weatherstrip that runs along the length of the sill. That means it can accumulate grit, dust, and debris, and get otherwise filthy, and it can also wear out over time, letting in air and water.

Renewal by Andersen’s sliding window does away with the fuzzy weatherstripping located on the frame, and instead moves it to the sash. The weatherstrip being in the sash means it’s easier to keep clean/undamaged, it’s out of sight, and it provides a better seal.

Our sliding window design uses a continuous monorail frame that has a ridge that runs around the entire perimeter of the frame in one continuous loop. There is one loop for each sash. This means that the sash and weatherstripping envelop this monorail along the top, bottom, and side of the sash, minimizing air and water infiltration in a superior way...all while allowing the sash to glide easily.

The Acclaim® sliding window also includes patent-pending water-management technology featuring a sill design that directs water out quickly and efficiently keeping the elements away.

Renewal by Andersen replacement window in a home

2. Quality craftsmanship and durable design

Have you ever noticed how fine handmade furniture, cabinetry, or other quality-built items or structures have a unique look to the corner joints? That joining technique is called mortise-and-tenon construction.

This style of woodworking is very strong and stable—and it is, of course, beautiful.

Renewal by Andersen installer installing a replacement window frame

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A mortise and tenon appearance to a corner in a window
an average vinyl window corner weld

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Renewal by Andersen window in the bedroom of a home

3. Easy cleaning

We can make our windows where both sash move and are removable which makes exterior cleaning easy from the inside of your home. 

Our patented water-management technology features a sill design that directs water out quickly and efficiently keeping the elements away. 

With our innovative sill and dual-monorail track (with no exposed fuzzy, gray weather strip) design, cleaning our sliding window is simple…and as a bonus, the insect screens are easy to remove, too! 

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Renewal by Andersen window in the living room of a home
Renewal by Andersen windows in the kitchen of a home

5. Dual fin weatherstripping

As we mentioned above, our windows don’t use unsightly weatherstripping. Our weatherstripping has a low-friction sheath over a foam core. It sits out of sight whether your window is open or closed. It closes in on that monorail system on contact for great energy efficiency, easy cleaning, and superior aesthetics.

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Renewal by Andersen window in the living room of a home

See Acclaim™ sliding windows in real homes

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