Short answer: A custom sliding window with a screen should be designed as one assembly. Sash layout, glass, mesh purpose, track order, handles, locks, drainage, restrictors, removal and maintenance must all fit within the opening and required performance.
Key decisions at a glance
- Custom size still has system limits.
- Choose mesh by insect, pet, security and airflow goals.
- Show screen and sash tracks in section.
- Confirm removal, cleaning and replacement access.
What a custom sliding window with a screen means in a project brief
Custom sliding windows are manufactured to project dimensions within an established system's limits. Custom does not mean any size or any component combination. Adding a screen changes track depth, clearances and maintenance, and may affect the net opening or how the sash is removed.
Search phrases are not specifications. Similar terms can describe different panel counts, opening directions, sill conditions or glazing builds. Use the keyword to find a product family, then convert it into measurable requirements before comparing quotations.
Option comparison
| Screen | Use | Design effect | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard insect mesh | General insect control | Light frame and open area | Mesh specification |
| Fine insect mesh | Smaller insects | May reduce airflow/visibility | Aperture and open-area data |
| Pet-resistant mesh | Higher tear resistance | Heavier frame/load | Material data |
| Security screen | Forced-entry goal | Certified frame, mesh and locks | Complete-system certificate |
Define custom dimensions from a verified opening
Record width, height, diagonals, jamb build-up and level at several points. Agree whether dimensions refer to rough opening or finished frame. Include installation tolerance and perimeter seal space.
Check each sash against size, weight and aspect-ratio limits. Dividing a very wide opening with a mullion may improve operation and performance.
Select the screen from its job
Insect exclusion, pet durability, fall prevention and security are not equivalent. A mesh advertised as strong does not prove the complete screen assembly meets a safety or security standard.
Mesh colour and openness influence the view and airflow. Review a physical sample, including the frame sightline and handle clearance.
Keep tracks and screens serviceable
Show whether the screen is fixed or sliding, inside or outside, and which sash it covers. Ensure handles, locks and restrictors can operate without collision.
The screen frame should be removable for cleaning or mesh replacement without releasing the glazed sash unsafely. Extra tracks must not block window drainage.
Specification checklist
| Item | What to define | Evidence to request |
|---|---|---|
| Survey | Finished/rough dimensions and tolerances | Measured record |
| Sashes | Active/fixed layout and limits | Operation drawing |
| Mesh | Purpose, material, aperture and colour | Sample/data |
| Screen frame | Track, rollers, locks and removal | Screen detail |
| Safety | Restrictor/fall/security function | Applicable evidence |
| Drainage | Combined track and outlet path | Sill section |
For an international order, identify the destination country, site exposure, building type and authority having jurisdiction at the start. A report for one size, glass build or hardware set may not represent another configuration. Ask the supplier to identify exactly which tested or calculated configuration supports the offered unit.
Energy, safety and regulatory evidence
Energy labels and declarations are regional. NFRC explains whole-product U-factor, solar heat gain coefficient, visible transmittance and air leakage for North American comparison. The EU Construction Products Regulation provides a common framework for declaring construction-product performance. UK Approved Documents and Australian YourHome guidance illustrate how local rules and climate design can change the right answer. These sources are starting points; the project designer or local authority determines what applies.
- GOV.UK Approved Document K
- GOV.UK Approved Document M
- U.S. 16 CFR Part 1201 architectural safety glazing
- European Commission: Construction Products Regulation
Questions to send with an RFQ
- What are the finished structural opening and permitted tolerances?
- Which panel or sash arrangement, handing and opening direction is required?
- What glass make-up, safety treatment, spacer and coating are proposed?
- What frame finish, colour, drainage path, seals and hardware set are included?
- Which performance reports apply to this exact size and configuration?
- How will the unit be packed, protected, installed, adjusted and maintained?
- Which exclusions could change the landed or installed cost?
Record the decision before manufacture
Close the selection process with one controlled schedule for a custom sliding window with a screen. It should reference the approved drawing revision, opening survey, finish sample, glass specification, hardware set, performance documents, packing method and installation responsibilities. Record every accepted deviation and identify who approved it. This compact decision record helps the designer, buyer, factory, logistics team and installer work from the same assumptions; it also makes later maintenance or replacement far easier than relying on emails, search terms or an undated catalogue page.
Frequently asked questions
Can sliding windows be made to any size?
They can be customised within profile, glass, hardware, wind and manufacturing limits.
Does a strong mesh make a security screen?
No. Security performance depends on the complete mesh, frame, fixings, locks and tested assembly.
Do window screens reduce airflow?
All mesh creates some resistance. Finer or denser mesh can reduce airflow and visibility more, so compare open-area data and samples.
Can a screen be removed from inside?
Many can, but the method depends on the track and building safety strategy. Confirm a safe maintenance procedure.
Next step
Review Forge's custom aluminium windows, then send the opening size, drawings, destination and performance requirements. Forge can discuss configuration and manufacturing options, but final suitability and code compliance must be confirmed for the specific project.
Technical note: reviewed in August 2026. Regulations, product options and test scopes can change; verify current documents before procurement.
