Custom sliding aluminium doors fabricated in Durban and installed in Phoenix and surrounding areas. Standard residential systems and Palace multi-track configurations, sized to your opening. Free site measure before any quote.
SLIDING
Sliding aluminium doors are fabricated to size, not bought off a shelf. The panel width, glass thickness, frame profile and track type all depend on the actual opening in your home. In Phoenix, typical installations range from a single patio door in a three-bedroom house to wider multi-track openings where a larger glass area is wanted. Our process starts with a site measure, then a written specification — so the system suits the opening, not the other way around.
Two common approaches to sliding doors, and how the choice depends on the opening rather than preference.
| Parameter | Standard Residential System | Palace Multi-Track System |
|---|---|---|
| Track arrangement | Typically two-track | Two or three independent tracks |
| Panels that can stack to one side | Limited — usually one or two sliding panels | Up to four or more, depending on opening |
| Typical opening span | Often up to around 3.0m | Wider openings where a larger clear opening is wanted |
| Frame profile | Standard residential profile | Heavier profile, engineered for larger glass areas |
| Glass specification | Toughened or laminated safety glass | Laminated and/or thicker glass often specified |
| Typical application | Single patio door, standard living rooms | Wide entertainment openings, larger architectural glass |
| Considerations | Straightforward fit in standard openings | Opening size, wind exposure and structural support matter more |
Which system is appropriate is determined during the site measure. The table above outlines common differences — not a universal specification for every job.
Sliding doors are built in fixed panel arrangements. The layout that suits your opening depends on how wide it is and where you want the clear passage.
One fixed panel, one sliding panel. Common for narrower patio openings where a single clear passage is needed.
Both panels slide — one in each direction. Useful when you want the clear opening to be centrally positioned.
One fixed panel, two sliding panels. A middle option for medium-width openings where more glass area is wanted.
Two fixed outer panels, two central sliders. Often used for wider patios where a generous central opening is wanted.
The configuration is confirmed during the site measure. Not every layout suits every opening — frame size, glass weight and structural support all affect what is practical.
Safety glazing is not optional in defined areas. Here is what it means in practice.
This standard governs glazing safety in South African buildings. Safety glazing is required in defined areas — including doors, sidelights, and glazing within 500mm of the floor. The glass type and thickness depend on the pane size and location. We specify glazing to meet these requirements for the actual opening.
KwaZulu-Natal’s coastal exposure means wind and salt are real factors for sliding doors. Frame profiles, glass thickness and hardware selection can be adjusted for exposed positions. This is discussed during the site measure — not assumed.
Correct installation affects performance as much as the product itself. Setting blocks, drainage, expansion gaps and weather sealing all matter. Our installers work to standard industry practice for aluminium door installation in residential settings.
What is included in a Bluminium sliding door order, and what is specified per project.
Options such as double glazing, thermal breaks or upgraded hardware are specified per project — they are not included in every job by default. The quote lists what is included for your specific opening.
The same process whether it is one door or a larger opening.
We visit the property, measure the opening and note the floor levels, lintel condition and any access considerations. This determines what can be fitted.
An itemised quote covering the system, glass, finish and installation. Options are listed so you can see what is included.
Frames are cut, welded, glazed and finished in our Durban facility. Typical lead time is 2–4 weeks, confirmed with the quote.
Our teams install, align and seal the door. Most standard residential installations are completed in a single day.
We fabricate in Durban and install in Phoenix and the surrounding communities. Below is what we commonly encounter in each area.
Property types differ across the areas we serve. A standard three-bedroom house in Phoenix has different requirements from an estate home in Mount Edgecombe or a new apartment in Cornubia. The notes below describe common patterns — they are not assumptions about every property.
Predominantly freestanding residential homes. Common installations are single patio doors or two-panel sliders opening onto entertainment areas. Standard residential systems are often suitable, though the opening size determines the exact specification.
Estate properties and larger homes. Openings may be wider, and estate architectural guidelines can influence finish choice. Multi-track systems and laminated glass are more commonly relevant here, subject to the actual opening and any estate requirements.
Residential homes with standard patio and living room openings. Two-panel and three-panel configurations are common. The site measure confirms whether the existing opening can be used without structural changes.
Older homes where original openings may be non-standard. Retrofit measurement is important — not all existing apertures suit a sliding door without adjustment. This is assessed on site before any quote.
Newer residential developments. Apartment installations may involve body corporate or access considerations. Measurements and access are planned accordingly.
Home extensions and renovations where a new opening is being created or an existing one enlarged. Structural considerations are identified during the site measure.
Questions that come up when specifying a sliding door.
In many cases, yes. Sliding doors can often be retrofitted into existing openings provided the structural lintel and side walls can carry the load. During the free site measure, the opening, existing track bed and floor levels are checked. A recessed or surface-mount track solution is then recommended based on the actual aperture. Some openings require building work — this is identified during measurement, before any quote is issued.
Standard residential sliding doors typically use a two-track frame and suit single patio openings — commonly up to about 3.0m wide with panels up to around 2.4m. Palace multi-track systems use a heavier frame profile with two or three independent tracks. This allows more panels to stack to one side, so they are often used for wider openings where a larger glass area is wanted. Which system is appropriate depends on the opening size, wind exposure and glass specification — not simply preference.
Safety glazing is a legal requirement in defined areas under SANS 10400 Part N — including doors, sidelights and glazing within 500mm of the floor. Toughened safety glass is commonly specified for sliding door panels. Laminated safety glass is often chosen where an extra security layer or improved acoustic performance is useful. Double glazing is an option where thermal insulation or condensation control matters. The right specification depends on the location of the door, the size of the glass panes and what you want the door to do beyond being a door.
After the site measure and written quote, fabrication typically takes 2–4 weeks depending on the system and finish. Installation of a standard residential sliding door is often completed in a single day. Larger multi-track systems or jobs requiring structural work may take longer. A firmer timeline is given with the quote.
Aluminium sliding doors generally need little maintenance. Keeping the bottom track free of grit and debris helps the rollers run smoothly. A periodic wipe-down with a damp cloth and mild detergent keeps the frames clean. In coastal areas, a freshwater rinse every few months helps remove salt deposits. Rollers and tracks may benefit from a silicone-based lubricant occasionally. The specific hardware fitted determines the exact maintenance routine.
Security depends on the specification. Sliding doors can be fitted with multi-point locking, anti-lift blocks and laminated or toughened safety glass. The frame profile and roller system also affect resistance to forced entry. For openings that are more exposed, the locking hardware and glass type can be upgraded. Security is discussed as part of the specification process, not assumed.
Detailed guides on technical decisions behind sliding door quotes.
Tell us roughly how wide the opening is and what the door is for. We will arrange a site measure, confirm what is feasible and provide a written quote. No obligation.
If a sliding door is not the right fit for the opening, one of these may be.
