When looking to purchase new external sliding doors for a home renovation or DIY upgrade, the abundance of information can be confusing: which material of frames should you buy? What are track systems? What sliding door options are available?
Understanding these types of questions about your sliding doors will help you find the best fit for your property, and this guide will answer some of these questions. Click on one of the links below to jump to that section:
- What are sliding door track systems?
- Which type of sliding door track system do I need?
- What track options are available for the OS-20 Artisan Slider?
- What track options are available for the OS-44/OS-77 Patio Slider?
- Frequently asked questions
What are sliding door track systems?
If you’ve decided to purchase a sliding door for your home but you know that there are a couple of track options to choose from but are not sure what they are or where they’re used, this guide will offer an explanation.
In order to work effectively, sliding doors use a mechanism to help them slide open horizontally. This mechanism – also called the running gear – sits at the bottom of each door. This carriage system is the thing that allows the doors to move/ slide along, and all of this takes place and within the door track.
Compared with typical doors, which use a hinge system to allow the doors to open towards or away from you (and a trolley in bi-folding doors case), a sliding door will use this running gear to move left and right.
Which type of sliding door track system do I need?
At Origin, we have two different sliding door systems: the Origin Artisan Slider (OS-20) and the Origin Patio Slider (OS-44 and OS-77). These have different running gear systems, but rest assured, both have been engineered to offer a flawless performance.
With their robust running gear, it means that operation is effortless. Both systems also feature weighted bearings, so that when the doors are in the required position, they will stay in place.
As mentioned previously, this opening action all takes place within the sliding door track. For both the OS-20 and OS-44/ OS-77, two track options are available – a double or triple track. This is determined by which configuration you go for.
The tracks can be recessed into the floor, and for a seamless look, the tracks are also concealed, so you don’t see the running gear and it also means there’s less chance of fingers or toes being caught in them.
How does a double track differ from a triple track?
Depending on the configuration you choose, this will determine whether your sliding door will have a double or triple track outer frame. This is to allow for the sliding sashes to be able to slide over one another and lock into the frame where required.
Our double track system is used for two door sets with either both sliding or one sliding and one fixed in place.
Alternatively, if you have 3 or more doors all sliding or one fixed in place and two sliding, then you will have the triple track option.
What other considerations do you need to make with a sliding door track system?
There are a few other considerations to be made when installing sliding door, including the track height, what drainage you will need, and whether it is suitable to recess the tracks into your floor to create a flush finish and a more stylish minimalist design.
What track systems are available for the OS-20 Artisan Slider?
For the OS-20 Artisan Slider, the double and triple track is available and these have different frame depths. The double track has a frame depth of 116mm while the triple track has a depth of 182mm. Both the double and triple track options each have a track height of 44mm.
The minimum size for an individual panel is 550mm wide by 1600mm tall, while the maximum individual panel size that you could opt for is 2200mm wide by 3000mm tall (or 6sqm overall). There are up to six door different configurations that you can opt for with the panels, which can include all sliding or a combination of fixed and sliding.
As each of our sliding doors is completely custom made to your specifications, your chosen installer can talk you through exactly how each of these will work for you at the point of ordering.
What track systems are available for the OS-44/OS-77 Patio Slider?
Similar to the OS-20 Artisan Slider, the OS-44 and the OS-77 patio sliders also offers the double and triple track. The double track has a frame depth of 143mm, whereas the triple track has a frame depth of 213mm. The track height for both options is 50mm.
With the OS-44 and the OS-77 patio sliders, the minimum sash size is 710mm wide by 1925mm tall, whilst the maximum size is 2000mm wide by 2520mm tall. As with the OS-20 Artisan Slider, you can opt for up to six door panel configurations and you can have some fixed, all sliding or a combination of both.
Frequently asked questions
How do you clean sliding door tracks?
Many people use a simple cleaning solution that is sprayed on the tracks, and then use an old toothbrush to dislodge the dirt. Once this has been done, they then run down the tracks using wet towels or paper to clean them off and hoover out any debris. It is recommended that you clean your sliding door tracks at least once a week.
How do you keep your tracks and slider in good condition?
It is important to keep your doors in good condition by regularly cleaning them, ensuring they are well-oiled, and not slamming them shut or opening too vigorously. You can use a silicone spray to help keep them running well. Make sure no loose debris gets stuck in your tracks.
How do you fix a broken sliding door track?
There are lots of blogs online about ways to fix a sliding door track, but we'd always recommend you get in touch with an installer so they can provide the best advice for you and to ensure you don't cause any further damage.
Get in touch today
If you're interested in getting a new custom-made, high-quality external sliding door system fitted, or want to learn more about sliding door track systems and options, get in touch with your local installer who will be happy to provide you with free advice and guidance on what will work best for your property. They will do the survey and measuring of the doors, order the products through us and source the glass. They will also look after the warranty, so you will need to feel confident with who will be installing your doors.
