Sliding aluminium doors

[Crumbelina]

Has anyone had any fitted recently/have any recommendations?

I went to Grand Designs with the intention of buying some nice £5k bifolds and saw the slimline sliding doors that cost double that figure - sigh ... Now I've seen them I can't unsee them, IYSWIM.

We've got quotes from companies such as ODC and IDSystems which have come in around £10k and my preference is to go with a bigger company given that it's such a huge amount of money, they're well established etc., come with a guarantee, are less likely to go out of business.

The other companies on my shortlist are less well known but I'm guessing they won't come out much cheaper. Companies such as Culmax, Cantifix, Sunvista, Fineline Aluminium, Slimline Aluminium, Panoramic Doors, Sky Glaze ... so many!

[AalyaSecura]

We went with Reynaers, also looked at Schuco, and Reynaers seemed v similar quality but a fair bit cheaper. Still a lot though!

[Crumbelina]

Oh interesting, thanks! I'd ruled out Reynaers as I didn't think the frames were thin enough, but I've just Googled again and discovered their 'Hi-finity' range. I bet they'll cost a packet but I've heard very good things about Reynaers ...

[johnd2]

Try Velfac, we did and they're very good and triple glazed for the same pricve as double.
We got a 4 pane, goes fixed, slider, fixed, swing.

[DustOffYourHighestHopes]

Don't use Slimine, feel free to pm me for more details.

[Crumbelina]

Thanks both! Dustoff, I've remembered your post on a recent thread about Slimline. I'll cross them off the list for quotes!

[DustOffYourHighestHopes]

Sorry to be vague. I hugely regret not going for a (slightly) more expensive quote from a large company like IQ or ID. My issues with slimline are not specific to my product order, I believe they would apply to any customer (particularly of a large order).

[Crumbelina]

Oh thank you, Nick, that's much appreciated! I've had a good look at your website which has been really helpful and your posts on other threads on MN.

The new Origin ones sounds very interesting, especially the competitive price bit! Unfortunately I think we might have to order soon as our Timber Frame is going up in early September with the brickwork following soon after. I'll get it touch with you via the website - some advice and recommendations would be really helpful. Apart from the big companies any others I Google for reviews either come up with nothing or words of warning.

[MrsBakedBean]

We used Kloeber (German design) and have triple glazing. Very pleased with it and great insulation accoustically and thermally.

[Crumbelina]

Thanks both! Currently waiting for the Timber Frame company to get back to us to confirm the maximum door size we can have. Nick, I caught your message before it was deleted (not sure why) but you've given me some good recommendations which I'll follow up. Thanks also for the contact, Through. Glad to hear that the new slimline Origin door look great in real life!

[Neolara]

We have ID system doors - a bifold, a 2 panel slider and a 3 panel slider. All great. We considered Kloeber but they didn't have a 3 panel slider..

[60evans]

Hi, I've read a couple of posts that mention Panoramic Doors but none that have actually had hem installed. Does anyone have any experience with them? We are looking to get them to install the slide and stack doors but the Terms and Conditions don't sound very customer friendly. Any thoughts?

[theweeknd]

I'd also be interested if anyone went with Panoramic Doors? I saw them at the HBR show.

[guilty100]

I'm using Smart Systems, manufactured by a local company. They've been great so far and much cheaper than many others.

[deebee1901]

Hi theweeknd.

I've added a message about Panoramic Doors on another post. Happy to discuss my experience if I can be of help. x

[Peednas]

In the same boat and needing to order some sliding doors in the next few weeks. Have looked at IDS, ODL, Maxlight and Fineline. Read few names in the post above, just wondering if any of the authors would continue to recommend their doors. And if there are any other recommendations. Looking to fill a gap which is 6 meters wide with three panes and slim interlock sight-lines. Also, worried that the tracks will be too deep or too wide, so would like to hear people's view on this as well.

[Humptynumpty02]

We're waiting for our Dutemann Glide-S sliding doors to be delivered and installed. 6m run, but only 2 panes of glass so less obstruction. Can't wait.

[Cmbhughes]

We’ve just had Hi Finity doors fitted (£18,000) and unfortunately though the doors are fab, the glass is pretty scratched. The chap from Renka who fitted them said they were the second worst case he’d ever seen. 4 months down the line we are still trying to get them to replace the two of the most badly scratched. There are some ex-display ones on eBay at the moment, but they too are scratched (minimal the seller says) but caused by transportation... It seems something in the supply chain is letting down an otherwise beautiful product

[LaParisiennne]

We looked at Dutemann, Schuco and Origin but have ordered from Architectural Vision Systems. They are being fitted in a couple of weeks so I will report back on how they are. It's a bit nerve wracking as I so want them to be perfect and they are v expensive. Doesn't help that the builder is not happy with us not using his windows guy and gives me an earful about it all the time!

[Cmbhughes]

It’s stressy - and SUCH a big expense. We compromised on all sorts of things except the doors. So we’re gutted about the scratching. My advice would be to make sure the windows have a protective film on when they’re being transported. Our Hi Finity doors came down from Manchester on the outside of a lorry with no protective film!!!
Good luck with the AVS doors. I’d be interested to know how you get on. How they transport them and if you think they’re worth the money.

[cava83]

Hi all, great thread. How are you getting on LaParisiennne ?

I am looking to do 5m x 2.1m for a new extension.

The builder wants to use his guys, but there is no info or spec about them.

The ones I have looked at so far is;

Origin
MaxLight

Got quotes from both, difference around £1000.

Schuco no quotes back yet.

Have not looked at Architectural Vision, will check them out.

It certainly is a stressful period, also getting kitchen quotes, 22k for a small kitchen :S yikes.

Look forward to hearing how people are getting on here.

Thanks,

Cava83

[Cmbhughes]

No progress with getting Renka to replace our badly scratched HiFinity units. They and Crystal who manufactured the glass, say the glass has been scratched since installation... sigh. They have nothing to say on the fact that some of the scratches disappear under the aluminium frames and have refused a challenge to come a demonstrate how they think 150 scratches in quite distinctive patterns could have happened.
We do have a site visit with Renka next week and we hope Reynaers, who have a decent reputation will be able to exert some influence on Renka, who are. approved installers. I’ll let you know how we get on

[cava83]

Getting quotes from around 9k to 22k, with everyone saying how much better they are than each other, rather amusing.

I am still leaning towards Origin for some reason. But been reading that they are very different to any other sliding door.

Reynaers look great, they have come in more expensive than Origin, but they are supposed to be amazing.

My other now wants built in shade/curtains for privacy. Need to work that out.

I hope you get your issues sorted with Renka, I will be asking for the stuff to be transported in an enclosed lorry/large van!

Do you have any pics of yours? Would be great to see.