RELIABILT Sliding Windows
RELIABILT sliding windows open horizontally, making them ideal for wide openings where vertical clearance is limited.
RELIABILT sliding windows operate horizontally, with one or both sashes sliding left-right on a track. Priced from $100 to $250+. They are wider than they are tall, making them ideal for above countertops, in basements with short walls, or any opening where a hung window would be too narrow. Vinyl frame, dual-pane Low-E glass, with a removable sash for cleaning.
Where Sliding Windows Work Best
| Kitchen | Above the sink or countertop where you need width, not height |
| Basement | Short wall openings below grade where hung windows would be too narrow |
| Bathroom | High placement for privacy with easy horizontal operation |
| Garage | Wide openings for cross-ventilation |
How to Choose a Sliding Window
Sizing: Sliding windows are measured width-by-height, with the width always larger. Measure the rough opening at three points in each direction and use the smallest. RELIABILT sliding windows come in standard sizes from 36"x24" up to 72"x48". For basement egress, verify your local building code requirements, as many sliding windows do not meet the minimum opening size for emergency escape.
Energy ratings: Sliding windows have a single horizontal track seal, which can be a weak point for air infiltration compared to hung windows with compression seals. Look for models with interlocking meeting rails and multi-point weatherstripping. The RELIABILT 3500 Series sliding windows include argon gas fill and achieve Energy Star certification across all US climate zones.
Climate considerations: In windy areas, sliding windows can be more susceptible to air leaks along the track than double hung windows. However, they excel in rainy climates because the horizontal track sheds water naturally. In cold climates, choose the argon-filled 3500 Series for better thermal performance. For humid regions, the vinyl frame resists moisture and will not swell or warp like wood.
Single-slider vs. double-slider: A single-slider has one fixed and one operable sash. A double-slider has two operable sashes. Double-slider models cost more but allow ventilation from either side and both sashes can typically be removed for cleaning.
Security: Sliding windows use a cam-action lock that pulls the sash tight against the frame. For added security, you can install a window bar or pin lock in the track to prevent the sash from being forced open from outside. This is especially relevant for ground-floor and basement sliding windows that are accessible from the exterior.
Common Problems and Fixes
Condensation between panes: Fog between the glass layers indicates a failed IGU seal. The glass unit needs replacement, not repair. This is covered under the RELIABILT limited lifetime warranty. Contact Lowe's with your purchase receipt to file a claim.
Drafty along the track: The horizontal sill track on sliding windows collects debris and can develop gaps in the weatherstripping over time. Vacuum the track thoroughly, then inspect the pile weatherstripping (the fuzzy strip along the edges). Replace it if it is matted or torn. Also check the cam lock tightness, as a loose lock prevents the sashes from sealing tightly.
Sash hard to slide: The most common cause is dirt in the track. Remove the sash by lifting it up into the head channel and swinging the bottom inward. Clean the track with a vacuum and damp cloth, then apply dry silicone spray. If the rollers on the bottom of the sash are worn, they can be replaced with universal sliding window rollers available at Lowe's.
Water leaking in at the sill: Sliding window tracks have weep holes that drain water to the exterior. If these holes are clogged with dirt or paint, water backs up and enters the house. Clear the weep holes with a thin wire or toothpick. Also verify that the exterior caulk around the frame is intact.
Exterior condensation: Dew forming on the outside of the glass on cool mornings is a sign that the Low-E coating is doing its job. The coating keeps indoor heat from warming the outer pane, causing moisture to collect on the cooler exterior surface. This evaporates naturally and requires no action.
Cam lock won't engage: If the locking cam no longer catches the keeper on the other sash, the keeper may have shifted. Loosen the keeper screws, reposition so the cam engages tightly, and retighten. A secure lock is important because it pulls the sashes together for a proper seal against the weatherstripping.
Maintenance Guide
Cleaning vinyl frames: Wipe the vinyl frame and sash with mild soap and warm water using a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners, steel wool, or solvent-based products that can scratch or discolor the vinyl. Clean at least twice a year, and more frequently in dusty or coastal areas where salt deposits accumulate.
Lubricating tracks: Sliding window tracks take more abuse than hung window jambs because the sash weight rests directly on the track. Vacuum the track quarterly and apply dry silicone spray after each cleaning. Never use grease or oil, which trap grit and make the problem worse. If your sash has adjustable rollers, check the height adjustment screws on the sash bottom to ensure the sash rides evenly.
Replacing weatherstripping: Sliding windows use pile (fin) weatherstripping along the sash edges and meeting rail. This type compresses over time and loses its sealing ability. Replacement pile strip is sold by the foot at most hardware stores. Remove the old strip from its channel and press new strip into place. No adhesive is needed if the channel is intact.
Checking seals and weep holes: Inspect the exterior caulk line and the weep holes in the sill track each spring. Clear any debris from the weep holes so water drains properly. Re-caulk exterior gaps with a quality silicone or polyurethane sealant rated for outdoor use.
Screen maintenance: Sliding windows use a sliding screen panel that rides in its own track. Remove the screen annually, rinse with a hose, and inspect the rollers and mesh. Replace worn rollers to keep the screen sliding smoothly. A torn screen mesh can be replaced with a spline roller and new fiberglass screen material.
Roller adjustment: If the operable sash drags or is uneven, check the adjustment screws on the bottom corners of the sash. These screws raise or lower the rollers. Adjust both sides evenly so the sash rides level in the track. Properly adjusted rollers reduce wear on the weatherstripping and make the sash easier to operate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are sliding windows less energy efficient than double hung?
Not necessarily. When properly sealed and using the same glass package, sliding and double hung windows achieve similar U-factor and SHGC ratings. The track seal on a slider can be slightly more prone to air infiltration over time, but regular maintenance and weatherstripping replacement keep performance on par.
Can a sliding window meet basement egress requirements?
Some larger sliding windows can meet egress requirements, but many standard sizes do not. Building codes typically require a minimum net clear opening of 5.7 square feet, with at least 20 inches of width and 24 inches of height. Because only half of a single-slider opens, you need a very wide window to meet these minimums. Check your local code before ordering.
How do I remove a RELIABILT sliding window sash for cleaning?
Open the sash fully, then lift it straight up into the head channel. The bottom of the sash should clear the sill track, allowing you to swing it inward and remove it. Some models have a sash retention clip at the top that must be released first. Reverse the process to reinstall.
Have a helper nearby for larger sashes, as the glass can be heavy. Clean both the sash edges and the track before reinstalling for the smoothest operation.
For standard rectangular openings, double hung windows offer better ventilation. See all RELIABILT window types compared. Finish the interior with window moulding.