Hinged or sliding windows?

Hinged or sliding windows?

Functionality is not the only aspect which separates the sliding windows from the hinged ones.

Let us have a look at the aspects we have to take into account and which influence the decision-making.

Generally, we can say that hinged windows are more thermally efficient, offer greater acoustic insulation and are more water-tight. Meanwhile, sliding windows allow to cover gaps of greater dimension and therefore can optimise the space.

HINGED	SLIDING
+ Thermally efficiency + Acoustic insulation + Water-tightness	+ Gap dimensions + Space optimisation

GENERAL COMPARISON

Sealing elements
Hinged windows use EPDM rubber gaskets (which offer higher water-tightness than draught excluders or brushes normally used in sliding windows).

Number of locking points
The more locking points there are, the higher the water-tightness of the window. Both sliding and hinged windows allow multiple locking points. In hinged windows we can install them on the entire perimeter, nearly sewing the frame to the sash. However, in sliding windows, the locking points can only be installed on the sides of the windows.

Water-tightness
All of our hinged windows prove a better performance in water-tightness tests than the sliding systems.

Glass composition
As a general rule, the greater the glazing capacity of a window, the greater its thermal and acoustic performance will be, as it will allow the installation of glass of greater thickness. Within the same range, hinged windows usually have greater glazing capacity than sliding windows.

Percentage of opening

In normal circumstances, hinged windows allow for a total opening of the gap. This is not possible with sliding windows given that their sashes cover a part of the bay when they are open. This inconvenience can be avoided by the installation of a galandage (pocket solution) system, in which the sashes are hidden in the wall, however, this is not a standard solution.

Invasive opening
Hinged windows have an invasive opening; in other words, the sashes occupy an area inside the room when they are open. This is not the case with sliding windows. It is a factor to take into consideration when we install windows in smaller spaces where we do not want to take up unnecessary space.

Maximum weight/sash
The sashes of hinged windows are fixed to the frame by hinges. For this reason, they allow less weight per sash (160 Kg/sash in windows and 220 Kg/sash in doors). Oppositely, sliding windows rest upon a rail in the lower part of the frame, allowing heavier sashes (up to 400 Kg with manual openings and 700 Kg with motorised openings).

Maximum width/sash
For the same reason, sliding windows allow sashes of greater dimensions (up to 4 metres) than hinged windows (up to 1.6 metres). Sliding doors are the recommended option if we are looking to close large bays.

Given that the different types of openings have pros and cons, we should not forget that there is always a subjective element to deciding the type of windows, depending of functional or aesthetic factors and personal preferences.