Hinged or sliding? Where each one wins

Space, weathertightness, large dimensions and the way the opening is used day to day.

There is no single «better» type for every situation. Hinged systems offer different possibilities for sealing and for tilt, while sliding systems make better use of the space and serve large openings without sashes swinging into the room.

There is no better type in general, because the sealing works differently in each. A hinged sash presses the gaskets all round as it closes and reaches high air-permeability classes to EN 12207; a simple slider runs on brush seals and depends on its tracks; a lift-and-slide presses the gaskets too as it comes down. Sliding wins where the sash must not swing into the room and on large openings. The choice follows from dimensions, available space, exposure to wind and rain, the need for a low threshold and the weight of the glazing.

The choice follows from

the dimensions of the opening,
the space available,
exposure to wind and rain,
the need for a low threshold,
the weight of the glazing and how often it is used.

Sealing works differently in each

A hinged sash presses the gaskets right around the perimeter as it closes, which is why it reaches high air permeability classes to EN 12207. A simple sliding sash runs on brush seals and depends on its tracks. Lift-and-slide sits in between: as it lowers, it too compresses the gaskets.

The threshold is a compromise

A low threshold means easy access and a clean line out to the terrace — and at the same time less room for weathertightness. It is solved with a drainage channel, the right fall and shelter from driving rain, not by the frame alone.

Sash weight decides the rest. Beyond a point it is not the profile that limits the size but the mechanism and the hinges.

Hinged and sliding side by side

	Hinged	Sliding
Weathertightness	Perimeter compression on closing	Depends more on the system and the tracks
Tilt function	Yes	No
Large openings	Limited by the weight of the sash	Its strong point
Space in the room	The sash swings inwards	It does not
Low threshold	Harder	Easier with the appropriate systems

The choice follows from the dimensions, the space available, exposure to wind and rain, the weight of the glazing and how often it is used.