Epwin’s PatioMaster PVC-U sliding door system has passed enhanced weather performance testing carried out by Element, an independent global provider of testing, inspection and certification services.

Based on a two-pane sliding door with heavy-duty steel, the PatioMaster sliding door has achieved 300pa water tightness Class 7a, 600Pa air tightness Class 2 and 1600 Pa wind loading Class A4.

According to Epwin, this wind loading performance reflects how sliding patio doors are used today, which means PatioMaster is a ‘superior solution’ for coastal or high-rise properties.

Phil Parry, business development director at Epwin, said: ”For us, it’s not just about passing these tests, but ensuring that we uphold the highest standards and deliver consistent product performance to give our customers a market-leading advantage. This latest test achievement demonstrates the technical superiority of the PatioMaster door and coupled with latest product developments, it is a PVC-U sliding door system that is leading the market.”

The PatioMaster system is reported to be 33% stronger by design due to its reinforcing capability, with an interlock that prevents intruders from prising open the panes to gain entry. The system is said to offer ‘exceptional’ thermal performance and its sash profile increases the variety of glazing options to 28mm and 36mm (which is triple glazed).

In terms of aesthetics, the door’s interlock sightline perfectly aligns with the opposing sash and it is available in 19 stocked colour finishes, plus 30 made to order colour options.

Uniquely in the market, there are five complementary base colours: white, tan, brown, cream and grey, which are used with single coloured foil options to retain a high-end aesthetics when the doors are open.

All doors are fitted with the Yale 6 point lock as standard and Epwin will be introducing a new Yale 10 point PAS 24 locking system shortly. This high-security locking system delivers the equivalent of a standard lock plus additional shootbolts at the top and bottom of the sash.