Windows

Horizontal sliding windows

A horizontal sliding window moves sideways on a track, so it takes up no space inside the room or outside the wall. That makes it useful beside walkways and balconies, over kitchen worktops, and anywhere a swinging sash would get in the way.

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See all 4 layouts
Horizontal sliding windowsElevation · NTS
1500
Viewed from outside. Dashed lines meet at the hinge side, as on an architect’s window schedule.

Sliders are less common in UK houses than casements, but they make sense in a few specific places. They are also easier for anyone who struggles to lean across a deep worktop and push a sash open.

There are trade-offs. Only part of the window opens at once, so the ventilation and escape opening is smaller than the frame size suggests. Most sliders seal with brush pile rather than compression gaskets, so they are generally less airtight than casements or tilt & turns. If another style would suit the room better, we will say so at survey.

Models

4 standard layouts

The layouts we fit most in UK homes. Every one is made to measure, and you choose the opening side, colour and glass. Need something different? Tell us and we’ll draw it for you.

SL-01Popular

Two-pane slider

One pane slides across behind a fixed pane.

Best for
Over walkways and where an opener can’t swing out
Typical size
1500 × 1000 mm
Quote this layout: Two-pane slider

SL-02

Yorkshire light

A traditional horizontal sliding sash in a small cottage-style frame.

Best for
Cottages and period terraces in the North
Typical size
1200 × 900 mm
Quote this layout: Yorkshire light

Drawings are viewed from outside and are not to scale. Dashed lines meet at the hinge side. Sizes are typical starting points; we measure every opening at survey.

Features

Why choose horizontal sliding windows

01

No projection

Nothing swings into the room or out over a path.

02

Wide views

Large glass areas with a single meeting rail.

03

Easy to reach

Slides on a track, which helps where you cannot reach far.

04

Secure

Locks on the meeting rail, with anti-lift features to keep sashes in the track.

Specification

At a glance

Exact figures depend on the system and options you choose. We confirm them on your written quote.

OperationOne or two sliding sashes, with fixed or sliding outer panes
GlazingDouble glazed as standard. Triple glazing available on request
EnergyMeets Building Regulations Part L for replacement windows (U-value 1.4 W/m²K or better, or WER band B or above). A-rated options available
VentilationTrickle vents fitted where Part F requires them, including wherever the old windows had them
Safety glassToughened or laminated glass in critical locations, including any pane within 800 mm of the floor (Part K)
ColoursWhite, cream, woodgrain foils and solid colours including anthracite grey (RAL 7016), black and Chartwell green
Questions

About horizontal sliding windows

Are sliding windows as airtight as casements?

Modern sliders are well sealed, but compression-sealed casements and tilt & turns generally achieve better air-tightness. We will advise on the best option for the room.

Can a sliding window be used as a fire escape?

Only if the opening part alone meets Approved Document B. That means at least 0.33 m² clear, at least 450 mm wide and 450 mm high, with the bottom of the opening no more than 1,100 mm above the floor. Because only part of a slider opens, the frame has to be fairly large. For a bedroom escape window, a casement or tilt & turn is often simpler.

How do I keep a sliding window running smoothly?

Vacuum grit out of the bottom track a few times a year, wipe it with a damp cloth and keep the drainage slots clear. If a sash still drags, the rollers may be worn. That is usually a repair rather than a new window.

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Similar styles

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Get a price for horizontal sliding windows.

Send rough sizes and a few photos for an estimate. Or book a free survey and we’ll measure everything ourselves.

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