Having compared aluminium sliding door systems some time ago, in this article we turn our attention to the uPVC sliding door systems available at Fenbro.
Today, we are comparing six uPVC sliding systems:
- Salamander EvolutionDrive Plus+
- Aluplast smart-slide
- Aluplast smart-slide NEO
- Veka Vekamotion 82 HST
- Rehau Synego HST
- Rehau Synego Slide
All of them have their supporters, and all offer interesting advantages and features that we will take a closer look at today. We describe each system and provide you with the data so that, whether your building project is in Ireland, UK or elsewhere, you can choose the best solution!
Features of uPVC sliding doors
So, uPVC sliding doors are systems that allow you to open up a space and are made from highly insulating, high-performance uPVC. Metal profiles within the chambers increase their rigidity, making it possible to create large glazed areas. There are quite a few differences between uPVC sliding systems and the aluminium sliding systems we have already examined, mainly due to the properties of uPVC itself.
The differences start with the significantly better thermal insulation properties of uPVC: the material is naturally insulating and helps reduce heating costs. Filling the chamber with insulating foam improves its performance even further. uPVC systems are also lighter than aluminium systems and require little maintenance. They are also less expensive.
However, their disadvantages compared with aluminium systems are the need for reinforcement to create large glazed areas and a shorter lifespan than aluminium.
Let us first look at the comparison table for the systems we have examined. As you can see, there are considerable differences between the individual systems.
| System | Brand | Frame depth [mm] |
Sash depth [mm] |
Uw [W/m²K] |
Max. glazing thickness [mm] |
Max. dimensions [mm] | Max. sash weight [kg] |
Base price* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EvolutionDrive Plus+ | Salamander | 152 | 76 | 0.71 | 49 | Overall: 4,000 × 2,480; moving section: 2,400 × 2,000 |
170 | €2,614 |
| smart-slide | Aluplast | 140 | 70 | 0.76 | 42 | Overall width: 5,800; sash width: 1,500 |
200 | €2,592 |
| smart-slide NEO | Aluplast | 154 | 78 | 0.70 | 54 | Overall width: 6,000; sash width: 2,500 |
400 | €2,670 |
| Vekamotion 82 HST | Veka | 194 | 82 | 0.78 | 54 | Width: 6,500; height: 2,700 |
250 | €4,224** |
| Synego HST | Rehau | 190 | 80 | 0.86 | 51 | Max. overall width: 10,000; max. height: 2,700 |
400 | €3,392 |
| Synego Slide | Rehau | 156 | 80 | 0.73 | 51 | Overall: 4,000; sash: 2,000 × 2,500 |
200 | €2,758 |
* The base price refers to a system with an overall width of 3,000 mm and an overall height of 2,100 mm, triple glazing, a standard colour and standard fittings, with one fixed section and one moving section.
** For the Vekamotion 82 HST system, the example dimensions are 4,000 × 2,100 mm.
Salamander EvolutionDrive Plus+: The all-rounder
The Salamander EvolutionDrive Plus+ system is a further development of the solution known as EvolutionDrive HST and was introduced in 2021. The system has a very good reputation among customers and combines all the most important advantages of sliding systems: space saving, lightness, versatility and comfort. It is worth mentioning here that the EvolutionDrive Plus+ system is very popular among Fenbro customers.
The combination of an innovative hardware system and three seals provides excellent thermal insulation, while also allowing the sash to be locked in any position, creating an opening with a width that suits your needs at that moment. The system remains completely versatile, as demonstrated by this renovation in Dublin with a large patio door system. By contrast, this project in Dublin features a more modest system.
Another point worth mentioning about EvolutionDrive Plus+ is its very good sound insulation rating of up to 44 dB, which represents outstanding performance among sliding systems. This can be seen, for example, at this property in Galway, where the EvolutionDrive Plus+ system is used as a door between two areas. The arrangement of five chambers with reinforcement ensures lightness on the one hand, while allowing very large sashes to be created on the other (maximum sash area: 4.8 m²).
Applications: Housebuilding and high-rise construction – the low operating force is useful wherever it is important for the sliding door to move easily; noisy areas.
Aluplast smart-slide: Smart and secure
The Aluplast’s smart-slide system was developed in 2019 and is an important player in the uPVC sliding door market. This solution places particular emphasis on good value for money. Easy to operate and well insulated, it is a modern choice for innovative family homes.
Although the maximum possible overall width of 4,000 mm may seem modest, this figure is determined by the need to keep the system lightweight. Smart-Slide is intended for situations where a larger, more complex system with substantial profiles is not required. An example can be found in this new build in Ireland, where a relatively large Smart-Slide system was created. However, the slim profile design makes no compromises on thermal insulation and security: excellent insulation values ensure peace and comfort at home.
This solution is particularly well suited to situations where neither an extensive installation nor a complicated system is needed, as in this house in Limerick and this renovation in Cork. The system is simple both to operate and in its form, with a natural, understated elegance. It should also be mentioned here that Smart slide is the uPVC sliding door system preferred by our customers.
Applications: Patio doors and innovative sliding systems where ease of operation and very good insulation values are important.
Aluplast smart-slide Neo: Developed and expanded
The Aluplast smart-slide NEO is, as you may have guessed, a further development of the smart-slide solution. This younger sibling of the system described above leaves nothing to be desired – and with only slightly larger dimensions, it offers much, much more than the original version!
It is true that the frame depths of both the fixed and moving sections have increased. In return, however, smart-slide Neo can accommodate an overall width of up to 6,000 mm and glazing units up to 54 mm thick. In other words: even better thermal and sound insulation. And that means more comfort and greater savings.
In other respects, however, the system remains true to the underlying idea behind this family of systems: the profile design remains simple, and operation is as easy as ever. An example is this magnificent new build in Waterford, where the smart-slide Neo system was used on the upper floor to provide easy access to the spacious terrace. The sliding sash glides smoothly and can be moved with little effort.
Applications: Patio doors, modern settings and innovative architecture where elegance and simplicity are emphasised.
Veka Vekamotion 82 HST: Simply versatile
One thing can be said about the Veka Vekamotion 82 HST system: it is simply flexible, versatile and high-performing. The option to use glazing up to 54 mm thick means excellent insulation, and that is only the beginning.
With a maximum width of 6,500 mm, the system is ideally suited to very large openings. There are many possible sash combinations available: up to four sashes, the option of a threshold-free solution, a specially developed seal arrangement to ensure the best protection, and the option of aluminium cladding for extensive personalisation.
Vekamotion 82 HST is the solution for a large opening that needs a special, unique system, and where excellent insulation and a distinctive appearance are required. An example is this new build in Mayo, where the homeowner chose a Vekamotion solution. Even if it costs a little more, it is worth it, as the system will retain its elegance for decades to come.
Applications: Patio doors and entrances in modern architecture, where design plays a major role alongside savings.
Rehau Synego HST: Simply high-performing
The Rehau’s Synego HST system is unique in its versatility: it allows systems to be created for openings up to 10,000 mm wide – ten metres! The system also offers fittings and configurations that allow corner arrangements.
The frames are not exactly slim, but the system can accommodate sashes up to 3,000 mm wide, glazing up to 51 mm thick and a maximum sash weight of 400 kg. This allows impressive systems to be created that open up the space to its surroundings, whether as patio doors or entrances.
In terms of progress, another point should also be emphasised: considerable attention has been paid to environmental protection in the production of the profiles. Depending on the system, they consist of 40–75% recycled uPVC.
Applications: Impressive, large entrances and sliding systems in distinctive architecture.
Rehau Synego Slide: Slim and ready
The smaller version in the Synego family, the Rehau Synego Slide system, was introduced in 2021 in response to demand for systems that are simpler, do not need to accommodate large openings and, above all, are much more economical while maintaining the same insulation values. Rehau’s answer is called Synego Slide, and it sounds very good.
Synego Slide can provide barrier-free access and excellent insulation, with a Uw value of 0.73 W/m²K – a very strong result. Slim profiles ensure lightness and plenty of comfort by allowing good natural lighting indoors. As with Synego HST, the manufacturing process also reuses old uPVC profiles.
This compact system is available in various colours and surface patterns and can be extensively customised to suit the design of the property’s façade.
Applications: The system works well as a patio door or a narrow entrance system where lightness is important.
Comparison of the protective features of uPVC sliding systems
| System | Brand | Air permeability | Wind load | Watertightness | Base price* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EvolutionDrive Plus+ | Salamander | Class 4 | C1/B2 | 7A | €2,614 |
| smart-slide | Aluplast | Class 4 | B3 | 7A | €2,592 |
| smart-slide NEO | Aluplast | Class 4 | B3 | 7A | €2,670 |
| Vekamotion 82 HST | Veka | Class 4 | C4 | 9A | €4,224** |
| Synego HST | Rehau | Class 4 | B3 | 9A | €3,392 |
| Synego Slide | Rehau | Class 4 | B3 | 8A | €2,758 |
* The base price refers to a system with an overall width of 3,000 mm and an overall height of 2,100 mm, triple glazing, a standard colour and standard fittings, with one fixed section and one moving section.
** For the Vekamotion 82 HST system, the example dimensions are 4,000 × 2,100 mm.
Final thoughts: Which system best suits your property?
Having looked at each system individually, we now turn to an overall summary of this article. The question is: which of the systems in our comparison are suitable for which properties, building projects and new builds?
The individual systems are similar to one another, but differ in small features and details, as well as their maximum overall dimensions.
- Small sliding patio door: EvolutionDrive Plus+, alternatively Synego Slide
- Medium-sized entrance system: smart-slide
- Medium-sized sliding patio door: Vekamotion 82 HST
- Large sliding system: Synego HST, alternatively Vekamotion 82 HST
- Best thermal insulation: EvolutionDrive Plus+, alternatively smart-slide NEO
- Slimmest design: smart-slide
- Best weather protection: Vekamotion 82 HST
The most popular uPVC sliding systems among Fenbro customers
uPVC sliding systems are a modern solution for modern living, wherever you want a large glazed area that can be opened effortlessly.
Over the past five years, the four most popular system types have been sold a total of seventy times. Of these, the Aluplast smart-slide system accounts for 48%, almost half of all purchases. The second most popular system is Salamander EvolutionDrive Plus+ at 35%. In third place is Aluplast smart-slide NEO with 4%.
Summary: best uPVC sliding systems from Fenbro
After all this, one final point should be made: choosing a suitable system is neither easy nor straightforward, and recommending the right sliding system for a customer is not an everyday task either. It is only possible with the right experience, and our Sales Specialists have it!
Do you find this guide helpful? Perhaps you have already chosen your uPVC sliding system? Either way, if you need more information or would like to learn about the available options, write to us! Our Sales Specialists are waiting for you to contact Fenbro and will guide you through our product range. To help the ordering process run smoothly, have your dimensions, details and documents ready. We will be happy to advise you, whether you are looking for a system for your property in Dublin, Cork, London or Manchester.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can the Vekamotion 82 HST system be used for small installations?
Yes, this is possible. However, if you only have a small opening and want a small system, why not choose a system with slimmer profiles, such as smart-slide or Synego Slide?
Does Fenbro supply uPVC sliding doors in any size?
Yes, we can supply the systems in any size within the maximum system dimensions, depending on what you need.
Where can I order modern uPVC sliding doors?
Your best option is to contact Fenbro and provide all your documents, dimensions, photographs or plans for the building project. Talk to us about exactly what you want, and we will advise you in detail!
When should I choose a uPVC sliding door instead of an aluminium system?
uPVC sliding doors are generally lighter than aluminium systems and offer better insulation thanks to the properties of uPVC itself.
Are uPVC sashes weighing 200 kg or more not too heavy to move easily?
The mechanisms and fittings used in uPVC sliding doors allow the sashes to move easily, regardless of the weight of the system’s components.
How do you look after a large uPVC sliding door?
Looking after and maintaining a uPVC sliding system is neither complicated nor demanding. The most important area is the lower guide or track, where dirt and debris must not be allowed to accumulate. Otherwise, simply wipe it down with soapy water and lightly lubricate the mechanical parts annually or every six months – that is all!
How can you protect your privacy with uPVC sliding door systems?
If privacy is important to you, Fenbro’s experts recommend frosted glass. Frosted glass can be used in sliding doors without any difficulty.
Can I have a uPVC sliding system if I have very little space?
Of course – a sliding door does not necessarily have to be large. Contact Fenbro and send us your details, documents and dimensions, and we will advise you on this.
