Installing a sliding door
A sliding door is one of the more straightforward steel-look doors to install, because the whole system hangs from a single rail rather than a frame around the opening. To keep the door running smoothly and to keep your warranty valid, we recommend having an Emezzi dealer take care of installing a sliding door. Still, it helps to know what the work involves, so you can prepare your space and know what to expect.
The rail does the work
A sliding door hangs from an aluminium rail mounted to the ceiling. That rail carries the full weight of the door, which is why everything starts there. The installer fixes the rail to the ceiling with a drilling depth of 4 centimetres, so the ceiling needs to be solid enough to hold it. Concrete and wood both offer more than enough strength.
Because the rail takes the weight of the door, there is no drilling into the floor and no frame around the opening needed. The floor stays untouched, which keeps the work clean and means you do not have to break anything open. Thanks to the light weight of aluminium, the rail and the door are also easy to handle. The whole job of the installation of a sliding door is quick for an experienced installer.
You need a free stretch of wall
Prepare the wall beside the door opening before the installation of a sliding door. Such a door does not swing into the room; it slides sideways in front of the wall. Because of that, you need a clear stretch of wall next to the opening, at least as wide as the door itself, for the panel to slide across.
It helps to keep that wall free of light switches, radiators or furniture that would get in the way of the door. An Emezzi dealer checks this during your measurement visit, so the door has a clear path before anything is fitted. Is there limited wall space in your room? A pivot door or a hinged door may suit the door opening better.
A good match for underfloor heating
Because the rail is fixed to the ceiling and not the floor, a sliding door works well in rooms with underfloor heating. There is no drilling into the floor at all, so the heating pipes are never at risk. That makes a sliding door a practical choice in kitchens, living rooms and other spaces where underfloor heating is common.
The steps of the installation
The installation itself is usually done within a few hours. It begins with mounting the rail to the ceiling, perfectly straight. That alignment determines how well the door runs afterwards. A rail that is installed well means a door that glides smoothly and stops where it should.
Once the rail is in place, the installer hangs the aluminium door panel from it and checks that it moves freely along its full length.Â
The slim profiles have no visible welding seams, so the finished door has a clean look. Did you choose the optional soft-close mechanism? The installer adjusts it as a final step, so the door closes gently and quietly every time.
Can I fit the door myself?
You can install the door yourself, as long as you are confident with DIY tasks. In this case, we provide a clear, step-by-step manual that takes you through each stage, from mounting the rail to hanging the door. Note: having an Emezzi dealer install it is the surest way to a smooth result and keeps your warranty intact.
Design your sliding door
Would you like to see what a sliding door would look like in your home? Design your own door in our configurator, where you choose the colour of the frame, the glass options and layout and see an all-in price in minutes. Do you still have questions about the installation? Don’t hesitate to contact us.