Sheerline has launched a new lift & slide patio door. Glass Times takes a closer look at the latest product in the Prestige range.

The concept of the patio door is not new. The style we’re familiar with today is thought to originate from traditional Japanese shoji, which can be anything from a sliding door to a window – it’s essentially a room partition.

They gained popularity sometime between the early 20th century and the pre-war period and have remained a firm favourite of homeowners ever since.

The products available today however, are unrecognisable compared to early designs. And it’s not just the look that has evolved, the technology behind them has changed too.

Sheerline is no stranger to doing things differently. When the company was founded, it was with a view to revolutionising the aluminium industry by overcoming issues that affected manufacturers, fabricators, installers, and homeowners.

Since then, the company has been recognised for its’ award-winning aluminium products. Sheerline offers a fresh approach, which is supported by a wealth of experience

So, how has Sheerline transformed the humble patio door?

Down to the Detail:

Sheerline’s products feature slim sightlines, exceptional thermal efficiency (through its proprietary Thermlock technology), and the ability to mix and match products from different ranges.

They also have high levels of security built in as standard – the new Prestige lift & slide patio has PAS24 accreditation β€˜straight out of the box’.

This means it has passed rigorous testing to ensure it can resist the type of attack typically associated with opportunistic criminals. For example, it features high-security interlocks that bind sashes together to prevent intruders from gaining entry.

Sheerline’s Prestige lift & slide patio has also been specifically designed to accommodate as many applications as possible, from replacement installations to new builds or extensions.

It’s also designed to operate β€˜flawlessly’ at any size (up to 6.5m wide unjointed, with a maximum height of 2.5m), using proven easy glide hardware. Sashes can be as heavy as 400kg, covering the very largest triple glazed requirements.

As well as the normal range of 12 colours, custom and non-stock colour options are also available on short lead-times, as all products are powder coated in-house. In addition, dual colour specifications are delivered on the same timescales, thanks to Sheerline’s unique profile construction.

The Prestige lift & slide patio is reported to be up to 31% slimmer than other products on the market. The option of a 52mm slim interlock helping to maximise the views that homeowners value so much.

It also features a unique retracting hook-lock with flush-fitting keeps, which eliminate protruding locking pegs. This adds style and security while reducing the likelihood of snagging.

Smooth operator

The door has been designed to glide smoothly during operation due to the stainless-steel tracks it runs on and high-performance running gear. It also features in-built track wiping.

Most customer requirements can be accommodated through the dual and triple track options that are available, while a patented sealing design ensures doors remain weathertight against the worst of the UK’s weather. Four threshold options are also offered including a β€˜zero’ sunken option for sheltered installations.

The patio door has always been a popular option for homeowners wanting to update their property or add extra light, but now consumers want more. They want to achieve a specific aesthetic that will transform their homes.

At the same time, companies such as Sheerline are said to be pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Sheerline is not a β€˜this-will-do’ type of company. The team is committed to achieving exceptional results, with products that stand out.