So, you’ve finally decided — it’s time to say goodbye to your old wooden door that jams every time you try to open it. Or perhaps you’re currently preparing for your dream house construction and you want modern aluminium doors that match your vision.
Now comes the big question: What type of door should you get?
If you are looking for something modern, functional and long-lasting, aluminium sliding doors should be at the top of your list.
Let’s walk you through to help you make an informed decision.
Why Aluminium Sliding Doors? More Than Looks
Australian homeowners don’t just choose sliding doors because they look good. They choose them because they change how a space works.
Space-Saving Design
Traditional hinged doors need clearance to swing open. Sliding doors don’t. They slide along a track and move horizontally leftwards or rightwards. No door swings, no wasted space.
If you have compact areas, such as small apartments, narrow hallways or balconies, a sliding door can maximise and extend the usable area.
More Natural Light, Better Energy Efficiency
Aluminium sliding doors usually come with large glass panels which enable more sunlight to your interior spaces. This reduces the need for artificial lighting and makes your home feel bright and airy.
If your home has a garden, patio, or balcony, sliding doors create a seamless transition between indoors and outdoors, making your space feel more open.
Smooth and Effortless Operation
No one likes struggling with a stuck door, and with aluminium sliding doors, you never have to. A well-installed sliding door glides open with just a gentle push, making it easy for kids, elderly family members, or even pets to use.
But Wait — Are Sliding Doors Right for Every Home?
Aluminium sliding doors are excellent, but is there something else that you need to know? Before you decide, here are a few things to think about.
Question 1: Is Your Home’s Structure Ready for Sliding Doors?
Not all homes can accommodate aluminium sliding doors. Some older houses may need modifications. For example, a house built in the 1980s may have walls too thick or door frames too narrow for modern sliding doors.
Solution: Contact a professional aluminium doors supplier to perform a project assessment which may involve custom sizing or reinforced tracks.
Question 2: Do You Need More Privacy or Insulation?
Large glass panels are great for light but not always for privacy or insulation. A sliding door with standard glass might let in too much noise if your home is near a busy road. Or an aluminium sliding door without UV protection can turn your west-facing room into an oven in the summer.
Solution: Upgrade your sliding door to double-glazed, or Low-E glass as well as thermal break system to improve insulation and soundproofing.
Question 3: Are You Ready for the Maintenance?
Aluminium sliding doors need regular maintenance, especially the tracks and rollers. Over time, dirt and wear can make the door harder to slide.
Solution: High-quality aluminium tracks and rollers last longer. You need also get into the habit of regularly cleaning the track to prevent dirt buildup.
How to Choose the Right Sliding Door?
Not all sliding doors are the same. There are mainly four types of sliding doors. Choosing the right one depends on your home layout and style requirements. Here’s what you need to know:
- Standard Sliding Doors: The classic option. One panel moves while the other panel remains stationary. Simple, efficient, and budget-friendly.
Ideal for apartments and compact spaces that require modern aesthetics without consuming additional space.
- Lift & Slide Doors: A premium choice. The doors lift off their track when opened to reduce friction, allowing for smoother sliding even when using heavy glass panels.
These doors perform best in large spaces or buildings where smooth functionality and excellent sealing matter most.
- Stacking Sliding Doors: Need a wider opening? The design of stacking doors combines multiple panels that move and arrange in order to one side forming a vast open area.
These doors work well in patios and garden entrances because they create an uninterrupted transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.
- Slimline Sliding Doors: Want a sleek, minimalist aesthetic? Slimline sliding doors use ultra-thin frames to provide expansive views with greater glass coverage and less metal presence.
These doors meet the needs of modern homes that prioritise stylish design and maximum natural light.
What Makes a Great Sliding Door?
Some aluminium sliding doors glide effortlessly for years while others are creaks, sticks and need constant fixing. So before you choose, here are a few features that make all the difference.
Energy Efficiency Solutions
A quality sliding door brings natural light into your home while assisting in controlling indoor climate conditions.
- Thermal Break Technology blocks heat transfer through the frame, keeping your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter. This means less reliance on air conditioning and lower energy bills.
- Double-glazed glass adds an additional insulating barrier to your room and also reduces noise from the heavy traffic.
RS’s thermal break aluminium frames paired with double-glazed glass, create a year-round comfortable home environment.
Built for Australian Conditions
The harsh Australian climate includes hot summers and coastal salt air along with powerful storms. Your doors need to handle it all.
- Corrosion-resistant aluminium ensures your sliding doors won’t rust or warp, especially in coastal areas.
- Laminated or tempered glass enhances strength to endure severe weather conditions and increases security levels.
RS sliding doors maintain perfect condition throughout the years because of their weather-resistant coatings.
Security Matters
Sliding doors require easy access for homeowners while preventing unauthorised entry.
- Multi-point locking systems prevent forced entry through doors by providing additional security measures.
Standard single locks present security risks through easy manipulation, yet RS sliding doors incorporate advanced multi-lock mechanisms that enhance home protection.
Designed to Fit Your Space
A well-designed sliding door system should seamlessly integrate into your space while delivering both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality.
- Slimline frames provide maximum glass coverage to create uninterrupted views combined with a sleek modern appearance.
RS’s slimline sliding doors create a near-frameless appearance that allows more natural light to enter and establishes a continuous flow between indoor and outdoor spaces.
At this point, you probably know almost everything about aluminium sliding doors. As one of Australia’s leading aluminium windows and doors suppliers, we manufacture and design sliding doors that look great, last long and help with energy efficiency.
If you're ready to upgrade your space with aluminium sliding doors, talk to our RS team today. We'll help you find the perfect fit for your home or business. Get in touch for expert advice and a free consultation!
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