uPVC Sliding Doors: Your Top Questions Answered

When it comes to selecting sliding doors for a building project – whether residential or commercial – form must follow function. It’s important to ally aesthetics with design, durability and sustainability considerations.

Thermotek uPVC sliding doors are becoming a popular choice for many homeowners and architects for this very reason. Their sleek design, energy efficiency, and ease of installation make them a clever solution for diverse spaces.

Yet questions remain for some around their functionality and exactly how they lower the carbon footprint of a space. We’ve answered your top questions below to help you understand why uPVC sliding door systems are a great solution for many buildings.

First off, what exactly is uPVC?

Before going deep, let’s first explore what uPVC actually is. uPVC stands for unplasticised Polyvinyl Chloride, a synthetic material widely used in the construction industry. However, unlike traditional PVC, uPVC is not softened with chemical plasticisers, making it more rigid and durable. It also gains strength when recycled.

uPVC is also renowned for its excellent insulation properties, resistance to weathering, and low maintenance requirements. These qualities make it a preferred construction material for doors, windows, and other building components.

What do uPVC sliding door systems entail?

Simply put, uPVC sliding doors are a type of window door system where panels slide horizontally along a track to open or close.

They are typically installed in spaces where traditional swinging doors may not be practical due to space constraints or design preferences, or where it is desirable to optimise natural light or a view. uPVC sliding doors offer a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces while maximising natural light and ventilation.

Thermotek Smart Slide systems can be designed and manufactured for any space, including very large dimensions.

In addition, our Lift & Slide system has been designed especially as a door for patios, balconies and gardens. The sash slides parallel to the fixed pane of glass, which means it does not occupy any extra space. This results in beautifully spacious rooms with optimal living comfort.

Are uPVC sliding doors sustainable?

uPVC sliding doors are considered environmentally friendly for several reasons. The first of these is longevity.  Thanks to their durability they have a long lifespan. We’ll look at this in more detail below.

It is also recyclable, and many manufacturers offer recycling programs to reuse uPVC materials at the end of their lifecycle. It has the rare quality of gaining more strength the first few times it is recycled.

Perhaps the most sustainable element of uPVC is its energy efficiency and its ability to improve the thermal performance of buildings.

The Australian National Construction Code (NCC) now mandates that new residences reach a 7-star NatHERS energy rating, plus achieve a Whole-of-Home rating.

uPVC sliding doors can contribute to energy conservation and lower carbon emissions associated with heating and cooling. In addition to their use in new builds, they can also be retrofitted to upgrade the overall energy efficiency of a property.

As Australia works towards Net Zero by 2050, enhancing energy efficiency means future proofing for even more stringent upcoming regulation in the fight against climate change.

In what way do uPVC sliding doors help achieve energy efficiency?

uPVC as a material is known for its excellent thermal insulation properties. The multi-chambered design of uPVC profiles helps to trap heat inside during colder months and keep interiors cool in the summer, leading to energy savings on heating and cooling bills.

The material also has low conductivity, which helps in preventing heat loss in colder months and keeps interiors cool during warmer months. Using double or triple glazing for the windows further enhances insulation and energy efficiency.

Are uPVC sliding doors airtight?

The effective sealing systems of Thermotek uPVC window and door systems play a crucial role in minimising air leaks, preventing drafts, and maintaining a controlled internal environment. All of these elements are essential for energy efficiency.

Thermotek lift and slide, and smart slide systems feature innovative locking mechanisms and high-quality sealing with no brushes. This combination of features not only leads to reduced heating in winter and less need for air conditioning in summer but also results in significant energy savings.

Lower energy consumption translates to reduced utility bills and a smaller carbon footprint for the building, making Thermotek uPVC double glazed windows a highly effective option for enhancing energy efficiency in all kinds of building projects.

Do uPVC sliding doors require much maintenance?

uPVC is a famously durable, robust material that can withstand harsh weather conditions – strong UV exposure, rain and wind – without deteriorating.

Australia is particularly demanding when it comes to weather. Thermotek combines world-class German engineering with local manufacturing in Melbourne, tailoring the uPVC window and door profiles to Australian conditions. Our uPVC frames have been certified by the Vinyl Council of Australia as being able to withstand the toughest conditions.

They withstand high temperatures, intense sunlight and coastal air without deteriorating. This longevity reduces the need for frequent maintenance or replacements and ensures that they maintain their functionality and appearance for years to come.

Unlike wooden doors that require periodic painting, staining, or sealing, uPVC sliding doors are virtually maintenance-free. They do not rot, warp, or corrode, and a simple wipe-down with soapy water is usually sufficient to keep them clean and looking new.

What about protection from intruders and noise?

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, uPVC sliding doors offer excellent noise proofing qualities. The insulation properties of uPVC, coupled with multiple layers of glazing, help reduce external noise, creating a quieter and more serene indoor environment.

In addition, the tight sealing ensures that there are no gaps for sound to pass through and that the entire unit acts as an effective sound barrier.

Are uPVC sliding doors versatile when it comes to design?

With sleek profiles and a variety of finishes and colours to choose from, Thermotek uPVC sliding doors can complement any architectural style or interior décor, combining style with sustainability.

How do uPVC sliding door systems compare to thermally broken aluminium and wooden sliding doors?

When comparing uPVC sliding doors to thermally broken aluminium, uPVC is generally more cost effective. In addition, uPVC will be more cost-effective in the long run as it provides more superior energy efficiency compared to thermally broken aluminium. Aluminium needs to be thermally broken to lower its conductivity.

While wooden sliding doors offer a classic, natural aesthetic, they require more maintenance and are very susceptible to rotting, warping, and termite damage. uPVC sliding doors, on the other hand, require minimal upkeep and are more durable in the long run.

Do Thermotek uPVC sliding doors offer heat and fire resistance?

Yes. uPVC’s heat and fire resistance are crucial in Australia, where bushfires and high temperatures are common. Combining the uPVC profiles with double or triple glazing adds another layer of protection from embers.

A Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating of 40 is part of the Australian standards for building in bushfire-prone areas. All Thermotek windows are designed to meet BAL 40 requirements.

Find out more about how Thermotek Smart Slide systems can enhance the value of your building project. Contact us today.