ASK THE EXPERT
cold spots. aïr doors, for example, are tested for windloads up to 120 mph, so doors up to 12 metres wide can be super wind-proof.
WHAT ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF SLIDING DOORS?
If you’ve got a beautiful view from your home and want minimal disruptions, a sliding or lift and slide door could be for you. They have wider glazed areas to drink in plenty of natural light and make a real feature of your garden. Lift and slide doors use a clever opening mechanism, so that when you open the door, the weight of the door panel is lifted up onto rollers so that they can easily be opened and closed. This means that door panels – that can weigh up to 300 kg – can be moved with just two fingers. Look for really wide panels for maximum impact – the higher and wider the better.
If you have a very wide opening that needs multiple panels, ask your supplier about triple track lift and slide door options – this gives you more flexibility with your opening, as the door panels can move in either direction. Again, low
threshold options merge your living spaces and they’re a great option for large glazed extensions to bring as much light as possible into the home. If you’re just starting out in your self- build venture, it’s worth thinking about a cornerless lift and slide door. It means you can slide back an entire corner of the room, without any corner post, and enjoy truly panoramic views from the comfort of your home.
Again, aluminium is an excellent choice for sliding or lift and slide doors. They offer slim sightlines, for less frame and more glass, and their strength means you can have larger panels and heavier glass units, with triple glazing options often available for added energy efficiency.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I NEED
TO CONSIDER? Though frames are slim, colour is still important for your wide-span glazed doors. The darker the frame, the less obtrusive they are. Using black or dark greys can almost make the frames ‘disappear’. If you’re by the coast, ask about marine-grade paint finishes or dirt-proof
textured options like aïrcoat. Take a look at the guarantees you’re
offered on your doors too – products are usually guaranteed by the manufacturer for 10 years. If you’re looking for an installer, check out the manufacturer’s recommended fitters or specialised network of accredited retailers – and check that they’re a member of FENSA or Certass for an insurance-backed guarantee on the installation.
Jay Patel is brand ambassador for aїr aluminium
16
www.sbhonline.co.uk
september/october 2019
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