Explore Gentek 1700 Series sliding windows, including two-lite and three-lite configurations, sash operation, screens, glass options, grids, clear-opening concerns, drainage, performance certification, installation planning, and homeowner sales questions.

Article 53 of 100 | Sliding Window Product Guide

Gentek 1700 Series Sliding Windows: Configurations, Benefits, and Sales Guidance

Sliding windows are a natural fit for wide openings and locations where an outward-projecting sash would interfere with a walkway, porch, deck, or landscaping. Their horizontal operation appears simple, but correct selection still requires careful decisions about configuration, clear opening, glass, screens, drainage, structural performance, and installation.

The Gentek 1700 Series historically includes two-lite and three-lite sliding-window configurations for new construction. This guide explains how those designs differ and which project details contractors should verify before ordering.

What Is a Horizontal Sliding Window?

A sliding window has one or more sashes that move horizontally within the frame. Unlike a casement or awning window, the sash does not project toward the exterior. Unlike a single-hung window, operation is side to side rather than vertical.

Sliding windows are often used in bedrooms, family rooms, basements, kitchens, multifamily buildings, and other locations with wide wall openings. They can also be useful above decks and walkways where exterior sash projection is undesirable.

Contractors can explore the complete collection through Suburban Wholesale & Supply’s Gentek 1700 Series new construction window page .

The main selection question

Do not ask only whether the homeowner wants a slider. Determine how many sections the opening requires, which sash or sashes should operate, how much ventilation is needed, and whether the exact configuration must provide an emergency escape opening.

Published Gentek 1700 Series Sliding Configurations

Gentek’s February 2018 size guide identifies three primary sliding configurations within the 1700 Series. Current model designations and availability must be confirmed before ordering.

Historical model	Configuration	Planning consideration
Model 1702	Two-lite single-sliding window	Provides a two-section appearance with one primary operating sash.
Model 1703	Three-lite quarter/half/quarter configuration	Uses a wider center section with narrower side sections to emphasize the view through the middle of the assembly.
Model 17093	Three-lite equal-section configuration	Creates more evenly proportioned vertical divisions across the opening.

The number of window sections does not by itself establish how many sashes operate. Confirm the operating sash arrangement, lock locations, screen coverage, meeting rails, and clear opening on the approved order.

Two-Lite Versus Three-Lite Sliding Windows

Two-lite sliding window

A two-lite slider creates a simple vertical division and is often appropriate for moderate-width openings. Its appearance can coordinate with straightforward, contemporary elevations and rooms needing a practical operating window.

Three-lite sliding window

A three-lite slider divides a wider opening into three visual sections. Depending on the configuration, it can emphasize a broad center view or create evenly spaced divisions.

Choose the configuration by proportion

A quarter/half/quarter arrangement places more visual emphasis on the center section. This can work well where the homeowner wants the strongest view through the middle of the opening.

Equal sections create a more repetitive rhythm. They may coordinate better with evenly spaced architectural elements, grids, wall panels, or nearby windows.

Design sales tip

Draw both three-lite arrangements on the elevation before ordering. The same overall opening can look substantially different when the center section changes width.

Published Frame and Sash Features

Gentek’s historical 1700 Series technical guide describes rigid extruded vinyl profiles with fusion-welded frame and sash corners. It also identifies a 2-7/8-inch jamb depth, integral pre-punched nailing fin, sloped sill, and frame weep openings.

Fusion-welded construction

Fusion welding joins the vinyl corners into an integrated assembly. Welded construction can contribute to frame and sash rigidity, but the window must still be stored, handled, and installed without racking or bowing it.

Integral nailing fin

The nailing fin provides the primary new-construction attachment surface described in the product literature. It must be incorporated into a planned flashing and water-resistive barrier system. The fin alone should never be marketed as making the window waterproof.

Sloped sill and weep openings

Sliding-window sills must manage both sash movement and incidental water. Gentek describes a sloped sill and weep openings intended to direct standing water toward the exterior plane of the unit.

Those openings must remain unobstructed. Do not fill a drainage opening with sealant simply because it looks unfinished.

How Sliding Sashes Should Operate

A properly installed sliding sash should move consistently through its intended travel without scraping, jumping, or requiring excessive force. Some resistance is normal because the sash has weight and the weatherstripping must maintain contact.

When a new slider is difficult to operate, the sash should not automatically be blamed. Potential causes include:

A rough sill that is not level or continuously supported
A frame that has been bowed by fasteners, shims, or expanding foam
Jambs that are out of plumb
A frame installed out of square
Construction debris in the sill or track
Misaligned or damaged rollers, glides, locks, or keepers
Weatherstripping that is folded, displaced, painted, or contaminated
A sash placed in the wrong track or not fully seated

Do not force the window

Repeatedly forcing a binding sash can damage locks, keepers, weatherstripping, rollers, tracks, or frame components. Diagnose the alignment and installation before applying lubricant or modifying hardware.

Cleaning and Removable Sliding Sashes

Gentek’s care guidance describes sliding-window sashes as removable from their tracks for cleaning. The procedure generally involves moving the sash to the specified position, lifting it into the head, drawing the bottom inward, and lowering it carefully.

The exact removal sequence can depend on sash location, security blocks, stops, window size, and configuration. Follow the current instructions for the installed window rather than assuming that every sash is removed identically.

Safe cleaning practices

Support the sash with both hands during removal and replacement.
Use additional help for large or heavy glass units.
Keep fingers away from pinch points at the head and sill.
Place removed sashes on a stable, protected surface.
Do not rest the sash directly on an exposed glass edge.
Confirm the sash is fully seated and retained after replacement.
Test the lock before returning the window to normal use.

A removable sash is a cleaning feature, not an invitation to disassemble the window casually. Large sashes can be heavy and difficult to control.

Screen Selection and Safety

Gentek’s historical 1700 Series specifications list an optional full-view fiberglass insect screen set in a color-coordinated aluminum frame. Historical options also identify fiberglass or aluminum screen mesh.

Current mesh, frame, color, and screen-coverage options should be confirmed for the exact sliding configuration. A screen for a two-lite slider will not necessarily match a three-lite configuration.

Gentek’s technical literature states that insect screens are designed to admit air and light while helping keep insects out. They are not designed to prevent a person, child, animal, or object from falling through an open window.

Homeowner answer

“The screen is an insect-control product. It should not be leaned against or used as a child, pet, security, or fall-protection barrier.”

Locks, Interlocks, and Weatherstripping

Gentek’s historical specifications identify a cam-style lock with slotted keeper for operable 1700 Series windows. The guide also describes a full interlock and reinforced locking rail as part of the sash design.

When a slider closes, the sash, meeting rail, interlock, weatherstripping, lock, and keeper must align. If the lock will not engage without force, investigate the frame and sash alignment before relocating the keeper.

The guide describes double-barrier fin-seal weatherstripping intended to help limit air, water, dust, and noise infiltration. Actual air and water performance depends on the exact tested window and correct installation.

Security claims should remain realistic

A lock, interlock, reinforced rail, or optional opening-control device can contribute to security or controlled operation. None should be represented as making a window burglar-proof or preventing every possible entry attempt.

Insulating Glass Options

Gentek’s 2018 technical guide describes a 3/4-inch insulating-glass unit with two panes of glass and a warm-edge spacer system. Historical options include clear, Low-E, Low-E with argon, tinted, obscure, laminated, and tempered glass.

Those options and dimensions must be verified using current documentation. Product offerings, glass packages, certification status, and manufacturing limitations can change.

Homeowner goal	Selection discussion
Improved thermal performance	Compare current Low-E and insulating-gas packages using the NFRC rating for the exact window.
Bathroom privacy	Evaluate obscure glass, pattern orientation, safety glazing, ventilation, and current availability.
Safety glazing	Determine whether the window’s location requires tempered or another approved safety-glazing product.
Reduced solar heat gain	Compare Solar Heat Gain Coefficient values with orientation, shading, and climate.
Noise control	Request tested sound-performance data for the complete assembly instead of assuming that any laminated or insulating glass will make the room soundproof.

Grid Patterns and Sightlines

Gentek’s historical guide lists 5/8-inch flat, 3/4-inch contoured, and 1-inch contoured grids between the glass. Listed patterns include Colonial, Single Prairie, Single Perimeter, and Craftsman.

Three-lite sliders require particular attention because grid alignment must be planned across sections of different widths. A default grid pattern may not create the architectural result the homeowner expects.

Before approving grids, check:

The number of vertical and horizontal grid divisions in each section
Alignment with grids in nearby windows
Differences between quarter/half/quarter and equal-lite configurations
Interior and exterior grid color
Grid profile and width
Effect of meeting rails on the completed sightline

Clear Opening and Egress Requirements

A horizontal slider may be capable of providing an emergency escape and rescue opening, but eligibility depends on the exact size and clear opening—not the nominal frame dimensions.

Frame members, fixed sections, operating-sash travel, stops, locks, and the sash itself reduce the available opening. A three-lite slider can have a large overall frame while still providing a clear opening that is smaller than expected.

Contractors should obtain current clear-opening dimensions for the exact configuration and compare them with the locally adopted code. The verification should include minimum opening width, minimum opening height, minimum net clear area, and maximum sill height above the finished floor.

The dangerous shortcut

Never approve a bedroom slider because another window with the same nominal width met egress. Different styles and configurations can have substantially different clear openings.

NFRC Ratings and Energy Claims

Gentek’s historical technical guide states that 1700 Series products are rated and labeled in accordance with NFRC requirements. Current NFRC documentation should be obtained for the exact ordered window.

A two-lite slider and three-lite slider may not share identical U-factor, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, Visible Transmittance, or air-leakage values. Size, glass package, grid choice, sash arrangement, and configuration can affect the rating.

Do not promise a specific reduction in utility bills. Energy use depends on the entire building envelope, window area, orientation, installation, HVAC equipment, weather, and occupant behavior.

AAMA Gold Label Certification

The AAMA Gold Label Certification Program, administered by the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance, provides a recognized certification framework for qualifying windows, doors, and skylights. The program includes product testing, manufacturing-site inspections, and continuing certification requirements.

When a Gold Label is present or required, record its information and compare the identified product, tested size, performance class, performance grade, and referenced standard with the project requirements.

Do not transfer a rating from a Model 1702 two-lite window to a Model 1703 or 17093 three-lite window without documentation showing that it applies. Certification is tied to the identified tested configuration.

The Gold Label does not certify the field installation. It cannot compensate for a bowed frame, blocked weeps, improper flashing, unsuitable fasteners, or an unsupported sill.

InstallationMasters Principles for Sliding Windows

FGIA’s InstallationMasters program provides training and certification for installers of new construction and replacement windows and exterior glass doors. Its curriculum covers site inspection, installation, final cleaning, and maintenance.

Sliding windows are particularly sensitive to sill and frame alignment. A small installation error can affect sash travel, interlock engagement, weatherstripping contact, drainage, and locking.

Verify exact rough-opening and unit dimensions.
Confirm that the sill is level and provides continuous support.
Check the opening for square and the jambs for plumb.
Install the specified sill-pan or sill-flashing system.
Integrate the nailing fin with the water-resistive barrier.
Fasten and shim without bowing the head, sill, or jambs.
Use perimeter insulation without distorting the frame.
Keep the sill track and drainage openings free of debris.
Test every operating sash, lock, interlock, and screen before installing final trim.

InstallationMasters principles supplement professional knowledge. Gentek’s current instructions, project specifications, engineering, and applicable codes remain controlling.

Contractor Ordering Checklist

☐ Confirm Model 1702, 1703, 17093, or the current corresponding model.
☐ Identify two-lite, quarter/half/quarter, or equal-lite configuration.
☐ Mark every operating and fixed sash on the window schedule.
☐ Verify unit size, rough opening, wall depth, and frame option.
☐ Check current glass, grid, color, hardware, and screen availability.
☐ Confirm safety-glazing requirements.
☐ Calculate the exact clear opening when egress is required.
☐ Verify NFRC values for the ordered configuration.
☐ Verify AAMA certification and required performance grade.
☐ Coordinate nailing fin, flashing, siding, trim, and interior returns.
☐ Review current warranty and installation documentation.

Compare Gentek Sliding Windows with Suburban Wholesale

Suburban Wholesale & Supply helps contractors, builders, remodelers, property professionals, and homeowners compare Gentek windows for projects in Davenport, Bettendorf, LeClaire, Eldridge, Moline, Rock Island, and throughout the Quad Cities.

Bring the plans, opening dimensions, window schedule, desired operating configuration, glass requirements, grid details, colors, required clear opening, and structural criteria. The team can help organize the information needed for an accurate window quote.

Explore Gentek 1700 Series Windows Request a Window Quote

Sources and Technical References

Suburban Wholesale & Supply — Gentek New Construction 1700 Series
Gentek Building Products — 1700 Series Window Collection Size Guide
Gentek Building Products — Care and Operation Guide
Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance — AAMA Gold Label Certification Program
Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance — InstallationMasters Certification
Current Gentek product specifications, size charts, installation instructions, certified-product records, NFRC labels, warranties, and applicable building codes.

Technical note: The cited Gentek 1700 Series size guide is dated February 2018. Historical model numbers, configurations, dimensions, options, ratings, and availability may have changed. Verify every selection using current Gentek ordering information and documentation. This article does not replace manufacturer instructions, code review, engineering, or project-specific clear-opening calculations.

Gentek 1700 Series Sliding Windows: Contractor Selection Guide