Sliding doors have become a staple in modern architecture, offering a contemporary look to your home. Their design and ability to boost natural light make them a popular choice for both residential and commercial spaces. From creating connections between indoor and outdoor areas to serving as room dividers, sliding doors provide versatility that complements various home designs.
For modern homes in the UK, sliding doors bring many benefits. They save space compared to traditional hinged doors, enhance the visual appeal of a property, and provide thermal efficiency when crafted with quality materials. Whether you’re considering sliding doors for external use or as an internal feature, they can certainly elevate the practicality of your living space.
One standout option in the market is our Cortizo 4700 Sliding Doors. Renowned for their design and performance, these doors are engineered to meet the needs of both internal and external applications.
While we’ll explore their features and advantages later in this guide, the Cortizo 4700 sets a standard for innovation in sliding door solutions.
Types of sliding doors
External sliding doors
External sliding doors are a good choice for patios, balconies, and garden-facing areas, offering indoor-outdoor connectivity. They create a sense of openness by letting in natural light and providing unobstructed views of outdoor spaces. These doors are becoming more popular in the UK for homes looking to increase their aesthetic appeal.
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Internal sliding doors
Unlike traditional hinged doors, sliding doors operate along a track, making them ideal for smaller or multi-functional spaces. They are commonly used to divide rooms, such as separating living and dining areas, without compromising on light or visibility.
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Materials and finish
When selecting sliding doors for your home, the choice of materials and finishes plays an important role in achieving the right look for your property.
Aluminium sliding doors are a popular choice in the UK due to their sleek, modern appearance and durability. They offer slim frames that increase the glass surface, allowing for stunning views and more natural light. Aluminium is also low-maintenance, resistant to rust, and customisable in terms of colours and finishes.
For a more traditional or natural look, wooden sliding doors provide warmth and character, blending in with classic and rustic interiors. These doors can be stained or painted to match your décor, though they require periodic maintenance to retain their structural integrity. uPVC sliding doors, on the other hand, are an affordable option. They offer a range of colour options and finishes, including wood-effect textures.
Each material comes with its own set of benefits, but all are designed to deliver lasting performance with minimal upkeep.
Features to look for in sliding doors
When choosing sliding doors for your home or business, you must spot the key features that make for the perfect fit.
A smooth sliding mechanism
A smooth sliding mechanism is important for easy operation and longevity, particularly for high-traffic areas. Sliding doors, like the Cortizo 4700 Sliding Doors, are designed with advanced track systems to deliver movement, lessening wear and tear over time.
Security features
Security features are another consideration, with sliding doors offering locking systems and reinforced glass to keep your property safe. Look for toughened or laminated glass options that provide added strength without compromising the door’s aesthetic.
Thermal performance and energy efficiency
Also, thermal performance and energy efficiency are pivotal, especially for external sliding doors. Well-insulated frames and energy-efficient glass help keep a comfortable indoor temperature year-round, reducing energy bills and environmental impact.
Noise insulation
Lastly, noise insulation capabilities should not be overlooked, particularly in urban environments or busy households. High-spec sliding doors incorporate advanced seals and acoustic glass to create a quieter indoor space, making them an excellent choice.
Choosing the right sliding doors
Let’s look at some key considerations you’ll need to make when choosing your sliding doors.
Accurate measurements
When selecting sliding doors for your space, accurate measurements are important to ensure a perfect fit and functionality.
Begin by measuring the width, height, and depth of the intended opening, considering any irregularities in the frame or surrounding walls. If you’re unsure about taking precise measurements, don’t hesitate to get in touch – our team of experts will be happy to help.
Style
Next, consider the style of sliding doors that best suits your needs. Single sliding doors are ideal for smaller spaces or as a simple partition. For larger openings, bi-parting doors provide a dramatic and symmetrical design, offering a wider aperture and better access.
Pocket doors, which slide into a hidden cavity within the wall, are perfect for maximising space in compact areas and creating a modern look. Each style has its unique advantages, so weigh them against your requirements and preferences.
Budget
Budget considerations are also equally important in your decision-making process. The cost of sliding doors can vary significantly depending on the material, size, and additional features such as advanced locking systems or thermal insulation.
Installation process and maintenance tips
Proper maintenance of your sliding doors ensures they remain functional. Here are some important tips to follow:
- Clean and Lubricate the Tracks: Dirt and debris can accumulate in the tracks over time, leading to difficulty in opening and closing the doors. Regularly vacuum or sweep the tracks to remove debris, and apply a silicone-based lubricant to make for a smooth glide.
- Glass and Frame Care: Use a soft cloth and a glass cleaner to clean the glass panels. For the frames, wipe them with a damp cloth and mild detergent to remove dirt without damaging the finish.
- Common Issues: If your sliding door feels stiff or doesn’t close properly, check for obstructions in the track or misaligned rollers. Tighten any loose screws on the frame or handle and replace worn-out weather seals.
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Choose our Cortizo 4700 sliding doors
Our Cortizo 4700 Sliding Doors offer both functionality and modern aesthetics. Engineered for external use, they feature slim aluminium frames for a sleek look, sliding mechanisms for easy operation, and thermal insulation to improve thermal efficiency.
Their construction ensures long-lasting performance, while the versatile design allows for more natural light and space, making them ideal for any project.
Perfect for creating an indoor-outdoor connection, the Cortizo 4700 Sliding Doors provide the style and practicality you need.
Comparison with other sliding doors
While some brands sacrifice thermal performance for a minimalist look, the Cortizo 4700 has advanced thermal break technology so you get the best of both worlds.
Unlike uPVC sliding doors that warp over time or steel systems that corrode, the Cortizo 4700 is made from robust corrosion resistant aluminium for more durability.
Plus, its smooth glide outperforms many others that stick or rattle, promising long-lasting efficiency compared with many of its counterparts.
Contact Toughened Glass Systems today
Ready to transform your space with our sliding doors?
Shop our range of Cortizo sliding doors today or contact us if you have any questions.
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Sliding doors FAQs
Do sliding doors offer good insulation?
Yes, sliding doors are designed to provide excellent thermal and acoustic insulation. Quality options, like the Cortizo 4700 Sliding Doors, feature double or triple glazing to maintain energy and reduce noise.
How long does it take to install sliding doors?
The installation time depends on the complexity of the project, but a professional team will ensure a smooth and efficient process. Contact us for a detailed timeline based on your specific installation.