Thinking About Sliding Doors? Here’s What You Need To Know Before You Specify​

Over the past decade, sliding doors have become the go-to choice for architects creating designs that bring in more light and space into their projects. Whether it is an extension, a renovation, or a self-build project, it’s easy to see the appeal - large panels of glass, slim frames, and seamless views of the garden. But as the demand for slim-framed doors has grown, so has the number of products on the market. And while those ultra-thin frames look fantastic, they can come with hidden risks that end-clients don’t find out about until it’s too late. 

Credit: MOOi Architecture / Matthew Smith Photography​

The problem with ultra-slim sliding doors​

Edward Stobart, Technical Sales Manager at IDSystems, explains: “Traditionally, windows and doors use glazing beads that hold the glass securely inside the frame. But with some ultra-slim frames, there’s simply no room for these beads. To keep the profile as narrow as possible, some manufacturers now glue or permanently bond all four edges of the glass directly to the frame - creating what is known as a structurally bonded sliding door.” Structurally bonded doors are easy to spot - they’re the ones with extremely slim frames all the way around the glass. The catch? Because the glass is permanently attached to the frame, it can’t be replaced if it breaks - the entire panel, frame has to be changed. 

Credit: AR Design Studio / Paul Carter Photography​

Why that’s a costly problem​

In most cases, a home insurance policy will cover broken glass - but it is unlikely to cover the cost of a brand-new door frame. And if the company that supplied your doors has since gone out of business, getting replacement parts might not even be possible. Edward added, “Over the past few years we’ve spoken to homeowners looking for help with broken glass who had discovered that their original door supplier had closed down and the system they had bought was no longer available. When they tried to replace broken glass, they were shocked to learn they’d need an entirely new door system - something they were never warned about before buying.” 

Credit:  Sher + White Architects / Chris Taylor Photography​

The good news: there is a safer alternative​

Not all slim sliding doors come with that risk. theEDGE2.0 IDSystems’ multi award-winning system combines narrow 20mm sightlines but is designed differently - the glass is still removable thanks to deeper outer frames and traditional glazing beads. That means if the glass ever needs replacing, it can be done easily and affordably, without damaging the frame or needing to take up patio slabs or your lovely kitchen floor to access the track. 

Want to learn more?​

Find out more about the risks of bonded glass sliding doors at idsystems.co.uk/bonded-glass-what-you-need-to-know/