What is the maximum working width of a patio door?
We're building a house, and the floor plan only has floor-to-ceiling windows, so there are balcony doors almost everywhere. So all the rooms, both downstairs and upstairs, as well as those in the living room.
These are triple-glazed plastic doors, in the shell they are 112.5 cm wide x 252 cm high. These are really big doors that will be used all the time. Standing for a long time, will be in a tilted position.
These are our concerns:
Doors of this size are very heavy. Can they withstand constant use for decades? Or is it better to go back to the 100 cm width? Do any of you have experience with these doors and constant use?
Manufacturers even offer doors up to 120 cm wide, but they are usually too optimistic in their quality characteristics – aren't they?
Answers
The hole in the wall is 112.5 cm wide. Then yes, there is a frame, etc., so your patio door sash will have to be 100 to 104 cm wide. That's the norm.
Up to 120 cm is certainly not the maximum size, but it's already a lot for a single sheet. Practical sizes are 87.5 / 100 / 112.5 cm – and 112.5 is highly recommended. It is still easy to handle, and you can walk across it with a tray without fear of hitting your elbows.
The height in the envelope dimension assumes that this includes not only the bottom overlap of the floor structure, but also the roller shutter box. Without the latter, a height greater than 240 cm would be a special size for many manufacturers with significant additional costs. In this regard, I assume a sash height of no more than 220 cm.
Windows, by the way, are windows by trade. They are made for it, learned to do it, and can stand it – being open and closed is part of it. The hardware and hinges take into account that you can make French windows in different sizes, too. The hinges tilt open no farther than on windows from window sill height, in degrees relative to height even less.
