Inline or lift and slide patio doors are modern sliding doors with two different methods of opening. We explain the differences to help you understand these modern aluminium sliding doors better.
Inline or Lift and Slide Patio Doors. Are they the same?
The short answer is yes. Visually at least. When choosing between inline or lift and slide patio doors, there are few visual differences between the two. See them closed or open and you would be hard pushed to tell the difference.
It is how the doors open that differentiates a lift and slide patio door between an inline.
The benefits of both inline or lift and slide patio doors.
Whether you choose the familiar inline sliding door or the latest lift and slide you get the same great benefits found in aluminium sliding patio doors.
- Space saving. Sliding doors sit within their frame. They do not project outwards or inwards like bifolding or hinged doors.
- Virtually any size of door. Small or large apertures are possible with both inline or lift and slide patio doors.
- Huge choice of colours.
- A secure, reliable and very weather resistant product.
- Great energy efficiency.
How do inline sliding patio doors work?
An inline sliding patio door is the door you are probably the most familiar with. You unlock the door with the key or from the patio door handle and pull or push the door to your desired position.
Inline sliding doors sit within their frame held in place at the top and bottom as well as the side when closed. The door sits directly onto its rollers.
Inline sliding doors come in a huge choice of sizes from small balcony patio doors to expansive sliding doors at six metres wide with only two panels.
How do lift and slide patio doors work?
Lift & Slide Doors patio doors are not new but more popular today thanks to substantially improved components and door ‘gearing’.
With a lift and slide doors, the sliding panel in the closed position sits directly onto its track. Rather than use the weight of the doors to move them, like an inline, lift and slide doors lift the door panel onto its rollers. Here is how they work:
- Turn the handle 180 degrees to lift the system onto the track or the rollers.
- When the door is raised, friction on the door track is vastly reduced.
- Move the doors to the desired position.
- To close the doors simply slide to closed and rotate the handle in the opposite direction to rest the doors into position.
Lift and slide doors have one unique feature over most inline sliding doors.
Therefore, if both inline or lift and slide patio doors offer the same benefits in the home, which is the better product? For us, it comes down to your personal choice and budget. Lift and slide doors are slightly more expensive than inline sliding patio doors.
However, there is one great feature found in lift and slide doors that may help you swing to these doors.
When the lift and slide doors are open to your desired position you can lock them in this position. Simply turn the handle in the opposite direction and the doors sit back down on the track, held in place. This is something most inline sliding doors cannot do.
A great feature for preventing children from operating the doors. Locking the doors in an open position also prevents accidental moving, not to mention partially open doors are locked in place and providing ventilation.
Aluminium inline or lift and slide patio doors from Newlite.
At Newlite, we offer both lift and slide as well as inline sliding patio doors. Our Visoglide sliding doors offer value, convenience and a slimline 35mm mullion. AluK doors are also excellent with impressive thermal credentials and a 45mm mullion.
Our sliding doors work in your home, whether you replace your old doors, as part of a new orangery extension or for your new build project. Contact us today for a free quotation and more information.
