Acclaim™ Sliding Replacement Windows

There are three configuration types of sliding windows.  

• An Active-Stationary/Stationary-Active will have two sash, but only one is operable. The other is fixed. (Active-Stationary=the sash on the left moves. Stationary-Active=the sash on the right moves.) You might hear people refer to this as a “single”.

• An Active-Passive/Passive-Active will have two moveable sash in a single frame. (The active sash is the sash that opens first. The passive sash is the sash that opens second.) This can be referred to as a “double” slider by some people.

• An Active-Stationary-Active sliding window has three “panels” within the frame: two operating sash (one on each side) and then stationary center sash. Other names people may use for this include tri-sash, three-panel, or triple slider (even though only two sash actually slide).

The name “sliding window” most commonly refers to windows with sash that slide left to right/right to left (horizontally). 

Vertical sliding windows (windows where the sash moves up and down) are more commonly called “hung windows.” A double-hung window is one in where both the upper and lower sash both move. In a single-hung window, only one of the sash is operable.

That’s like asking us to pick our favorite kid! Seriously, though, they are distinct in look and operation. While they each share some features/benefits, they are very different, and which one is “better” depends on you and your home.

A vertical sliding window is a double-hung (we carry the Acclaim™ double-hung). It does not protrude in the area, so is a good choice for areas where there are walkways, decks or porches, or landscaping right outside. A horizontal sliding window (the Acclaim™ sliding window) is similar. For areas that require you to reach to fully open the window — such as above a counter, behind a sink, or on top of another window or above a door, a sliding window may be the better choice, since it only slides left/right, not further up.

Aesthetically, although it depends somewhat on how you style it and which options you choose (check rail, grilles, etc.), a vertical sliding window (double-hung) is a more “traditional” window look, while the horizontal sliding window is a more “contemporary” style, due in large part to its wide expanse of glass. But again, with all of the options available, we can help you get whichever look you’re going for in whichever style you like!

To learn more, schedule a free design consultation today!

Yes! If you choose one from the right company.

We know that in some parts of the country, horizontal sliding windows in general have gotten a bad reputation as being hard to maintain, fragile, and inefficient.

Which probably isn’t surprising considering how some brands design their windows…many window companies basically take a double-hung window, turn it on its side, and call it a “sliding window.” This setup makes them 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.

Not for us — there is a reason the Acclaim™ sliding window is one of our favorites. In the true Andersen spirit of “different and better,” we’ve got a slider that is truly exceptional.

We also use dual-action cam locks, where most other gliding window locks are single-action cam. Why does this matter? Slider locks lock the window, but they also play a big role in the efficiency of the window. They are meant to pull the two sash together so you don’t get air coming in between the two sash which, when closed, actually sit nearly kitty-corner from each other (the ends don’t butt up against each other).

A dual-action cam window lock pulls the two sashes together, as it should, but also, at the same time, pushes the sash outward toward the frame so you get a nice, tight seal on the sides, top and bottom of the window as well.

In Renewal by Andersen^® sliding windows, the sash is being pushed deep into those monorail frames, making it extremely hard for air to get through.

Most of the time in sliding windows, the sash sits on the sill (the bottom of the frame) on a grey 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 Renewal by Andersen 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 does full-frame and insert window replacement. If you are replacing an existing, non Renewal by Andersen window, you will replace the whole thing in one of those two methods.

If you have a Renewal by Andersen sliding window, the operable sashes can be removed if necessary.

Contact your local Renewal by Andersen location to discuss service or repairs if you need to replace a sash.

The time your job takes varies depending on the number of windows, the size of your crew, and the complexity of your structure — and a large majority of our replacement jobs are completed in as little as one day!