- Noticed the same thing with slider tracks—mine get full of dirt even after a week, especially in spring.
- Double-hung windows seem more complex mechanically, but I haven’t tried popping out the sashes yet.
- Is there any difference in weather sealing between the two? I’m curious if sliders let in more drafts over time or if that’s just my imagination.
- Also, does anyone know if one style tends to last longer before needing repairs? My old house is drafty already, so I’m trying to avoid making it worse...
Is there any difference in weather sealing between the two? I’m curious if sliders let in more drafts over time or if that’s just my imagination.
I’ve had both in my 1950s place, and honestly, the sliders *do* seem to let in a bit more air as they age—especially if the tracks get gunked up or warped. My double-hungs are fussier to clean, but the seals seem tighter overall. The sliders are way easier to pop out for a quick clean, though… tradeoffs everywhere. For lifespan, my oldest double-hung is still going strong after 20+ years, just needed new balances once. Sliders have needed more track work and cleaning over time. If drafts are already an issue, I’d lean toward double-hung for better sealing—but maybe I’m just old-fashioned.
my oldest double-hung is still going strong after 20+ years, just needed new balances once.
Honestly, I’ve seen the same thing—double-hungs tend to age better if you keep up with the little fixes. Sliders can get sticky or drafty, especially if you’re not a fan of cleaning those tracks regularly... which, let’s be real, most folks aren’t. Installation-wise, sliders can be easier to square up, but only if your opening is actually level (which is rare in older homes). Double-hungs might take longer to install but seem less finicky down the road.