Although summer (or what passed for it) has slipped away and winter is around the corner, we can forgive ourselves for reminiscing about warmer days while hoping this wet and cold season will soon pass.
We might recall the events and parties we attended during the summer, during which we saw guests mingle freely in and out of the sliding doors pulled back to reveal all the benefits of the great outdoors.
It wouldn’t be any surprise if we’d seen such doors in more than one property this summer. The desire to open up a kitchen or living room with sliding doors has turned into a real trend, with thousands of householders rushing to fitting companies across the UK ahead of the warmer weather.
Here at C&A Window Systems we’ve been delighted at the demand for our ever-popular aluminium sliding doors. For the trade, we offer a range of five such doors, including models from the Reynaers collection of doors that are known throughout the industry for their perfect balance of outstanding thermal performance, weather protection and stylish good looks. In fact, all our sliding door models feature excellent build quality, effortless sliding action and a choice of profile sightlines.
When we’re approached by installers keen to jump aboard the trend for sliding or bifold doors, we’re often asked a question that may determine whether an installer makes the move or not. The question is: How easy – or otherwise – are these doors to fit?
It’s a good question. We understand that installers don’t want to spend more time they need fiddling with doors that are over-complicated to fit, with the result that customers become frustrated too. This is why we supply doors that are not only high-performing and stunning to look at, but are also relatively straightforward to fit.
Here then is a guide to installing a typical sliding door in a few easy steps. You won’t need much more than your usual tools, and an extra pair of hands might be useful too!
Prepare the opening
- Measure the width and height of the doorway opening, making sure you have enough clearance for the door to operate smoothly.
- Take measurements in various places to account for variations and make note of any obstructions that may need to be removed or adjusted.
- Once measurements are made, make the adjustments to the existing door opening, making sure it is straight and level.
Installing the bottom track
- Mark the location where the track is to go and make sure it’s dead level. When you’re happy, drill pilot and screw holes in the floor before attaching the track.
Mounting the top track
- Measure and mark the location for the top track before drilling. This may require an assistant to help get the track dead level.
- Check instructions for guidance about additional brackets or supports.
Attaching the door panels
- Slide the rollers into the tracks, adjusting them until they move smoothly.
- Lift the door panels and insert them carefully into the top track before tilting the bottom of the panels inward and fitting them into the bottom track.
- Check the level of the panels and make any adjustments necessary.
Testing and adjusting
- Test the door by opening and closing it several times, making sure it glides effortlessly along the tracks.
- If necessary, adjust the rollers to iron out any obstructions.
The finishing touches
- Inspect the door and tracks for gaps or misalignments.
- Add all fixtures and fittings (locks, handles etc) according to customer preferences.
This is a basic guide to installation, but we hope it gives you an idea of the work involved and whether you feel sliding door installation is an interesting option for your existing business. As mentioned, we offer five high-quality sliding door models on a trade supply-only basis, the details of which are outlined below:
A highly advanced sliding door system, Reynaers CP130 provides the perfect balance of high insulation, performance, and design, creating sophisticated living spaces.
The luxury patio solution, Reynaers CP 155 sliding doors offer slimmer lines and larger sliding panel sizes, to maximise natural light and provide unobstructed views.
The chic and sustainable choice, Reynaers MasterPatio sliding doors combine the best in lift and slide door technology with superb size capability and slim lines.
Designed to expand light and space, deliver exceptional functionality and eye-catching aesthetics, Reynaers SlimPatio 68 is an ultra-slim profile, modern sliding door.
The Senior Architectural Pure sliding doors range is designed with an innovative polyurethane thermal barrier available, offering impressively low U-Values and long-service life.
For more information about C&A Window Systems and what we can do for our trade customers, contact us here or give us a call on 01787 477976.
