Hi all. We are about to order windows and doors, but I have some concerns about a BIG stacker door we are planning to install. The engineering is all done, so no issues with weight. There will be one fixed panel, and 3 sliding stackers. They are BIG - 2800H x ~2000, so will be hefty (over 250kg each panel). The price, I'm afraid, is looking equally HEFTY!
I have found that many won't make panels this big.
Now, I'd looked at some "upmarket" makers, such as Paarhammer or Sustainable Construction Services (we're in Melbourne), but had considered them outa the ballpark on price. Interestingly, however, when I got a quote from a "middle range" timber group, there was perhaps only a maybe 10-15% saving to be had.
I was interesting if anyone has BIG sliding double glazed doors? I am concerned that:
- a "standard" running system won't cut it, and doors will be too heavy to budge. Will they warp over time?
- the more basic doors, when closed, only use a basic weather strip to seal between panels. This looks underdone to me, especially when we're talking big dollars for big double glazing.
- the fancier ones seem to utilise imported (German and other) "lift and slide" fancy mechanisms, and they also have locking systems that lock the panels to each other when closed (for security and weather sealing).
- fancier ones use properly thermally broken aluminium, or timber alone for frames.
Can anyone advise on knowledge or actual experience? I'd hate to blow the best part of 20k on the main feature of the house, only to wish I should have pushed the budget a further 5k!
All the best.
Mat