How Advances in Technology have Improved Cavity Sliding Doors

by Vitrocsa john Webmaster

Sliding doors have been around for much longer than most people imagine — for hundreds of years. But their popularity initially was limited by available technology, which resulted in poor performance due to doors being difficult to move and often jumping off the tracks.

Other problems also led to reduced use, but these have been overcome by improvements in technology so sliding cavity doors are increasing in popularity for both residential and commercial use.

1. Improved Performance

Door frames are now often made from steel or aluminium, which don’t warp as wood can do. Additionally, runners are generally steel bearings, held firmly inside the track, that are fully sealed and will last for tens of years without problems. The outcome is that, no matter how big a cavity sliding door, it will slide smoothly and easily, usually allowing one-handed operation, and won’t jump out of the tracks.

2. Better Security

Sliding doors have often been viewed as the weakest point in a building’s security, allowing easy access to committed intruders. The latest versions are fitted with anti-theft devices that prevent lifting out of their tracks, multi-point locking systems, internal glazing beads to stop removal of the glass and double or triple-glazed panels that are very difficult to break. As a result, they’re now an almost impenetrable barrier for any intruder.

3. Increased Thermal Efficiency

External cavity sliding glass doors have often been a source of heat loss in winter and excessive heat gain in summer, making properties uncomfortable and requiring artificial and costly heating and cooling. Slim frames with low thermal conductivity and low energy glass coatings combine to reduce solar gain and heat loss, so increasing comfort and reducing running costs.

4. Smooth Transition

Flush bottom tracks allow trip-free access between interior and exterior areas and the use of the same floor tiles both inside and outside will unite those areas. In exposed locations, however, a flush track may allow heavy rain to penetrate and so a sill can be installed to solve the problem. New developments in track construction provide for water drainage and combine practicality with elegance.

Taking Advantage of Sliding Door Features

One of the main benefits of cavity sliding doors has always been their ability to slide away into a cavity when opened. Consequently, they don’t require the same space as hinged or folding doors and so the useable area of a room becomes that much greater.

With the many improvements that technology has brought, you can now have all the benefits of sliding cavity doors with none of the drawbacks from which they previously suffered. Our large range of doors and fittings means you can choose those that are ideally suited for your property and life-style and can enjoy all the advantages they bring.