Glider Window Vs. Casement

Convenience

• Whether a glider or a casement style makes a more convenient option largely depends on where you're installing the window and how you'll use it. A glider, such as a classic double-hung window or a horizontally sliding window, doesn't extend in or out of your home at all. If you need to install a window in a spot that's crowded both indoors and out, it may make the most suitable option. A casement window is convenient for hard-to-reach places where ventilation is welcome. You can easily open a casement window, even if you can only reach one of its corners, as they are typically crank-operated.

Safety and Security

• When properly installed, both glider and casement windows are secure options. However, in older houses, casement windows with older hardware may prove more susceptible to break-ins. By contrast, gliding windows are designed to open only halfway, making it more difficult to gain entrance by breaking one of the panes.

Energy Efficiency

• Because casement windows operate with hinges, they typically leak very little air than comparable windows with sliding mechanisms. By opening outward, casement windows also offer greater ventilation than comparably sized gliding windows. If you plan to open your windows regularly to cool your home through cross-ventilation, keep in mind that casement windows open fully, whereas gliding windows open no more than halfway. Among gliding windows, both horizontally and vertically sliding models leak more than outward-opening casement windows.

Additional Considerations

• The aesthetics of gliding and casement windows are, above all, a matter of personal taste. However, if you have an historical home, you may wish to select a window style that is in keeping with the historical architectural style. Early American homes were built with casement windows until the early 18th century, when gliding models such as single-hung and double-hung models became more popular. Horizontal sliding windows are a more modern development. When selecting a new window, first consult with any municipal or community development boards; in some areas, changes to the exterior of your home may be subject to local regulations.