The Buyers Guide to Sliding Doors
Your questions answered.
WINDOWS / GLAZING
1. Wow! What a view!
2. Bi-Fold or Sliding Patio Doors?
3. What are my options?
4. What configurations are possible?
5. What are the maximum dimensions?
6. Accessibility
7. What colours are avaliable?
8. What about shading?
9. Will I be warm in winter?
10. Can they be used in low energy buildings?
11. Will I be secure?
12. What upkeep do they need?
1. Wow! What a view!
That’s most visitors reaction to homes that successfully use sliding doors to maximise their view.
Imagine an entire wall fitted with floor-to-ceiling glass that slides gracefully aside to let the outside in.
Effortless function combined with the stunning aesthetics of todays high-performance sliding patio doors create an unmissable opportunity to maximise those views from your property.
2. Bi-Fold or Sliding Patio Doors?
Bi-fold doors have the advantage that they can fully open up for almost the entire aperture.
The idea of opening up the whole space on a hot sunny day can be tremendously appealing.
Read our Buyers Guide to Bi Fold Doors
Sliding patio doors furnish less frame work with increased glass.
The advent of ingenious slim interlocks between doors now allows for expansive maximum glass areas and minimal framework. So when closed we can enjoy our uninterrupted view in comfort.
Your choice will be based on features most important to you such as creating the wow factor of an amazing garden view with sliding doors.
Read more about internal glazing.
For period style properties heritage bi-fold doors can be the preferred option
Read our Buyers Guide to Bi Fold Doors
3. What are my options?
Sliding patio doors usually comprise two, three or four panels, of which some will slide and some will normally be fixed.
The three most popular type of variations in terms of operation are as follows:
- Slide – standard operation where the doors slide on tracks.
- Lift and slide – turning the handle through 180° lifts the door by a few millimetres to glide open effortlessly. It can be locked open in any position, convenient for controlling ventilation and handy for keeping small children or pets safe inside the room whilst leaving slightly ajar.
- Tilt/slide – the door can be tilted inwards for ventilation or slid across for access.
4. What configurations are possible?
Sliding doors are so flexible with configuration possible in almost every way imaginable. They usually comprise two, three or four panels, of which some will slide either left or right and some will normally be fixed.
Dependent on safe system limits there will almost certainly be a configuration to suit your needs.
For example two panes on double track that slide allow for opening at either end. Sliding centre panes that slide over fixed end panes. Triple track systems that allow multiple sliding panes to stack on top of one another. We could go on.
Panels can incorporate very large panes of glass, to give us the most uninterrupted views.
5. What are the maximum dimensions?
Designs and configuration should always be within the safe limits of the sliding door system which is governed by width, height and weight.
As a general guide the maximum sliding patio door width is 6 metres with a maximum panel width of 3 metres and a height of 2.5 metres.
Expansive walls of glass are attainable however, the overall width of the doors should not exceed 6m.
6. Accessibility
Low threshold options allow us to create the appearance of a seamless transition between the inside and out.
The continuous connection is achieved with a step free low threshold that delivers a fully accessible patio to enjoy.
See our guide to
low and flush threshold aluminium sliding doors.
or contact us for further advice.
7. What colours are avaliable?
Powder coating means a huge range of colours and textures are available including stunning anodised finishes and textured paint.
We can mix it up by choosing a different colour on the inside to out.
View the extensive range of RAL colours along with two ranges of textured paint finishes here.
8. What about shading?
Those with a southern facing aspect may be concerned with sun glare or excessive heat build-up inside the room.
The answer is either integral blinds that are fitted inside the cavity of the sealed unit for protection and privacy.
Or alternatively choose specialist solar control glass such as Sunguard to reduce solar gain and UV light to protect your delicate furnishings.
In extreme cases choose both integral blinds and Sunguard solar control glass together for maximum results.
9. Will I be warm in winter?
Look for glazing with a U value of 1.8W/m²K or lower.
This ensures glazing exceeds the minimum thermal requirement for Building Regulations and as such will be an efficient insulator against adverse weather.
10. Can they be used in low energy buildings?
Yes. This energy efficient SIPS (structured Insulated Panel) House is one example.
11. Will I be secure?
Ensure your doors include a protected locking system, such as the Avocet Break Secure (ABS) lock, which incorporates the latest technology, is incredibly secure and which burglars can’t get past.
Look for the ‘Secure By Design’ logo.
12. What upkeep do they need?
An incredibly resilient and strong material, powder coated aluminium applied to the latest Qualicoat standards is one of the most durable finishes available.
It won’t discolour, rust or peel, giving it a long-lasting, attractive appearance which can last for decades with virtually no upkeep.
The paint surface only needs to be kept clean by using luke warm mild soapy water and the track kept clear of debris to avoid blocking the drainage system holes.
An occasional drop of light oil or multipurpose grease on the moving parts of the lock will help to ensure continual smooth operation and excellent long-term performance of these parts.
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