Frequently asked questions about slimline sliding doors

Slimline sliding doors are the latest generation of thin sliding doors with minimal sight lines, a frameless appearance and high-tech design. If you have seen or heard about the latest generation of minimalist sliding doors, we have put together answers to some of the most common questions asked about slimline sliding doors.

What are slimline sliding doors?

Slimline sliding doors are high-end aluminium doors.  They are ideal for where homeowners are looking for an entirely different type of sliding door to the standard aluminium inline or lift-and-slide patio doors on the market.  Slimline sliding doors are intended to create a floor-to-ceiling minimalist door with the bare minimum of visible aluminium. You can expect a visible sight line between the glass panels starting at just 20mm.

The best conventional aluminium sliding patio doors can accommodate glass panels of about nine square metres.  Slimline sliding doors can easily accept glass panels of above twelve square metres with the high-end systems.

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Slimline Doors and Windows

The stand-out feature of slimline sliding doors is their aesthetic appeal.

Why are slimline sliding doors different to regular aluminium patio doors?

The sophisticated sliding door systems on the market do not work like traditional windows and doors.  In a conventional door, the aluminium frame performs the most important function.  In these types of doors, it is the glass.  The glass is self-supporting and the primary component.  In a standard door, glass is placed in the frame and simply beaded secure with beads and gaskets.  In a slimline sliding door it is structurally bonded to the frame, like high rise facade glazing.

Finally, because most systems are embedded in the walls, an extra layer of protection exists.  This concealed method of fixing also creates something regular sliding doors cannot achieve.  That is huge panes of glass. Products such as the Panoramah! sliding door can be made as one sliding door panel of up to 27 square metres.

How much do slimline sliding doors cost?

These doors are more expensive than conventional sliding doors. You can expect to pay approximately £10000 for a two panel sliding door set, double the price of a standard door. We have seen quotations for corner door assemblies having two, five-metre wide sliding doors at 2.5 metres high, meeting in the corner at more than £30000 supplied and fitted.

As expensive as these doors are, it’s important to understand why they cost more.  Configuring, making, transporting, fitting, glass handling and after-sales all add to the price.  What you get for this price is one of the most beautiful sliding doors on the market with top-end engineering. This is architectural glazing, not double glazing.

Are slimline sliding doors secure?

Yes. All components used in these doors are the best of their kind, giving superior locking and security.  The glass is also safety glass either toughened or laminated.

Why do many slimline sliding doors have a full height handle?

Any large door must be designed to resist wind loading and deflection.  They must also provide structural integrity. While many systems market the very thin interlock, this profile needs to be thin but strong and provide protection for the door. The best way to achieve this is to have it minimalist when viewed from the front but deeper for strength.

You will frequently see these doors with deep sections that are also designed to act as a convenient method of pulling the doors open and closed. This is the full height handle that is also the interlock section.

How are slimline sliding doors fitted?

There are several methods of installing these doors depending on their design. You can choose two panel doors right up to choosing systems with virtually no limit on the number of sliding panels possible. Open corner sliding doors are available that can even disappear into a wall.

One of the most popular methods is recessing the outer frame into the wall creating the frameless sliding wall that makes these doors so popular.

Can slimline sliding doors have a low threshold?

A conventional sliding door has a higher track than a bifold meaning you don’t always achieve the low threshold.  Slimline sliding doors can achieve a completely flush floor level between inside and out.

How important is the glass on slimline sliding doors?

With so much glass in a sliding door, you will need to consider your glass specification.  As standard, you can expect toughened or laminated glass with warm edge spacer bars, argon or krypton gas, low-emissivity coatings and a quality construction.

There are options to upgrade the glass to units with integral blinds, solar control glass, reflective glass or acoustic glazing.

Where can I buy slimline sliding doors?

Contact us and we can help.  The providers of these doors are highly specialised companies with extensive training in making, fitting and handling these advanced doors.  Ensure you work with an installer that has the training, equipment, track record and after-sales service.

The installation of these doors is more complicated than regular doors and windows, it is also hugely important in how happy you will be with your new doors.

Are slimline sliding doors weather resistant?

Installers of quality sliding doors will happily demonstrate the air, wind and water resistance of their products, as well as thermal test reports.  With so much glass used in these products, low U-Values come as standard.  Ask to see test reports for the product.

What colours are available with sliding doors?

Like all aluminium products, you can choose from over 150 RAL colours, different colours inside and out as well as metallic finishes.

Because the providers of slimline sliding doors are more specialised companies, other finishes are also available.  One of these is anodised colours that are by far, the best choice for these types of doors.

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Andrew DOBSONAndrew DOBSON
16:42 30 Oct 23
Nick responded incredibly quickly to my enquiry (on a Saturday too!), and was able to offer invaluable advice on both aluminum systems and manufacturer / suppliers. Thanks Nick!
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19:55 13 Sep 23
Extremely helpful with pointing us in the right direction to find the products we required and suggesting firms that could reliably fit them.Nick was quick to reply and very detailed in his advice.Highly recommend reaching out to them.
Cathy GreenwoodCathy Greenwood
07:03 11 Sep 23
Update - A second email to nick for help on bifolds resulted in a detailed informative reply even on a Sunday ! This guy is so knowledgable and helpful .I approached Nick for an independent view on sliding doors v bifold and the different brand options . His reply was extremely detailed and prompt and allowed me to navigate this often confusing world in a much more informed way . Thanks so much Nick
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20:24 26 Jul 23
I contacted Nick @ ATS for guidance on what aluminium sliding door systems would be suitable for an opening in an extension that is going to be both wide and tall. He came back really quickly with very detailed and incredibly helpful advice. He is clearly extremely knowledgeable about the systems on the market and their respective features and capabilities. If you’re feeling a bit lost by the overwhelming range of choices out there, I’d definitely recommend contacting him.
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guard Charlieguard Charlie
12:28 14 May 23
I emailed this company just on the off chance they could help me with new magnetic sliders for my patio door. They were not able to supply those but were so very helpful providing me with the name of a company who could. I am so very grateful at the great service. Dare say customers must be very happy. thank you so much.
Benjamin LewisBenjamin Lewis
10:06 04 May 23
Nick is very helpful indeed. Extremely knowledgeable on bifolds which was in relation to my query. Great website as well, some very useful articles. Particularly appreciated the article that lists all the major bifold options in order of their sightlines! Thank you!
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After a lot of research to find doors that would meet our unusual size requirements and feeling increasingly uncertain about the best way to spend our small budget, I stumbled on the ATS website, and I'm so glad I did! I contacted ATS to request advice and Nick promptly replied with a wealth of information, providing us with options and relevant contact details. I only wish I'd found them sooner!
Carol NortonCarol Norton
10:01 17 Mar 23
I've been so confused about how to achieve the look I'm after, and going round in circles with various window/door companies, trying to get away from the huge chunks of plastic currently around my windows. I didn't expect an email to a company found through a Google search to really help - but I was desperate, so I tried. I'm SO glad I did. Finally I have clear explanations from ATS of where I've been going wrong, exactly what I'm looking for, and a list of local companies that might be able to provide it! The response has excelled my expectations and I feel as if I'm finally inching closer to a home with which I'll be happy and comfortable: thank you.
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20:54 14 Mar 23
It is rare that I write reviews, however after my very positive communication with Nick - enquiring about suitable slim sash aluminium windows for my project, I felt that a review was definitely warranted. I can reinforce the many positive reviews posted so far, Nick was very quick to respond, providing comprehensive detail, with excellent independent advice.In summary, great service, thank you Nick.
Chantal AuerbachChantal Auerbach
13:04 09 Mar 23
Nick from Aluminium Trade Supply was incredibly helpful informative and pleasant to deal with. He responded quickly to emails and was very knowledgeable. Highly recommend being in touch with Nick if you are considering new aluminium windows or doors.
Lee JonesLee Jones
20:21 22 Feb 23
I dropped Nick at Aluminium Trade Supply an email re high security slim sightline bi-folds and their alternatives and he responded that quickly (and so comprehensively) that I felt bad I’d not paid him for his time!Nick Sir your product knowledge is outstanding and you are providing a level of service that goes wayyyy above and beyond expectations. I’ll definitely make sure I mention Aluminium Trade Supply to anyone I encounter looking for a fenestration solution 🙏🏼
G JG J
15:13 13 Feb 23
We are looking to replace some old UPVC patios doors with aluminium ones. The ATS website is a great source of advice in an area where clear information is sorely lacking. Having used the website, I then followed this up with a number of specific questions relating to our search, and Nick came back very quickly with clear, detailed and very useful advice.I have been very impressed with both the website and with Nick's advice. My only regret is that I didn't come across ATS before replacing various windows in 2021 - I'm sure it would have saved me a lot of grief and money! Thanks again Nick.
Azza McCabeAzza McCabe
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So impressed with this company.Responded to my query quickly andgave valuable advice. Nick was extremely helpful and we were able to move forward with our project.
Adri LoloçiAdri Loloçi
11:21 08 Jan 23
Nick was super fast to respond and provided some great recommendations. I would recommend this website to anyone looking to find bifold or sliding aluminium doors.
Stephen HoustonStephen Houston
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Looking for aluminium crittall style internal door and external patio French doors. Noted good reviews and thought would ask for advice. Comprehensive reply with excellent independent advice and lists of fitters who could provide products and installation. Great service.
Inga GeachInga Geach
08:25 21 Dec 22
Nick from Aluminium Trade Supply has been extremely helpful with navigating the jungle that is aluminium glazing for our upcoming extension project. His advice was prompt, detailed and always impartial. Very grateful for your input, thanks Nick!
Amanda BurtonAmanda Burton
10:54 16 Dec 22
Brilliant website and an excellent service. Nick provided not only detailed advice and supplier contacts, but highlighted the considerations of various products so I could make an informed choice. Our Sunvista minimal sliders were fitted this week and I couldn't be happier, stunning. Thanks once again for your advice and recommendations, invaluable!
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Nick has been very helpful on signposting me to a number of partner organisations for steel/aluminium doors.
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My experience with this firm was exceptionally good and this is notalways the case as a female, dipping a toe into technical waters.I was spoken too with courtesy and at a level that helped me consolidate what was needed .On top of that I was given a list of companies and places where I could obtain the type of product I needed.I could not thank them enough and would certainly go there again and reccommend others do too.
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