Sliding windows, or gliding windows, feature window sash glides that allow them to open horizontally and provide ventilation to your home. Although sliding windows offer similar functionality to double-hung windows, they feature fewer moving parts than other types, which makes them easy to open.
Many window manufacturers feature Energy Star-certified sliding windows. These products are tested, certified, verified, and given ratings by the National Fenestration Rating Council. These ratings must also meet the energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA.
But with so many brands and different materials to choose from, which ones are the best for you? Let’s find out.
Top sliding window brands
Pella
Image source: Pella
Pella specializes in vinyl framed windows, with one fiberglass option available. Prices for Pella slider windows typically range from $300-$600 before installation.
Pella's sliding windows:
- Vinyl
- Energy Star-certified
- Optional AutoLock
- Selections of different grilles and glazes
- 3 color options
- Limited lifetime warranty
- $-$$
- Vinyl
- Dual or triple-pane insulated glass options
- Energy Star-certified
- 11 color options
- Limited lifetime warranty
- $$
- Fiberglass
- Corrosion-free
- Durable for most climates
- Insulated glass options
- Limited lifetime warranty
- 3 color options
- $$-$$$
- Vinyl
- Insulated glass options
- Designed to withstand hurricane winds
- Energy Star-certified
- Limited lifetime warranty
- 2 color options
- $$-$$$$
- Vinyl
- Designed to withstand hurricane winds
- Limited lifetime warranty
- 2 color options
- $$$-$$$$
Andersen
Image source: Brennan
Andersen and Pella are two of the biggest window manufacturers in the U.S. Unlike Pella, which uses vinyl materials for much of their products, Andersen typically uses fiberglass frames designed to look like wood. Andersen sliding windows usually range from $500-$1,200 before installation.
Andersen’s sliding windows:
- Made with Fibrex composite material
- Windows feature one operable sash
- Available in custom sizes
- 4 interior and 5 exterior color options
- Energy Star-certified
- 20/10 Owner 2 Owner transferable warranty
- $$
- Wood with vinyl exterior
- Features one operable sash
- 2 interior and exterior color options
- Low-E glass options
- Energy Star-certified
- 20-year Owner 2 Owner transferable warranty
- $$-$$$
- Wood with fiberglass exterior
- Features weatherstripping
- Low-E glass options
- 6 interior and 7 exterior color options
- Energy Star-certified
- $$$-$$$$
- Wood with aluminum exterior
- Features one operable sash
- Energy Star-certified
- 50 exterior and 14 interior colors; custom color options available
- $$$$
Milgard
Image source: Milgard
Another top window manufacturer is Milgard, known for its vinyl sliding windows, reasonable prices, and lifetime warranties. Costs typically range from $350-$1,000 before installation.
Milgard’s sliding windows:
- Vinyl
- Energy Star-certified
- Lifetime warranty
- Features the SmartTouch lock
- 9 exterior and 2 interior color options
- $$-$$$
- Vinyl
- Energy Star-certified
- Lifetime warranty
- 10 exterior and 3 interior color options
- $$-$$$
- Vinyl
- Lifetime limited warranty
- Features Positive Action lock
- 9 exterior and 2 interior color options
- $$
- Fiberglass
- Energy Star-certified
- Lifetime limited warranty
- Features Positive Action lock
- 4 exterior and 4 interior color options
- $-$$
- Aluminum
- Features Cardinal Low-E glass
- Lifetime limited warranty
- 2 exterior and 2 interior color options
- Spring Action lock
- $$-$$$
Marvin
Image source: Marvin
Marvin often compares with Milgard with similar prices, but only offers 20-year warranties instead of lifetime ones. Prices for Marvin sliding windows can range from $200-$1,450 before installation.
Marvin sliding windows:
- Aluminum
- Custom sizes available
- Features impact glass
- Dual locking system
- 10 exterior and 10 interior color options
- $-$$
- Wood
- Hidden Lock Status Sensor option which connects to your phone
- Wash mode gives access to both interior and exterior glass
- 19 exterior and 7 interior color options
- $$
- Wood interior and fiberglass exterior
- Features operable panels that open
- Uses three operable sash slides
- 5 exterior and 4 interior color options
- $$$
- Fiberglass
- Operable panels
- Features wash mode
- 5 exterior and 3 interior color options
- $$$
JELD-WEN
Image source: JELD-WEN
JELD-WEN windows are known for their cost-effective options and are available at most big box stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s. All of JELD-WEN’s sliders are available as new construction or replacement windows. You can expect to pay anywhere from $200-$500 before installation, although there are some higher-end options that can cost up to $2,000.
JELD-WEN sliding windows:
- Vinyl
- Low-E glass options
- 2 interior and 3 exterior color options
- Lifetime warranty
- $-$$
- Wood
- Energy-efficient glass
- 20-year warranty
- 9 interior and 27 exterior color options
- $$
- Wood
- Grilles between the glass
- 3 wood options
- 10 interior and 27 exterior color options
- 20-year warranty
- $$$
- Vinyl
- Energy-efficient glass
- Lifetime warranty
- 3 interior and 5 exterior color options
- $
- Vinyl
- Grille options
- 3 lock options
- Lifetime warranty
- 3 interior and 5 exterior color options
- $$
- Vinyl
- Energy-efficient glass
- Lifetime warranty
- 2 interior and 4 exterior color options
- $
- Wood
- Lock option
- Energy-efficient glass
- 20-year warranty
- 27 exterior and 10 interior color options
- $$$
- Composite
- Lock option
- Energy-efficient glass
- 10-year warranty
- 3 color options
- $$
Pros and cons of sliding windows
Pros of sliding windows
Ventilation - Because a slider window opens from side to side, sliding windows bring in an abundance of fresh air and natural light from both areas without obstructing any views outside.
Energy-efficient options - While sliding windows don’t have an airtight seal and are not as energy efficient as picture windows, many manufacturers feature argon or Energy Star-certified glass options which help them become more energy-efficient.
Cost-effective - Compared to other window styles, sliding windows tend to be cheaper than others due to their simple design and fewer moving parts.
Easy to open - Sliders are easy to open for most homeowners due to the horizontal sliding window design.
Cons of sliding windows
Hard to weatherproof - Because windows make up for 25% of heat loss in your home, having window options with an airtight seal is essential. Since sliding windows operate on a track, they can be harder to weatherproof, causing drafts.
More to clean - Though sliding windows are relatively low-maintenance, the sliding tracks can collect more dirt and dust, making it a hassle to clean. However, some manufacturers also feature tilt and double-tilt sliding windows, which allow you to remove the window from the frame, allowing easy cleaning from inside your home.
Why buy sliding windows?
Most homes feature many different types of windows for various purposes. Install bay windows to maximize outdoor views, while increasing ventilation with double-hung windows and casements. With sliding windows, you’ll have both unobstructed views and ventilation that’s affordable and easy to operate.
Chris Gennone is a content specialist and video producer at Fixr.com. He has 5 years of experience writing and editing for a variety of web and print publications, currently specializing in home improvement projects such as roofing, remodeling, and repairs. When Chris isn’t writing or in front of the camera, he’s either playing with his band or tracking down the best sandwich shops.