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Why Sliding Doors Are the Latest Must-Have Trend
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When upgrading your property, it can be hard to know what ‘must-have’ products are worth the investment and which are more of a fleeting trend. Over the last number of years sliding doors have become increasingly popular, capturing the attention of homeowners and designers alike. At Express, we specialise in aluminium doors, windows and bespoke glass solutions, dedicated to helping you create spaces that meet your needs and exceed your expectations. With over a decade of certified experience, we delve into the rising trend of sliding doors, considering their value as an investment and guiding you in selecting the perfect option for your property needs.
What are Sliding Doors?
Sliding doors are large glass doors that glide horizontally along a track, offering easy access between indoor and outdoor spaces. They differ from traditional doors as they require no space to swing open and are typically made of robust materials like aluminium and high-quality glass. Available in multiple configurations, sliding doors can be customised to suit both small and expansive spaces, making them incredibly versatile for any home.
Why Are They So Popular?
With their seamless blend of style and practicality, sliding doors have become increasingly popular. Homeowners are now placing more importance on design elements that bring natural light into their property, maximise space, and improve energy efficiency. A report by WindowBase and Tommy Trinder, comparing current product sales in the windows and doors industry with those in 2006, reveals that while bifold doors still outsell sliding doors, the gap is narrowing, with bifolds accounting for 54% of sales and sliders close behind at 46% in the UK.
6 Ways Your Property Could Benefit From Sliding Doors
Optimise Space
One of the biggest advantages of sliding doors is their space-saving design. Unlike traditional hinged doors, sliding doors don’t require room to swing open. This makes them perfect for properties where space is limited, as it allows for better room flow, making even smaller spaces feel open, connected and accessible.
Boost Thermal Efficiency
At Express, we understand the importance of energy efficiency. That’s why we’ve put extensive time and effort into making our sliding doors as thermally efficient as possible. All our doors are designed with advanced materials that provide superior insulation, ensuring your property stays warm during winter months and cool during the summer. This can help reduce energy bills, making sliding doors a practical investment for long-term savings.
Embrace Natural Light & Stunning Views
For those looking to flood their home with natural light, sliding doors are a great solution. Their large glass panels act as windows to the great outdoors, allowing sunlight to stream into your home, creating a bright, airy atmosphere. Plus, sliding doors reduce the need for artificial lighting and offer uninterrupted views of your garden or patio, bringing the beauty of the outdoors inside.
Create An Aesthetically Pleasing Home
The sleek, modern design of sliding doors can instantly improve your home’s appearance. Available in a range of finishes and frame colours, they suit both minimalist and contemporary styles, blending seamlessly with modern or traditional architecture. Our bespoke aluminium sliding doors offer varied sightlines, flush thresholds, and premium features, including subtle or statement handles. With over 200 RAL colours, including textured and metallic finishes, you can easily find the perfect match for your property. The powder-coated frames ensure long-lasting durability, guaranteed for 10 years against peeling or fading.
Improve Home Security
Sliding doors not only look great but also provide increased home security. At Express, our glass sliding doors are designed with robust, high-quality locking mechanisms such as our 3-star diamond rated BSI cylinders, and toughened glass to ensure your home is safe and secure. The multi-point locking systems and advanced engineering provide peace of mind while allowing you to enjoy the beauty of your surroundings. Additionally, their design can include security features like anti-lift tracks to prevent break-ins, so you never have to compromise on safety for style.
Increase Property Value
Investing in sliding doors is an excellent way to increase your property’s value. The combination of aesthetic appeal, energy efficiency, and practicality makes them an attractive feature for potential buyers. In today’s competitive real estate market, having modern, high-quality sliding doors can set your home apart and increase its marketability. Whether you’re planning to sell soon or just want to enhance your property’s worth, sliding doors are a worthwhile investment. Explore our previous blog for more information on increasing your property’s value with high-quality aluminium doors.
Twin Track or Triple Track Sliding Doors
When comparing twin track and triple track sliding doors, the primary difference lies in their practicality and design flexibility. Twin track sliding doors, featuring two parallel tracks, typically accommodate two panels, providing a sleek and efficient way to open up spaces. They are ideal for standard-sized openings and offer a minimalist look with good space-saving capabilities. However, they are limited to a narrower width and always include a fixed panel, which can slightly restrict the view.
In contrast, triple track sliding doors use three parallel tracks to allow three panels to slide open, offering greater flexibility and the potential for wider openings. This design can create a more expansive view and allow more natural light into the space. Although they might be more complex and costly to install, their advanced function and ability to cover larger areas make them a compelling choice for homeowners looking for a more dramatic and open feel in their interiors.
For more information on which track would suit your property better, visit one of our showrooms and chat with our team about your options.
Express Twin Track Sliding Doors
- Suitable for both two-panel and four-panel sliding glass doors.
- Provides a clear opening of up to 50%.
- Capable of manufacturing doors over 5000mm wide by 2400mm high, split into just two sections.
- Doors can be made taller than 2550mm, offering flexibility for larger openings.
- Ideal for patio openings up to 5 meters wide with a two-panel configuration.
- Features large glass panels separated by a slimline profile as narrow as 25mm, maximising natural light and providing an uninterrupted view.
Express Triple Track Sliding Doors
- Tailored to meet your project’s specifications, these doors provide a flush finish and unparalleled flexibility.
- Provide a 66% clear opening, improving ventilation and bringing your garden closer, even during rainy days.
- With concealed profiles, these doors reduce visible framework, making them perfect for a panoramic view.
- Our triple track setups offer up to six sliding panels, making them a striking architectural feature for any property.
Have You Considered Lift and Slide Doors?
Both sliding and lift and slide doors offer unique advantages, but for homeowners aiming to transform wide openings into airy, light-filled spaces, lift and slide doors might be the ideal choice.
- Smooth Operation: Lift and slide doors feature a lift mechanism that ensures effortless movement, making it easy to operate even with large or heavy glass panels. This system provides a smooth glide, enhancing convenience and ease of use.
- Ideal for Exposed Locations: These doors are particularly well-suited for properties in exposed or windy areas. The robust design and secure mechanisms help withstand harsher weather conditions, offering durability and reliability.
- Versatile Locking Options: One of the standout features of lift and slide doors is the ability to lock them in any open position. This is perfect for ventilation, hosting gatherings, or keeping the door securely open while children play nearby.
- Slim Sightlines and Cost-Effectiveness: With sightlines as slim as 25mm, lift and slide doors offer unobstructed views, allowing you to enjoy a clear and expansive outlook. They are also a cost-effective option compared to bifold doors, providing a balance between quality and affordability.
Our extensive collection of lift and slide doors has contributed to some stunning projects over the years. We invite you to explore our featured projects or browse through our complete portfolio of case studies to see these doors in action.
Our Collection of Specialist Sliding Doors
At Express, safety and style go hand in hand. All our sliding doors are designed with security features such as five-point locks and anti-lift blocks, while their sleek, minimalist appearance adds a touch of modern sophistication to any home. Available in a wide range of colours and finishes, including our popular black and grey aluminium, our sliding doors are sure to upgrade your property’s aesthetic.
Here’s a look at our four standout products:
- XP Glide: This system offers a large glass area and narrow 20mm sightlines, making it a popular choice for high-specification projects.
- XP Slide 25: Our most cost-effective option, featuring a slim 25mm sightline and excellent thermal performance.
- XP Slide LS25: A lift-and-slide version of the XP Slide 25, this door system offers lockable open positions and the slimmest sightline on the market.
- XP Infinite: A heavy-duty lift-and-slide door system, designed for high-end projects with twin, triple, or quadruple track options available.
So, A Worthy Investment or Just Another Trend?
Sliding doors have proven to be more than a fleeting trend; they offer a blend of contemporary style whilst providing practical benefits such as optimising space, improving energy efficiency, and flooding rooms with natural light. Additionally, their sleek, modern design enhances the aesthetic appeal of your property while potentially increasing its value.
With versatile options like twin track, triple track, and lift-and-slide systems, sliding doors can be tailored to suit various needs and preferences, from maximising views to handling large openings. Their advanced features and customisation options ensure they remain a relevant and enduring investment in home design.
From free quotes and expert advice to seamless installation and aftercare, at Express we’re here to guide you through every step of transforming your home with bespoke aluminium sliding doors. Book a design appointment today or visit one of our showrooms to experience our carefully curated collection of products first hand.
