Choosing the right sliding door manufacturer is a crucial decision for any homeowner or architect, as it influences the aesthetic appeal, functionality, and energy efficiency of a space.
In Australia, where climate conditions can be extreme, selecting high-quality sliding doors can transform a home. It’s also possible to ‘bring the outside in’ without compromising on functionality, insulation and sustainable design.
Here are some essential factors to consider when selecting the right sliding door manufacturer for either a residential or commercial project.
1. Quality of Materials
The material chosen for the construction of sliding doors significantly impacts their performance and longevity.
Thermotek, a leader in the window industry, offers a range of innovative sliding systems that can be fully customised to large spaces. They also utilise uPVC (unplasticised polyvinyl chloride) for the frames; a material renowned for its durability, thermal insulation properties, and low maintenance requirements.
Unlike traditional PVC, uPVC is not softened with chemical plasticisers, making it more rigid and durable. It also possesses the rare quality of getting stronger the next few times it is recycled, making it a highly viable sustainable material.
2. Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is now a critical consideration, especially in a country like Australia that has committed to achieving Net Zero by 2050. Designing energy efficiency into the envelope of a building is not only sustainable for the environment; it also future-proofs it against soaring utility bills in an unpredictable market.
When choosing a sliding door manufacturer, it’s essential to consider whether the construction and materials enable superior thermal performance that will slash energy requirements.
Thermotek uPVC sliding doors are designed to improve the thermal performance of buildings, contributing to energy conservation and lower carbon emissions associated with heating and cooling.
uPVC has low thermal conductivity, which means it doesn’t easily transfer heat. This helps in maintaining a consistent indoor temperature by reducing heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer.
The uPVC window profiles in our sliding door systems also have multiple internal chambers that create barriers to heat transfer. These chambers trap air, which is a poor conductor of heat, thereby enhancing the insulation properties of the window.
All Thermotek sliding doors are also available in either double or triple glazing. The layers of glass and the inert gas trapped between them provide additional insulation, significantly reducing the transfer of heat through the window.
3. Spacious Open Living
Of course, a key reason to install sliding doors is to beautifully open up a space to natural light and good weather.
Thermotek Smart Slide windows are sleek and stylish thanks to their modern design that seamlessly integrates with contemporary architecture. These windows feature slim sightlines and large glass surfaces, maximising natural light and offering unobstructed views. They can be manufactured in a short time frame, to very large dimensions.
Our Lift & Slide systems have been specially designed for patios, balconies and gardens. Even in very large sizes, the sliding doors can be opened and closed with minimal effort, with wide opening angles for a barrier-free transition. The sash slides parallel to the pane of glass, which means it doesn’t take up any extra space.
The stable and sophisticated hidden hardware behind our windows not only enhances their functionality but also contributes to their sophisticated appearance, making them an attractive choice to elevate both an internal living space and the façade.
Our clean, minimalist frames are available in various finishes and colours, allowing for customisation to match any aesthetic.
4. Compliance with Standards
It’s important to check that your chosen sliding door manufacturer can help you meet the current energy efficiency requirements of the Australian National Construction Code (NCC).
This mandates that new residences achieve a 7-star NatHERS energy rating plus a Whole-of-Home rating.
Thanks to their innate energy efficiency, Thermotek sliding door systems are able to help achieve this.
Compliance across the board not only ensures safety and quality but also future-proofs buildings for sustainability and more stringent upcoming regulations.
5. Options for Customisation
A good sliding door manufacturer should offer a variety of customisation options to match different architectural styles and design preferences.
Our Smart Slide and Lift & Slide systems can be tailored to any space, including very large dimensions.
These systems offer seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces while maximising natural light and ventilation.
6. Low Maintenance
Before deciding on sliding doors for either a residential or commercial build, carefully consider the maintenance needs of the product.
uPVC sliding doors, such as those manufactured by Thermotek, are known for their low maintenance. Unlike wooden doors that require periodic painting, staining, or sealing, uPVC sliding doors do not rot, warp, or corrode. A simple wipe-down with soapy water is usually sufficient to keep them clean and looking new.
7. Security Features
Security is a paramount concern for any building. Thermotek’s modern uPVC sliding doors are equipped with advanced locking mechanisms and reinforced frames, enhancing security and peace of mind for homeowners.
When combined with double or triple glazing, these doors also offer excellent noise-proofing qualities, creating a quieter and more serene indoor environment.
8. Resistance to Harsh Weather
Australia’s weather can be demanding, with strong UV exposure, rain, and wind.
Thermotek combines world-class German engineering with local manufacturing in Melbourne, tailoring the uPVC window and door profiles to Australian conditions.
These doors can withstand high temperatures, intense sunlight, and coastal air without deteriorating, ensuring they maintain their functionality and appearance for years to come.
In bushfire-prone areas, fire resistance is also a crucial consideration. Thermotek’s uPVC sliding doors are designed to meet the Australian standards for building in such areas, with a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating of 40. This feature provides an additional layer of protection, combining uPVC profiles with double or triple glazing to guard against embers.
9. Sustainable Construction Methods
In addition to materials, sustainable construction practices are coming more and more under the microscope. Not only are Thermotek uPVC sliding doors more environmentally friendly due to their longevity and recyclability; we also factor sustainability into every step of production.
At Thermotek, we manufacture our sliding doors in an ecological, sustainable way, in our warehouse in Melbourne. All our products are Lead-Free, 100% recyclable and low-impact.
Our Sustainability Philosophy also includes the Thermotree Program, which means we plant trees for every client order. We kicked it off by planting 600 trees, helping to fight Greenhouse gases by taking carbon dioxide from the air and converting it into life-giving oxygen.
10. Long-Term Cost Benefits
While initial costs are important, consider the long-term value and savings of the sliding doors that you’re investing in. Sustainable design and superior thermal performance will save you down the track, rather than get you a quick win.
Thermotek uPVC sliding door systems have inherent high-performance features and low maintenance requirements that make them a great investment, with long-term reductions in utility bills adding to their desirability.
It’s Time to Choose Thermotek
As we’ve seen, choosing the right sliding door manufacturer requires careful consideration of multiple factors that will impact the home in the long term; whether it’s a private home, multi-residential or commercial.
Thermotek stands out as a leading choice, offering high-quality uPVC sliding doors that cater to versatile projects and spaces while ensuring durability, energy efficiency, and security.
For more information on how Thermotek sliding door systems can enhance your building project with both sustainability and style, contact Thermotek today.
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