If your only experience with patio doors is older sliding models, stepping up to a lift and slide door is a massive upgrade regarding operation and performance. 

The hardware in lift-slide systems is much more robust and allows the door in the lifted position to glide effortlessly. In the locked position, it drops and is extra secure and weather-sealed. An integrated soft close function can further enhance operation with a safety feature to ensure a soft close that prevents injury or damage. With better performing glazing it also makes these great for maximizing the energy performance of your house which leads to better overall comfort.

These doors are available in similar finishes as windows (wood, aluminum, and UPVC. While they can have flush sills and a high wind exposure rating, it does make sense to provide roof overhangs still to protect them from the onslaught of coastal rain that we experience here in the Northern Coastal range of Oregon.

Lift and slide doors are custom-designed to your projects’ requirements. Typically they feature an operable panel and fixed section, which can be quite large. Usually, if the operable section gets to be bigger than 4 ft the weight can be substantial, and even if the operation is effortless, installation can be more of a challenge.

Overall, if your dream custom residence features an amazing view of the Columbia River, The Megler Bridge, or an ocean seascape, you should maximize it. This product is a great way to have a functional door that has amazing optics, performance, and ease of use and will give you maximum glazing.

Tilt/Turn windows are typically used in Europe but are not as common here. So, why should you care? Let’s point out a few reasons why you should consider these windows for your custom house.

PERFORMANCE

First, because these are a European product they are produced under stricter energy codes, so high performance is expected on these windows. Triple glazing is the norm, with multiple seals on the operable units for controlling air leakage, and with thermal breaks, these windows have R-values high above typical domestic double-glazed windows. Also, because these windows are flange-less, they install differently than typical windows, but this allows for fewer shims and better air-sealing around the product. Water management is also addressed with built-in weeps.

CUSTOM

Custom sizes are expected and not an upcharge. You order what you want and it’s made to the size and shape you want. This allows you to get larger windows too. If you need storm glass, or tempered glass that is not a problem. Window hardware is also very customizable.

The material options are typically uPVC (which is an unplasticized PVC – more stable than vinyl), aluminum, and wood with cladding options. There are many color choices for aluminum cladding and color and material options for foil facing on uPVC. The finish qualities are high on the standard products and match up with higher-level products from domestic sources.

EASE OF USE & SAFETY

The Tilt/Turn function works like this. The window tilts in and opens at the top for venting and it doesn’t obscure the view. This allows for a screen on the exterior, and an open window that no child can fall through (with the addition of a sash limiter), or an intruder can get in through. The turn function allows the window to fully turn in (typically for ease of cleaning the exterior of the window from the inside – with the screen left on). Typically for egress-required locations the best domestic product available is casement windows, but tilt/turn windows open faster from the fully locked position. Robust hardware also provides multiple lock points making these much more secure when locked.

COST

Part of the process of using these European windows is to go through a domestic consultant or rep from the company. They look at your overall window design and help you make sure you are getting the best bang for your buck. Part of the overall cost is a flat-rate shipping charge that can be around $6,000. This means that this is not a source for a project only requiring a few windows. However, even with the shipping charges these windows can be feasible when high-performance windows are desired when compared to domestic windows.

Next up:

LIFT & SLIDE DOORS

If your only experience with patio doors is older sliding models, stepping up to a lift and slide door is a massive upgrade regarding operation and performance.  The hardware in lift-slide systems is much more robust and allows the door in the lifted position to glide effortlessly. In the locked position, it drops and is extra secure and weather-sealed. An integrated soft close function can further enhance operation with a safety feature to ensure a soft close that prevents injury or damage. With better performing glazing it also makes these great for maximizing the energy performance of your house which Read More …