Architects and homeowners worldwide love large glazings. They offer undisturbed views, let plenty of natural light in and – in many cases – allow easy access to the garden, terrace or balcony. One of the window structures that combines all these features is a uPVC Aluplast smart sliding door.
Aluplast Smart-slide is a new generation of sliding patio doors. It’s an attractive alternative to PSK and HST sliding doors, as well as a great solution for residential and commercial buildings. The system achieves very good results in air permeability, wind pressure resistance and waterproofing as well as security. In addition, it’s easy to operate and visually appealing, which makes it meet the demands of modern architecture.
Sliding doors systems: From PSK to smart-slide patio doors
To understand the impact of smart sliding doors on the joinery market, we have to discuss other solutions first. Not so long ago, homeowners looking for sliding doors had their choice limited to two options – tilt and slide doors (PKS system) and lift and slide doors (HST system). The first one was problematic in use for those who tried to open it without knowledge of how to do it properly. Besides, the lack of a handle from the external side makes it an issue for most of the users. Obviously, the price of the PSK sliding door is the lowest compared to all sliding systems. Aluplast Smart-Slide which is free from the technological issues, easy to operate even by the child and has outstanding insulation performance (U-value <0.9 W/m2*K), costs around 30% higher than the PSK sliding door.
Smart-slide filled the gap between economical PSK-type doors and less affordable HST type doors. The system offers better functionality and higher comfort of operation in relation to PSK sliding doors and – at the same time – a competitive price in relation to HST doors which is around 15% more expensive. These features translate into growing popularity and rising number of installations of smart-slide doors in residential buildings worldwide. The best price of the smart-slide you can have for the openings up to 3000 mm on the width.
Are you looking for sliding doors that will be perfect for your home? Do you want to upscale your property with a functional, elegant and energy efficient solution? Learn more about smart-slide doors and check how their installation will change your home.
How does a smart sliding door work?
Calling a smart sliding door a new generation of doors sets the bar really high. But is the system going to meet your expectations in terms of the opening and closing mechanism, insulation and design? We have no doubts it will!
Smart-slide was created with functionality in mind. To open the door, you just need to twist the handle up. A sash will move away a bit from the frame so that you can move it towards the other sash, which is often immovable. This operation doesn’t require much force. Smart sliding glass door is easy to operate for elderly people as well as children. Everyone can benefit from easy access to the garden or terrace. The only drawback of the system is a threshold (40 mm) that cannot be flushed with the floor. Still, it’s lower than in the PSK.
Smart-slide mechanism explained
What makes smart-slide doors “smart” isn’t just marketing – it’s the mechanism itself. Unlike PSK doors, which use a tilt-and-slide system and require a specific motion to open, smart-slide doors operate on a smooth horizontal track with a straightforward locking-unlocking function. There’s no need for complex movements or strong force – just a gentle twist of the handle and a fluid slide.The sash is gently disengaged from the frame before gliding along high-performance rollers, reducing wear and ensuring long-term reliability. Compared to HST systems, smart-slide is significantly lighter and simpler in design, which makes it easier to install and more cost-effective – all without sacrificing insulation or ease of use.
Benefits of smart-slide doors
Smart-slide doors offer a number of benefits:
- They are failure-free, which translates into long-term durability and reliability.
- They are easy to use. You can open and close them without any problems.
- They are easy to install, therefore the installation is cheaper and can be performed at any time.
- They have almost all the functions of HST sliding doors and cost less than them.
- They offer very good performance in terms of thermal and acoustic insulation.
Moreover, modern smart-slide doors offer an appealing aesthetics. They complement contemporary architecture and – at the same time – can be used as replacement doors in old properties.
uPVC smart-slide by Aluplast: Is it the best solution for your home?
A smart-slide sliding door by Aluplast is our bestseller. The high popularity of the system originates from its excellent technical properties and reliability. This well-insulated and failure-free construction meets the needs and expectations of even the most demanding customers. How is it possible?
Let’s start from the beginning. Smart glass sliding doors resemble HST doors and they are operated in a similar way. Dedicated window hardware ensures that the leaf, once unlocked, moves freely and without the slightest resistance. The same high-quality mechanism is responsible for the life span of the system, as it guarantees long years of simple, intuitive and trouble-free operation.
What other features does the system offer?
Contemporary architecture is all about glazing units. Smart-slide sliding doors by Aluplast embrace this by allowing you to create large glazed structures in schemes C (4-section – with two central movable wings) and A (2-section – with one movable sash). At Fenbro it is always equipped with tempered glazing units which guarantees less risk of damage or breakage of the glass. What’s more, their division in scheme A can be symmetrical or asymmetrical. That gives you much-appreciated freedom to create a construction that meets your needs and expectations, as well as technical requirements and/or limitations. In addition, the non-opening part of the fixed glazing has extremely narrow frames. That allows maximising the glazed areas and translates into an undisturbed view of the surroundings. Don’t forget about the colours of the sliding doors, which you can choose from the Aluplast range (colours might be different on each side if you wish).
Reduced frame area improves not only the view and general appearance of the construction. It also defines the amount of natural light that gets inside. By letting more natural light in, you can improve the energy efficiency of your home and hence, reduce electricity bills.
How will smart-slide sliding doors change your home?
The smart-slide door is an attractive alternative for homeowners looking for a functional, failure-free solution characterised by a minimalist design. It combines the aesthetics and functionality of HST doors with a much more competitive price. What differentiates a smart-slide door from HST lift & slide doors is the threshold, which is lower than in the PSK system and therefore more convenient for everyday use.
The system offers great freedom of design and customisation. The doors can be made in two schemes:
- with one movable sash (left or right),
- with two central movable sashes.
might be equipped with a “soft-close” function (the active door leaf, slowing down before the frame). It eliminates the risk of cutting the fingers. Instead of handles, you can have a grip on the door leaf from the preferred side of the door.
Additionally, you can have a knob (from the internal side) instead of a key lock. Moreover, the sashes don’t have to be symmetrical, which makes them look even more appealing.
We highly recommend smart-slide doors both for new builds and renovated houses. The system offers great value for money and easily meets the needs and expectations of the most demanding users.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What makes smart-slide doors different from other sliding systems?
Smart-slide doors feature a unique mechanism that allows for smooth and simple operation without the complexity of tilt-and-slide (PSK) or lift-and-slide (HST) systems. They are easier to use, install, and maintain — while offering excellent thermal and acoustic insulation.
Are smart-slide doors a good choice for family homes?
Yes, they are ideal for family homes. Thanks to their intuitive operation and lightweight movement, smart-slide doors can be opened easily by children or older family members.
How large can smart-slide doors be?
Smart-slide systems work well for medium to large openings. While they may not reach the maximum sizes of HST doors, they’re perfect for most patio or terrace entrances and offer an excellent glazing-to-frame ratio.
Is sliding doors installation difficult with smart-slide systems?
Not at all. Smart-slide doors are designed for easy and efficient installation compared to traditional systems. If you choose fitting through Fenbro’s recommended partners, you can be sure the installation meets the highest standards.
Are smart-slide doors energy efficient?
Absolutely. With a U-value below 0.9 W/m²K, smart-slide doors offer great thermal performance. Their tight sealing system helps minimise heat loss and improves indoor comfort year-round.
Can I customise the colour and layout of my smart-slide door?
Yes, smart-slide doors come in multiple configuration schemes. The systems in our offer, such as uPVC Sliding Doors Smart-slide and Smart-slide NEO, can be finished in a wide range of colours from the Aluplast palette — even in dual colours (different inside and outside).
How do smart-slide doors compare to HST doors?
While HST doors can handle larger glazing panels, uPVC smart-slide doors are lighter, easier to operate, and more affordable.
Do smart-slide doors come with safety features?
Yes. Smart-slide doors offered by Fenbro include tempered glazing and optional soft-close features to prevent injuries. The system is designed to be reliable and secure for everyday use.
