Aluminium sliding door partitions can also be referred to as folding sliding doors, folding patio doors, bi-folding doors, sliding folding doors, concertina type doors or folding doors or simply sliding glass doors. Compared to traditional doors such, as French doors, a sliding aluminium door system can offer a better solution. They generally open much wider than conventional French doors with as much as 95% clear opening as opposed to the typical French patio style doors which is about 40%. With aluminium sliding door systems a complete wall can be literally and effortlessly be swept to one or two sides in seconds, transforming a room to embrace the great outdoors.
These windows and sliding glass door systems can also be manufactured in timber (laminated wood) and uPVC, however aluminium is the most popular material used. With the market generally moving away from the traditional uPVC, aluminium, with its lightweight construction and strength, makes it an ideal solution for aluminium glass sliding door systems. This highly versatile material provides an almost incomparable structural stability a with long life expectancy. The sleek framing in these sliding patio doors provides a modern and stylish contemporary style.
By using aluminium sliding patio door systems opening widths of up to 25 meters is achievable with a choice of inward or outward opening doors sliding to the left or the right.
Aluminium sliding glass door systems are available in either a twin or triple track solution enabling some or all door panels to slide left or right either behind each other or into a pocket or cavity in a wall.
Glass sliding doors are available in the following types:
1. Twin and Triple Track Systems
2. Sliding Turn and Stack Systems
3. Horizontal Sliding Walls (HSW) systems
Twin and Triple Track Systems
The twin and triple track aluminium sliding doors system designed for heavy duty use. They usually incorporate thermally broken aluminium frames for maximum thermal efficiency. This system can accommodate extra large glass panels to slide and fold away effortlessly. The framing maximises glass areas to provide uninterrupted views. The arrangement involves a specified panel to be fixed and the other panels can slide behind on an aluminium sliding door track. As an alternative solution all of the panels can slide. Panels can be hidden in a cavity within a wall adjacent to the opening by having extended track so that all the panels slide into the cavity and therefore providing a 100% clear opening. It is also possible to open up corners completely with removable corner posts.
The main features of this type of system are as follows:
- Used for domestic and commercial applications
- Thermally broken aluminium square edge framing incorporating Polyamide layer
- Energy efficient and compliant with Building Code
- Large exterior openings are achievable with maximum glass areas uninterrupted views
- High security available
- Minimal threshold for wheeled access
- Severe weather rating
- Smooth effortless sliding operation
- One fixed panel or all panels opening configurations
- Twin or triple track options
- Full range of finishes available
- Maximum panel height – 3 m (9’ 10¼”)
- Maximum panel width – 2.5 m (8’ 2½”)
- Various glazing options available
Sliding Turn and Stack Systems
This comprises a top running system which can be utilised with a flush track forming a level threshold. Ideally suitable where minimal frame lines and small stacking area is required. This system glass sliding turn and stack system can be frameless, offering clear unobstructed views, or with minimal vertical profile at the panel joints.
The first opening panel can act as a single pass through door. Each of the individual panels on the interior doors folding to the side will slide independently supported by an adjustable top rail and stack on the same side.
The main features of this type of system are as follows:
- Contemporary design
- Glass moveable walling
- Frameless providing unobstructed clear views
- Framed version available with weather sealing
- Various glazing options – single glazed for internal use and multi glazed for exterior use
- Max height 2.60 m (8’ 6½”)
- Available with low or flush track at the threshold
- Variety of design options
- Slim construction allows maximum opening space
- Effortless, smooth silent running system
- Incorporates condensation drainage system
- Very easy to operate
- Maintenance free
Horizontal Sliding Walls (HSW) Systems
This system allows individual panels through any angle to slide to one side into a separate parked position or stacking bay providing a clear unobstructed opening. Panels can be frameless or framed. This is a very flexible system since the individual panels can be guided to follow the shape of the structure e.g. around corners, curves or a irregular contour. The panels run on an overhead track fixed at ceiling level. Floor tracks can be fitted but they are not necessary allowing the floor finish to continue either side of the glass wall. With no floor track cleaning out is not necessary which is a typically problem with this type of system.
The main features of this type of system are as follows:
- Frameless providing unobstructed clear views
- Framed with or without thermal break
- Running mechanism ensures silent, smooth and effortless operation
- Full range of finishes
- Maximum panel height – 3 m (9’ 10¼”)
- Can have single access or pass through door
- Provide excellent weather protection
- No floor track necessary
- Variety of opening variations available
- High security level if required
- Maintenance free
Suitable for use in domestic and commercial applications. They can be used as room dividers in homes, offices, restaurants, bars, cafes, shops, car showrooms etc., the possibilities are endless.
Frame finishes – Standard colour finishes available is either silver anodised or white. Alternatively a polyester powder coated finish is available to over 201 RAL colours including a dual colour and wood grain effect option. In addition the paint finish the frames can be specified matt, semi gloss or gloss. Special marine environment finish is also available for applications with 5KM from a shoreline. Anti chemical attach finishes for use in environments such as swimming pools are also available.
Door furniture – Door handles are designed to complement the overall door system design. Standard finish is black, white or aluminium. Hinges are in black, white or colour coded to match coloured frames if required.
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