Sliding Windows
San Francisco & the Peninsula

A sash that
glides sideways

A sliding window has one or two sashes that glide along a horizontal track. Nothing swings out or lifts, so sliders fit wide, short openings and are simple to operate, which is why builders used them in so many homes from the 1950s through the 1980s.

Original aluminum sliders conduct cold straight into the room, drip condensation onto the sill on foggy mornings and wear their tracks until the sash drags. New vinyl and fiberglass sliders roll on sealed rollers, lock tightly and use dual-pane Low-E glass.

Why homeowners
choose them

• Direct replacement for old aluminum sliders, usually without touching the stucco
• Nothing swings out over a walkway or side yard
• Easy to open, even on wide windows
• Slim-frame versions maximize glass and light
• Works well on a whole-house replacement

What to know
before you choose

• Only half the window opens at a time
• The sliding seal is not as tight as a casement in strong wind
• Tracks need occasional cleaning, especially near the beach where sand gets in

Where sliders fit
SF and Peninsula homes

• 1940s and 50s homes in the Sunset, Parkside and Outer Richmond
• Westlake and other tract homes in Daly City
• Ranch homes in San Bruno, Millbrae and South San Francisco
• Townhomes and lagoon homes in Foster City
• Wide, short openings in bedrooms and family rooms

Fogging between the panes on a 1990s slider means the seal has failed. The glass can’t be cleaned, and on older units a new window is usually the better fix.

Sliding windows from
the brands we carry

We’re an authorized dealer for all six brands we carry. Each brand below makes sliding windows; we’ll show you samples at the consultation.

• Milgard: Tuscany, Trinsic and Style Line vinyl sliders.
• Anlin: Catalina and Panoramic single sliders and Coronado double sliders.
• Simonton: DaylightMax slim sliders and Madeira wood-look sliders.
• Alside: Mezzo sliders with lift-out sashes for cleaning.
• Windsor: Next Dimension vinyl sliders.