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Sliding doors for the terrace or garden – pros and cons

Panoramic sliding systems, which let in a huge amount of light, are taking the market by storm, becoming a hit among luxury developments around the world. A showpiece glass door that opens at the slightest touch is the dream of many homeowners. In today’s article, we will take a closer look at their key advantages and hint at the things to look out for.

A sophisticated piece of interior design, the power of natural daylight, an unconventional idea for a passageway… The reasons why we love sliding doors are almost as numerous as their users! It’s no surprise that they are becoming an increasingly popular solution in single-family homes, rental flats, hotels, spas or prestigious public centres. 
Although they’re not without their drawbacks, the numerous advantages tip the scales in favour of these majestic solutions. Let’s explore them!

Benefits of sliding doors - Pros

  1. More light throughout the day
    One of the unquestionable merits of sliding systems is that they allow maximum light into the rooms. Huge glazings, often reaching from the floor to the ceiling, allow more natural sunlight to enter the interior. It’s beneficial for our well-being and vitamin D synthesis, reduces the need for lighting in the rooms and allows for an optical enlargement of the space.

  2. A wise use of space
    Sliding doors don’t require additional space to open the wings, making them an apt solution for small rooms where every square metre matters. Sliding systems “sink” into the wall or slide along a single plane, which makes them extremely economical to use, without having to worry about the opening radius of the door leaf.

  3. Convenient connection to the house surroundings or balcony
    With sliding doors, you can basically move unhindered between the house and the garden, patio, terrace or balcony. The spacious glass surfaces not only provide a great view, but also naturally “draw” the surroundings into the house. 
    Note – with some systems it’s also possible to achieve a so-called low threshold, recessed into the floor to a height of a few millimetres, which is useful for frequent use, the needs of people with limited mobility or transporting, for example, prams.
  4. Prestige, luxury and a striking look
    One cannot fail to mention that the sliding doors are characterised by their uniquely minimalist, modern design and simple lines. Thanks to the variety of materials (such as PVC, aluminium or wood), you can match them to classic interiors with timeless design or original avant-garde proposals. 
  5. Easy opening and secure solutions
    “Won’t moving such a big leaf be a problem for me?” Thanks to modern hardware systems, rollers and guides, today’s sliding doors operate extremely smoothly, regardless of their size. Many systems come with silent closing options, as well as security-enhancing solutions, including burglar-proof mechanisms.
  6. Energy efficiency
    Appearances can be deceiving – large panes of glass don’t always mean large thermal losses. Thanks to state-of-the-art technology, sliding doors nowadays provide very good thermal insulation. Multi-chambered profiles, thermally insulated infills and energy-efficient glazing allow the room temperature to be maintained at an optimum level, which directly affects heating costs. The high tightness and airtight seal also help to prevent draughts.

pros of sliding patio doors

Drawbacks of sliding doors - Cons

No solution is without shortcomings, so let us lean into the challenges we may encounter.

  1. Purchase and installation costs
    Sliding doors, especially those with large glazing, will be more expensive as standard compared to traditional front doors. The higher price is due, among other things, to the more technologically advanced mechanisms, the need for precise installation or the materials used.
  2. Structural requirements
    Sliding doors, especially large-format doors, may require special conditions when it comes to building design. When planning their installation, consider whether the walls and foundations will be able to support the large glazing.
  3. Maintenance and care
    These systems may require regular maintenance to maintain their aesthetic qualities and keep them functioning properly. We recommend following the manufacturers’ recommendations and they will serve you trouble-free for a long time.

cons of sliding patio doors

Recommended DAKO sliding systems – choose your dream patio door!

With so many options available on the market, which system to choose? To help with this, our experts have selected three recommended, versatile DAKO sliding door models in a variety of materials that are perfect as patio or garden doors.

  1. Aluminium sliding doors – the DA-SkyLine system
    The DA-SkyLine system is an exclusive aluminium door with an extremely slim profile that maximises the amount of glazing and light in the room. With the concealed frames, their design gives the impression of an “invisible” door, which lends it a refined, minimalist character. The system provides excellent thermal insulation and the ability to create spectacular glazing without compromising performance. Importantly, they can also incorporate automation systems.
  2. PVC flush-sliding doors – the SlideLine system
    The SlideLine system from DAKO is a recommended PVC solution that combines an attractive price with high quality workmanship and raw materials. PVC is a material offering very good thermal insulation properties and is also weatherproof and easy to maintain. The sliding doors in this system are marked by extremely smooth operation, universal styling and the ability to fit into a variety of settings.
  3. Wooden lift-and-slide doors – the HST system - The HST system, the premium comfort sliding door, is made of natural wood with excellent insulating properties. Wood is a material valued for its durability and refined, warm appearance. Our HST doors are available in a range of finishes and shades, so you can match them effortlessly with the architectural style of your development.

DAKO patio doors

Conclusion

Choosing the right model depends on one’s preferences, taste and budget, but also on the structural capacities in the building. This is a decision for many years, so it’s advisable to use expert opinion. Our team of Sales Specialists will be happy to advise you the best solutions for your specific case – please don’t hesitate to contact us! 

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