Aluminum sliding patio doors and bi-fold doors – which system will be right for you?

Currently, the fenestration market has many systems of aluminum patio sliding doors, so you can always find something for yourself. However, you are probably wondering which solution best suits your project and ponder which aspects are important while choosing the system. To make your decision easier, we have prepared a comparison of lift-and-slide, frameless, bi-fold and classic sliding patio door systems.

After reading this article you will know:

• What are the advantages of aluminum models over uPVC
• How the MB-77HS Monorail system differs from the MB-77HS Standard system
• Which aluminum sliding system will match your investment
• What to do if you prefer more economical solutions

What’s in favor of aluminum?

• aluminum is characterized by greater durability compared to uPVC or wood, often looks better aesthetically, but above all, it is more resistant to weather conditions or scratches, while requiring less maintenance
• aluminum systems allow larger structures to be made, which is suitable for current architectural trends
• the price difference between aluminum and uPVC sliding doors in the current market conditions has become so small that it is not worth to buy uPVC with inferior quality, because aluminum systems are only 20% more expensive
• according to the experience of our partners, aluminum constructions are subject to the smallest number of complaints

MB-77HS Monorail vs MB-77HS Standard

Our firm favorite is the lift and slide Monorail, which usually meets the demands of most of our partners. So let’s compare it with the classic 2-wing from the same system provider.

Frame of MB-77HS vs frame of Monorail

Advantages of MB-77HS Monorail

• its more favorable thermal performance and air tightness allow you to save on heating, in this version of lift and slide patio doors there is more glass, which is a better insulator than aluminum, thus the U-Factor coeffcient of MB-77HS coefficient is lower by up to 0.04 Btu/h·ft2·F than the standard model, and significantly more light enters the room
• MB-77HS Monorail is about 6% cheaper than MB-77HS Standard

Disadvantages of MB-77HS Monorail

• the structure is visually asymmetrical, you must discuss this aspect with the end customer or architect
• the standard MB-77HS has more design options, while the Monorail can only be produced in the A, C or G opening scheme

Detailed comparison of aluminum sliding patio doors systems

Before you decide to buy sliding systems, you need to remember that their installation is definitely different from the assembly of standard windows and requires the participation of a qualified installation team. To illustrate:

• it is important to take care of accurate levelling or appropriate force when attaching anchors or screws, so as not to bend the frames, any bending of them even by 0.08 in will result in the sash not moving smoothly, and it may even jam when trying to slide it
• frameless systems have wings glued into the frame with silicone, so they are not glazed like other systems, because the whole glazed wings are inserted right into the frame

Due to transport or technical circumstances, the frame may be dismantled into parts, and then you or your installation team must assemble the structure so that it is even and the wings can be easily inserted. But fret not, our team will help you decide which transport option will be best for you – with the frames disassembled separately into parts or not.

As for security, burglar protection can be upgraded in any system for an extra charge. As we mentioned above in frameless systems, the glass is glued in, so it is difficult to remove it, however, you need to make sure that the manufacturer does not use exterior glazing, because if the glass is not glued in then a prepared burglar, can easily remove it. debesto, however, increases anti-theft protection by recommending and using safety glass – mainly tempered or laminated.

Comparing other systems to lift and slide doors, prices are as follows:

• Panoramic (frameless sliding doors) – approx. 50% more expensive
• Bi-fold – approx. 10% more expensive
• Slide – approx. 40% cheaper

*In terms of price differences – we compare all constructions with lift and slide doors, with dimensions of 9 ft 10.11 in x 7 ft 2.61 in, opening scheme A, tempered glass, without electric drive

Lift-and-slide patio doors

• will work well both in a single-family home and in apartments or hotels
• will allow you to save space, because its sash opens parallel to the wall
• can have a very low threshold or even be thresholdless, so it is suitable for children and people who have problems with mobility, in addition, it can be easily opened or closed
• its sashes can be as large in structural size as frameless systems, but they are more massive, even when a narrow center mullion is used
• achieves the best thermal performance among the compared systems
• microventilation can be added so the lift and slide doors slightly unseal
• a good solution for investments with not the highest budget

Panoramic frameless sliding patio doors in the premium segment

• apart from its traditional use as a building element for terraces, balconies or conservatories, the panoramic is also suitable for commercial or public use buildings
• particularly well-liked by architects and clients who want a minimalist look and as much glazing as possible, which at the same time maintains favorable thermal properties
• in the panoramic patio doors, it is possible to fully hide the frames around the perimeter (including the threshold), and glazing occupies about 94% of the surface of the entire structure
• the system allows for elegant finishes, such as a handle hidden in the center mullion

Bi-fold patio doors — harmonica system

• if you want a total opening, along with the greatest passage of light, this system is the ideal option
• compared to other systems, it does not provide such good air tightness, because there is only a brush at the bottom of the sash, which can cause draft, so it is rather suitable for public places (for example, a café) than houses (unless they are located in a mild climate)
• the most frequent subject of complaints due to their complicated mechanism (the right bolts must hit the rail for the door to close, which is easy to disrupt), because of this they are also more difficult to operate

Slide – basic sliding patio doors

• the least technologically advanced system that fits locations with mild climates that do not require high airtightness and temperature protection – such as in the Mediterranean or the south of France
• worth considering it if you care about the lowest possible price and do not have high aesthetic requirements, however, their use increases the likelihood that you will have to repair or maintain them due to their lower quality
• check whether the local building code, allows for the system to be of U-Factor higher than 0.30

All the aforementioned systems are powder-coated, covered with a coating imitating the texture of wood, or anodized, allowing you to choose colors from the RAL palette that is rich in tones. You can also select different finishes, such as glossy or matte.

A more cost-effective solution?

For low-budget projects, we recommend the smart sliding system – Gealan Smoovio or Aluplast Smart Slide. If you have other questions related to uPVC patio sliding patio doors, check out our article where we compare uPVC tilt and slide doors, lift and slide doors and Smart-Slide systems.

As you can see, the purchase of an aluminum sliding system is a significant investment, which additionally requires cooperation with experienced patio door installers, as well as logisticians, who must take great care of the transportation of such a structure – but you can leave all shipping (and other) issues to debesto.

Still have some doubts about aluminum patio doors?

Arrange a free consultation with our technologists.

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