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Key factors when choosing sliding windows and doors
Are you deciding between sliding windows and doors and standard tilt-and-turn models? The way your windows and doors open can significantly affect your daily activities. We therefore want to offer the best advice to help you make the most of your home’s space and ensure comfort.
Sliding PVC windows and doors consist of sashes that move horizontally along tracks or guides built into the frame. When opened, their sashes overlap, meaning part of the opening always remains glazed. These windows and doors are extremely practical, both because they are easy to open and because they save space. They are ideal for limited spaces or corners, meeting all requirements for functionality, practicality and aesthetics.
SAPLAST PVC sliding systems
The best location for sliding systems
The shape and layout of rooms, furniture placement and your daily routines are important factors to consider when choosing the right type of window. Here are some tips to help you decide whether sliding windows and doors suit your home’s structure and needs:
Sliding windows are ideal for large rooms, especially living rooms or bedrooms with access to a balcony, terrace or courtyard. They are also an excellent choice for rooms with panoramic views.
Sliding windows can transform the sense of spaciousness, allowing a fluid connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. They also make rooms easier to ventilate and allow air and light to circulate.
Aesthetically, sliding windows and doors add elegance and functionality to bedrooms and living rooms.
For smaller bathrooms or narrow kitchens, sliding windows are a practical, space-efficient solution, taking up less room and allowing easy opening and closing.
Advantages of sliding windows and doors
Space savings and maximum usability: Sliding windows and doors allow items to be placed around them without having to move them when opening or closing, as the sashes take up no space inside the room.
Protection from injury: The horizontal movement of the sashes prevents potential injuries. They do not open into the room, so there are no hazardous edges to bump into.
Less frame and sash area: Conventional windows and doors often obstruct the view with their profiles, while sliding systems allow larger sashes with more glazing, providing a more attractive, unobstructed view.
More natural light: With a higher glass-to-frame ratio, sliding windows and doors let in more natural light, creating brighter rooms and broader views.
Connecting or separating rooms: Sliding windows and doors make it easy to connect or separate adjoining rooms. They are a visually appealing alternative, especially for large openings leading to a terrace or garden.
SAPLAST ALU sliding systems
Which details deserve particular attention?
Although appearance is very important, the technical characteristics of windows and doors matter even more. Choosing the right sliding windows and doors is crucial for thermal and sound insulation, durability, security and comfort inside the home. The material they are made from is therefore one of your most important decisions.
PVC has the best insulating properties, particularly when high-quality RAL class A PVC profiles are chosen, always paired with high-quality thermally insulating glazing (preferably Low-E, filled with argon or another noble gas).
Pay particular attention to the thermal conductivity coefficient. The lower its value, the better the quality of the windows and doors. Ideally, choose sliding windows or doors with a thermal conductivity coefficient “U” below 1,8 W/m²K. Higher values indicate poorer quality, resulting in greater heat loss and higher heating bills.
The air permeability class tells us how airtight windows and doors are. Although conventional windows and doors offer better sealing, highly competitive sliding doors are available, such as those from the VEKAMOTION 82 system, which offer excellent airtightness. Thanks to their construction from class A quality profiles, you are always protected from adverse weather, heat loss, noise and unwanted visitors. The doors open and close easily and impress with their attractive design.
For design, SAPLAST offers a wide range of colours and surface finishes, from standard white and decorative films in more than 60 shades, patterns and wood textures to aluminium cladding that further expands the colour range, as well as aluminium sliding systems. Choosing the right elements gives your home the desired appearance and charm, whether modern, elegant, rustic, Mediterranean or another style.
Finally, remember to choose the manufacturer and installer wisely, as poorly fitted sliding windows and doors will fail to fulfil their potential and can quickly become a source of problems.
