Sliding Doors Exeter
How Glazing Choices Impact Your Sliding Doors
The Importance of How Your Sliding Doors Are Glazed
Devonshire Windows has been installing sliding doors in Exeter for over 30 years.
Sliding doors are popular for their sleek frames and expansive views, creating a bright, airy atmosphere and a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Over time, advancements in technology have transformed the glazing options available for sliding doors. Previous bulky frames and interrupted views have been replaced by sleek, high-performance systems that are able to accommodate individual panels as wide as 6 meters.
Dry Glazed Sliding Doors
Dry glazing is a technique used in most doors and windows to secure double or triple-glazed units. A glazing bead is clipped or attached to the inside of the frame to keep the glass in place. While many sliding door systems still rely on this method, applying a dry glazing bead on all four sides can hinder the ultra-slim sightlines, therefore some manufacturers have developed alternative approaches for a sleek, minimalist appearance.
Structurally Bonded Sliding Doors
For ultra-slim sliding doors that can’t accommodate a glazing bead, many manufacturers use adhesive to bond the glass directly to the frame. This method not only ensures smooth operation but also maintains a slim profile for an uninterrupted view. These doors are known as structurally bonded systems, but they do have drawbacks. The use of permanent adhesive means that if replacement is needed, the entire sliding panel—including both the glass and frame—must be removed as a single unit. This reliance on the original supplier can pose challenges if they go out of business or if the door range is discontinued, potentially requiring a full system replacement.
Semi-Bonded Sliding Doors
An alternative to structurally bonded sliding doors is a semi-bonded sliding door. This means the glass is bonded only at the interlock where the panels meet, while the remaining three sides are secured with a glazing bead. While this results in a somewhat larger outer frame, it still offers a clear view with central sightlines as narrow as 20mm. Additionally, this method makes repairs easier, as only the glass pane needs replacement instead of the entire panel.
In fully bonded systems, only the original supplier can replace the glass since the entire panel must be changed, which can be problematic if the manufacturer is out of business. Whereas with semi-bonded systems any door or window company to replace the glass. The removable glazing beads make it easy to swap the old glass for a new sealed unit, simplifying repairs and reducing dependence on the original supplier.
Understanding how your sliding door is glazed is essential for making the right choice based on your needs and preferences. For more information or to enquire about our sliding doors, contact us at Devonshire Windows. We supply and install sliding doors in Exeter and the surrounding areas.
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Whether you have a new build project, or you are renovating your existing home, get in touch with our design team at Devonshire Windows to discuss your project requirements.
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