Wide appeal in sliding patio hardware
John Crittenden, managing director of Carl F Groupco, discusses the popularity of sliding patio door systems and explains why having a hardware partner that offers a wide choice of robust product options is essential for a product that relies on quality, style and reliability.
The surge in popularity of the sliding patio door is interesting. The intelligent design and flexibility of sliding patio doors means you can achieve an impressive glass to frame ratio to deliver on today’s trend for larger glass areas.
This means fewer vertical frames to interrupt the view compared to a closed bi-folding door and, let’s face it, with the unpredictable British climate, external patio doors are more likely to be closed than open!
Whether manufactured in PVC-U or aluminium, sliding patio doors have become integral to space maximisation and aspirational living requirements. And with a choice of doors being fitted in wide or small apertures or as internal room dividers, the versatility of sliding patio doors is second to none.
For fabricators and installers, a critical part of supplying high-quality sliding patio doors is the choice of hardware on the doors. As an independent hardware distributor, we stock an extensive range of sliding patio hardware to suit all customers’ projects and price points.
As one of the industry’s major stockists of Roto hardware, we have seen a sharp upturn in sales of the innovative Inowa sliding door hardware thanks to its enhanced functionally and high-security options.
Designed to fit both aluminium and PVC-U sliding doors including the popular Aluplast Smart-Slide door system, Inowa is popular for new build installations and renovation projects as the products meet many stringent regulations. This includes rain and air permeability testing to BS EN 13126-17 and the ability to achieve PAS 24 security making it one of the best solutions for air/water tightness from a sliding system.
As with all Roto Hardware products, the Inowa patio range is also supplied with Grade 5 corrosion resistance as standard which assists with its suitability for coastal and high-rise installations, such as sliding doors leading out onto exposed balconies. Furthermore, the hardware keeps the sash tightly sealed in bad weather conditions thanks to the circumferential gasket and active locking points.
The intelligently designed patio hardware ensures the customer requires minimum effort when moving the sashes, up to 400kg in weight, as the closing movement is perpendicular to the frame profile and the roller bearings mean that it is not necessary to lift the sash.
Soft functionality also gently supports the sash when coming to a stop in the opening or closed position, ensuring safe opening for the customer. And with simple assembly and competitive pricing, the Inowa patio range ticks all the boxes.
Similarly, the Alversa tilt and slide hardware is also popular and works on all profile materials. The hardware has a comfort operated tilt mode which is handle operated along with a secure tilt ventilation which is important for improved air circulation.
The high security hardware is PAS24 compliant, even with night ventilation, and is simple and quick to assemble.
Our range of sliding patio hardware is comprehensive, and we hold large stocks from our cutting-edge Peterbourgh distribution centre to support our growing customer base.
