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How to Choose the Best Sliding Door for Your Property
Lifestyle
Sliding doors have become a favourite among homeowners and designers alike in recent years, and it’s clear why they’re stealing the spotlight. Not only do these doors offer a fashionable aesthetic but they also flood homes with natural light, save precious space, and improve energy efficiency. With industry-leading expertise since 2007, Express is here to guide you through the key factors to consider when investing in these beautifully practical doors. Whether you have expansive areas or cosy nooks, sliding doors can redefine your home’s atmosphere while boosting its market value.
Exploring Your Options: Types of Sliding Doors
A recent report by WindowBase and Tommy Trinder reveals that bifold doors dominate the UK market, accounting for 54% of sales while sliding doors are gaining ground at 46%. This growing trend emphasises the transformative potential of choosing the right sliding door for your space. With a variety of designs available, it’s crucial to select one that aligns with your preferences and practical needs. Here are 3 popular configurations worth exploring:
Sleek and Simple: Twin Track
If you’re after a simple yet stylish solution, twin track sliding doors might be just what you need. Featuring 2 parallel tracks, this design includes 1 sliding panel and 1 fixed panel, making it an excellent choice for smaller to medium-sized spaces. It opens up your home while keeping a sleek look, ideal for upgrades without breaking the bank. Our XP Slide 25 is a perfect example of this; as our most cost-effective option, it features a slim 25mm sightline and delivers impressive thermal performance. Although the fixed panel means you won’t have a completely unobstructed view, it’s an excellent choice for homes with limited space.
Expansive Feel: Triple Track
For those who want to go bigger, triple track sliding doors offer more flexibility. With 3 tracks, you can slide all 3 panels open, creating a wider and more open feel. It’s a fantastic way to flood your home with natural light and really make the space feel expansive. The XP Glide system exemplifies this, featuring large glass areas and narrow 20mm sightlines, making it a favourite for high-specification projects. While they can be a bit more complex and pricier to install than twin tracks, the visual payoff is definitely worth it.
Versatile Convenience: Lift and Slide
Lift and slide doors are perfect for opening up large spaces to bright, airy environments. The lift mechanism makes them easy to operate, even with heavy glass panels. They’re especially beneficial in windy areas, as their solid build helps keep the weather out. One standout feature is that you can lock them in any open position, ideal for ventilation during gatherings or keeping them securely open while kids play. With ultra-slim frames around 25mm, these doors provide nearly uninterrupted views and serve as a cost-effective alternative to bifold doors, offering style without compromise. Our XP Slide LS25 takes this to the next level, allowing for lockable open positions while offering the slimmest sightline on the market.
10 Key Considerations for Choosing the Right Sliding Door
Sliding doors are a fantastic way to modernise your space, but with so many choices, knowing what to look for can be challenging. Below are some key factors to consider:
1. Picking The Right Material
The material of the frame plays a huge role in the performance and appearance of sliding doors. At Express, we specialise in premium aluminium for its durability and sleek design. The versatile metal’s strength supports wider glass panels and slimmer frames, which are perfect for modern, open-plan spaces. Our aluminium doors feature thermally broken technology to keep your home energy-efficient and comfortable. Plus, they’re made in Britain, providing long-lasting quality with slimmer sightlines and lower U-values.
2. Finding The Perfect Size
Size impacts more than just aesthetics; it also affects practicality. Standard widths range from 0.8m to 3m, with wider doors being ideal for openings over 4 metres. If you’re considering taller glass panels, you may need to go with a narrower width to maintain stability, while for heavier doors, especially those weighing over 600kg, automated systems can make opening and closing much easier.
3. Choosing Between Double or Triple Glazing
Glazing is key to your home’s energy efficiency and noise control. Double glazing is the standard choice that provides a good balance of insulation and sound reduction, while triple glazing offers even greater insulation and noise protection. At Express, our products feature premium double glazing made with toughened soft coat low E glass. This high-quality option delivers outstanding thermal performance, providing up to 3 times the insulation of standard double glazing, helping to keep your home warm and reduce heating bills. We also offer various glass types to suit diverse needs, including options for increased security, solar control, obscure finishes for privacy, and triple-glazed units. Whatever you’re looking for, we have a glazing solution to fit your needs.
4. Maximising Sightlines
To create a bright and open atmosphere in your home, opt for sliding doors with slim frames and expansive glass panes. This design allows natural light to flood the space, reducing the need for artificial lighting and providing clear, uninterrupted views of your garden or patio. Consider the level of visibility you desire when the doors are open: a 2-panel design offers over 50% openness, while a 3-panel setup sliding to one side can achieve around 66% visibility.
5. Choosing the Right Manufacturer
The quality and performance of your sliding doors heavily depend on the manufacturer. At Express, we pride ourselves on offering high-quality, British-made products tailored to meet our clients’ specific needs. With over a decade of experience and a wide range of customisation options, we ensure you receive a bespoke solution that not only looks stunning but also stands the test of time as a valuable investment. Check out customer reviews, case studies and our warranties to feel confident in your choice.
6. Making Energy Efficiency A Priority
Energy efficiency is a crucial factor for homeowners today. Our sliding doors feature thermally broken aluminium frames and toughened soft coat low E glass, helping to keep your home’s temperature stable throughout the year. Larger glass panels also mean fewer frame interruptions, offering better insulation and lower heat loss. This design not only helps lower your energy bills but also contributes to a more eco-friendly home.
7. Ensuring Strong Home Security
While sliding doors add elegance to your property, they also play a vital role in its security. Therefore, it’s essential to pick one manufactured with robust security features to protect your home. At Express our sliding doors come with robust locking mechanisms, including multi-point locking systems and 3-star diamond-rated BSI cylinders. Plus, our toughened glass and anti-lift tracks offer extra protection, making it harder for intruders to tamper with the doors. With these features, you can rest easy knowing your home is secure.
8. Breaking Down the Cost
Although sliding doors can be a significant investment, especially for larger openings, it’s important to think about the long-term benefits. High-quality aluminium doors are not only durable and energy-efficient but can also increase your home’s value over time, making them a worthwhile choice. Don’t forget the importance of professional installation in your overall investment. Our bespoke end-to-end service includes expert installation, ensuring a perfect fit and helping you avoid costly issues like drafts or misalignment. By choosing Express, you’re investing in beautiful doors and securing a seamless installation that boosts your home’s value.
9. Customising To Your Preferences
Unleash your creativity with customisation options that allow you to achieve the look you’ve always envisioned. Many sliding doors offer various sightlines, thresholds, and handle styles, along with a wide range of colour options. With Express aluminium sliding doors, you can choose from over 200 RAL colours, including textured and metallic finishes, to perfectly match your home’s aesthetic. Our frames are powder-coated for a durable finish that resists peeling and fading, and they come with a 10-year guarantee for added peace of mind.
10. Keeping Maintenance Simple
Designed for minimal upkeep, aluminium sliding doors are a smart choice for busy homeowners. Their durable construction makes them resistant to warping, cracking, and moisture build-up, so a quick wipe with mild soapy water is all you need to keep them looking great. To ensure smooth gliding, don’t forget to clean the tracks regularly, using a small brush and vacuum to keep debris at bay.
Your Journey to the Perfect Sliding Door Starts Here
Choosing the right sliding door for your home is an exciting process that can truly redefine your space. As you explore options like twin track, triple track, and lift-and-slide systems, consider your unique needs and preferences. Think about factors such as safety features, configurations, and colour options to ensure the door complements your home while upgrading its overall appeal.
At Express, we understand that quality matters. That’s why we offer a range of designs and mechanisms with robust safety features and sophisticated aesthetics. Our expert team is here to provide guidance, helping you prioritise elements like energy efficiency and security in your decision-making process. To make the selection process easier, we invite you to gather quotes, consult with our knowledgeable staff, and explore our showrooms. By taking the time to understand your needs, you’ll discover a sliding door that not only suits your space but also reflects your personality and lifestyle.
