Lift-sliding door vs 2 double doors
We are planning to install a lift-slide door in the living room instead of 2 double doors next to each other, each opening inward on both sides (don't know the name right now).
These are the only windows in the living room, and we only have a window in the open kitchen on the first floor.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a lift and slide door compared to 2 double doors?
Answers
A good alternative would also be folding glass walls.
Advantage:
Complete opening over the entire width
Disadvantage:
Increased price
Some space to open and close (Our folds to the outside)
You can pinch your hands (might be too risky for some parents).
Given the choices at hand, I would prefer the sliding solution.
We have two HSTs, but each only 2.7m in total width. Even the "gross" 1.35m clearance is so much that we never actually open it fully in practice. In short, a narrow opening is actually quite sufficient.
What you should consider with HST is the not insignificant frame portion. It is best to get profile cross-sections for this. I didn't have that on my radar and was a bit disillusioned that it looks significantly different than the neighboring fixed glazing.
I have an HST with a sliding door that is 2.50 long and floor to ceiling. I would much rather have had a regular door and the rest of me HST. I find it annoying to always have to open the sliding door. If a normal door is then even $ 5000 cheaper, then I do not know why I would take the HST at all
Advantages:
Takes up little space when open
Modern appearance
More connection between "inside and outside" if the width of the opening is large enough.
Disadvantages:
More expensive
Requires a minimum width to achieve real efficiency
Perhaps complex opening mechanisms (especially if it will be lift, sliding, hinged doors) are not understood by everyone (especially children) and are sometimes prone to defects.
Very heavy for the size of children.
The installation will be hellish, but it will be done by craftsmen, not yourself.
