How to Get the Most Out of Your New Alside Slider Windows
- S. Thiel
- Feb 19
- 4 min read
Congratulations on your new Alside slider windows! Whether we just installed them in your Utah home or you've had them for a little while, knowing how to properly operate and care for them will keep them functioning smoothly for years to come. In this guide, we walk you through everything you need to know — from opening and locking your windows to removing the screen and sash for easy cleaning.
How Your Alside Slider Window Works
Alside slider windows are designed to glide smoothly from side to side along their own tracks. The two panes overlap slightly in the center when the window is closed, creating a tight seal that keeps Utah's cold winters and hot summers outside where they belong. One panel is fixed while the other slides — giving you effortless control over how much fresh air you let in.
Opening, Closing, and Locking Your Window
Operating your slider is simple. To open the window, first flip the latch handle to the unlocked position, then grip the panel and slide it left or right. To close it, reverse the motion and push both panes snugly together until they meet flush in the frame. Once fully closed, push the latch back down to lock. If the latch doesn't fully engage, it means the sashes aren't completely pushed together — give them a gentle nudge and try locking again. A properly locked window is key for security and energy efficiency.
How to Remove and Replace the Window Screen
Removing the screen on your Alside slider is straightforward and something every homeowner should know how to do. Here's how:
Pull up on the bottom of the aluminum screen track, lifting it all the way up into the top screen track.
Push out the bottom of the screen to clear it from the bottom track.
Disengage the top of the screen from the top track and carefully pull it free.
To replace the screen, simply reverse these steps. Always be gentle — avoid bending or forcing the frame to ensure it seats properly back in the track.
How to Remove the Sliding Sash for Deep Cleaning
One of the best features of your Alside slider is the ability to fully remove the sliding sash (panel) from the frame for thorough cleaning of the exterior glass. To remove the interior (right) sash:
Roll the right sash to within 3 inches of the left side of the frame.
Lift the sash upward into the header track as far as it will go.
Pull the bottom of the sash outward to disengage the rollers and sash frame from the main frame.
Gently lower the sash out of the frame. Support it with both hands throughout.
To reinstall, simply reverse the steps — insert the top of the sash into the header first, then lower the rollers into the bottom track until the sash snaps back into place.
Cleaning Tips to Keep Your Windows Looking Great
Keeping your Alside slider windows clean doesn't require any special products. Here are a few simple tips:
Glass: Clean with any standard ammonia-based glass cleaner and a soft, non-abrasive cloth. Avoid harsh or abrasive chemicals.
Vinyl frames: Wipe down with a solution of mild soap and warm water. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth.
Window tracks: Use a stiff nylon brush to loosen dirt and debris from the tracks, then wipe clean. For smoother operation, apply a light coat of silicone spray lubricant along the track — it won't leave an oily residue.
Screen: Remove the screen and rinse it with water. Use a soft brush to remove any stubborn dirt, then let it air dry before reinstalling.
Common Questions About Your New Slider Windows
My window slides but feels stiff. What should I do?
Check the tracks for dirt or debris. Clean them out with a brush, then apply a light coat of silicone spray lubricant along the sliding track. Avoid oil-based lubricants as they can attract more dirt over time.
The lock won't engage all the way. What's wrong?
The most common cause is that the two panes aren't fully pushed together. Slide them together until both panes are snug against each other in the frame, then try locking again.
Can I notice a difference in energy efficiency with new sliders?
Absolutely. Alside slider windows are engineered with energy efficiency in mind. Once properly installed and locked, they create a tight seal that significantly reduces drafts and heat transfer. Keeping them clean and the lock fully engaged is the best way to maintain that performance year-round.
Ready for More Upgrades? We're Here to Help
At Comfort Home Improvements, we don't just install windows and walk away. We want every customer to feel confident and informed about their new investment. Your Alside slider windows are built to last, and with just a little routine care, they'll keep your home comfortable, bright, and secure for decades to come.
If you have any questions about your windows or are thinking about upgrading other windows in your home, give us a call or visit us at comforthomeimp.com. We proudly serve Davis County and the surrounding communities throughout northern Utah.
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