Key Takeaways
- A lift and slide door lifts its sash off the seals and onto rollers when you turn the handle, so it glides open easily and lowers onto the seals when closed.
- Standard sliding doors keep the sash’s weight on rollers and sit close to the track, which tends to cause wear and draughts over time.
- Our uPVC lift and slide doors use double compression seals and come double or triple glazed.
- They are available in 2 or 4 panel configurations up to 11m wide, so they suit large openings.
- They can be installed in new builds and renovations, replacing sliding doors, stacking doors or French doors.
What Is a Lift and Slide Door?
A lift and slide door is a large sliding door that lifts its sash up and off the seals when you turn the handle. The sash then rests on rollers and glides open or closed with very little effort. Turn the handle back and the sash lowers onto the seals again for a tight close.
That lifting action is what sets it apart. Lifting the sash off the seals reduces friction and wear on the seals and rollers, and it lets even large sashes move easily. It is a popular choice for projects that connect indoor and outdoor living, because large glass panels bring in more light and better views.
Our uPVC lift and slide doors use unique hardware to combine a sliding sash with double compression seals. The result is a door that slides smoothly and can be sealed to a Passive House standard.
How a lift and slide door works
- Turn the handle to lift the sash off the seals and onto the rollers.
- Slide the sash open or closed along the rail.
- Turn the handle back to lower the sash onto the seals.
Lift and Slide vs Standard Sliding Doors
The main differences are in how the door moves and how it seals. Here is how the two designs compare.
| Feature | Lift and slide door | Standard sliding door |
|---|---|---|
| How it moves | The handle lifts the sash onto rollers, then it slides | The sash rolls along the track |
| Sealing when closed | The sash lowers onto the seals, with double compression seals on our doors | There is little clearance between the sash and the track, so sealing is a compromise |
| Wear over time | Less friction on the seals and rollers while the door moves | The constant load on the rollers can wear them, and large doors can get harder to open |
| Draughts and noise | A tighter seal helps keep out draughts and noise | Can be draughty |
In short, a lift and slide door is the more advanced design for large openings. It moves more easily and puts less strain on its own seals and rollers. For smaller openings a standard slider may be all you need, and you can see our range of double glazed sliding doors.
Benefits of uPVC Lift and Slide Doors
Here is what you get with an Ultimate Windows uPVC lift and slide door:
- Wide openings, with 2 or 4 panel configurations up to 11m wide.
- Double or triple glazing, double sealed to reduce noise and keep out cold.
- Low-E and opaque glass options.
- An advanced multi-point locking system, with a key lock or turn snib cylinder.
- A choice of retractable flyscreen, standard flyscreen or security door.
- A UV stable uPVC mix designed for Australia’s climate.
- A range of colours, with availability depending on the frame system.
- Easy cleaning and maintenance.
- A 12-year guarantee.
Is a Lift and Slide Door Right for Your Home?
A lift and slide door works best where the opening is wide and the door will be used often. Think through these points before you decide:
- How wide the opening is, and how many panels you want.
- Whether you are replacing a sliding door, a stacking door or French doors.
- How much light and view you want from the glass.
- Which screen option you need, such as a retractable flyscreen or a security door.
- How you want the threshold to sit against your floor.
Where Can a Lift and Slide Door Be Installed?
Lift and slide doors suit both new builds and renovations. Sizes generally start at 2.1m wide and go up to 11m wide, and they can be installed instead of conventional sliding or stacking doors, or in place of French doors.
The threshold matters for both comfort and appearance. We have many floor recessing options, so ask your sales representative which suits your project. If you have pets, we can also supply double glazed units with a hole cut out for a pet door, or build the pet door into our uPVC panelling.
Choosing a Lift and Slide Door With Ultimate Windows
Ultimate Windows is a family-owned business that has been making windows since 2001. We manufacture our doors in our Wodonga factory and install them with our own in-house installation team, not outside contractors, so one team looks after your project from start to finish.
To see what our uPVC lift and slide doors could do for your home, request a free measure and quote or call us on 1300 898 782. If you are in the ACT, see our sliding doors in Canberra, and in Melbourne, our sliding doors in Melbourne.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a lift and slide door?
A lift and slide door is a sliding door where turning the handle lifts the sash onto rollers so it glides open with little effort. Turning the handle back lowers the sash onto its seals for a tighter close. It suits large openings and connects indoor and outdoor living spaces.
What are the downsides of a sliding door?
Standard sliding doors rely on rollers that carry the sash’s weight and a seal that sits close to the track. Over time that wear can make large doors harder to open and draughtier. Lift and slide doors reduce this by raising the sash off its seals while it moves.
Do lift and slide doors reduce noise?
Our uPVC lift and slide doors seal better than a standard sliding door because of their double seal. Glass choice also affects noise, and we can supply various glass configurations for stronger noise reduction. Talk to our team about which combination suits your location and the level of noise you want to block.
