slidedoor

Slidedoor is a term used to describe a door that opens by sliding along a track rather than pivoting on hinges. In modern use the term covers exterior sliding patio doors as well as interior sliding doors used for rooms, closets, and partitions. A sliding door typically consists of one or more panels that ride on tracks mounted above and/or below the door, with rollers or glides that support the weight. The frame is usually made of wood, aluminum, vinyl, or composite materials, and the panel may use glass or solid panels. Glass sliding doors often feature insulated glazing for energy efficiency and daylight.

Common configurations include exterior sliding patio doors (single or multi-panel configurations with a fixed and one or more operable panels), interior pocket sliding doors (the door recesses into a wall cavity when opened), and barn-style or bypass sliding doors (panels that slide past each other). Some interior doors are designed as full-height panels or as light-diffusing glass to separate spaces while maintaining openness.

Operation and safety: Manual sliding can be assisted by rollers; some doors are motorized with automatic openers, sensors, and soft-close mechanisms. Maintenance requires cleaning tracks, lubricating rollers, replacing weatherstripping, and ensuring glass is intact. Potential drawbacks include less airtight sealing, more complex installation, and the risk of finger injuries if not properly guarded. Energy efficiency depends on glazing, threshold seals, and installation accuracy.

History and usage: Sliding doors have been used for centuries in some forms; modern hardware improved smoothness and reliability in the 20th century; today they are common in residential and commercial construction. Standards and codes address fire resistance for certain door types and safety glazing for glass panels in higher traffic areas.