Sliding doors are becoming more popular in homes as they can fit into the narrowest of spaces since they need no room to swing open. These doors are only as good as their hardware, however.
Self-Closing Ability
Sliding door hardware comes in three standard closing option. First, manual closing doors must be pulled shut in order to close. Second, self closing hardware has sliders that automatically move the door to the closed position after every use. These are a good option for exterior sliding doors or on rooms where you want to be sure the door is always closed, such as the toilet. Third, soft close options can be installed on either manual or self closing doors, as these simply ensure the door closes softly without slamming into the frame.
Finish Designs
The visible sliding door hardware, such as the latches and handles, should be in a design that complements both the door itself and the decor of the room. Metal hardware looks nicer and has more longevity compared to plastics and resins. Start with a metal colour that matches other items in the room. For example, if your taps in the bathroom are brushed nickle, then the bathroom slider door should have brushed nickle latches and handles so that the design is cohesive.
Latch Style
All sliding door latches must remain flat after operation so that the door can slide out of the way and into its housing pocket. The exception is blade pulls, which consist of a narrow blade that sits perpendicular to the edge of the door so that the door doesn't slide flush into its housing. Other latch designs include flush pull latches, which are little more than a metal lined trough in the door to slip the fingers into, and pop latches, which have a swing out handle you can grasp in order to move the door.
Lock Options
Locks may be necessary on the sliding door, depending on the location. Those for the toilet should have a privacy lock, which is a simple locking latch that can be slid into place when the room is in use. There are even locks that have a privacy indicator on the outside, so that you can know whether the door is locked without first trying to open it. Exterior doors, such as sliding doors that lead to a patio, may have a heavier duty version of the privacy lock. These are designed to prevent forced entry.
Visit a sliding door hardware supply shop near you to see what options are available.
When it comes to house windows, you probably never give them more than a second glance to ensure they are closed and locked. However, when I renovated my house last year, I learned a lot about windows and the type of maintenance they need. For example, when not sealed correctly, a window lets out a lot of that beautiful cold air-conditioned air that you pay for. I began this blog to help other people who need help when it comes to window renovations. From the different types of glass to how to identify leaking windows, my blog posts are written to help you keep that treasured cold air inside your home.