Industrial style sliding doors

Types of industrial style sliding doors

Industrial-style sliding doors are a prominent characteristic of most contemporary homes, and they come in different types. Each type of industrial-style sliding door is manufactured from dissimilar materials and comes in various functionality. Therefore, this provides a buyer with multiple options to select from. Below are the most frequently selected types of industrial-style sliding doors.

Metal Framed Glass Sliding Doors

Metal-framed glass sliding doors are a highly preferred choice for particular industrial settings. That is due to the balance between solid structure and lightly perceived glass. Usually, these doors consist of an angular or steel frame that supports a huge glass panel. The glass definitely enhances the open and bright feel of the room while the metal frame exhibits a precise design. Hence, they are good for offices, showrooms, and, to a certain extent, residential areas where light and space are fundamental requisites.

Wood and Metal Combination Sliding Doors

These combination sliding doors are what you refer to as mixed design. They combine the natural beauty of wood with the manliness of metals. These doors usually have a wooden panel enclosed in a metal frame or, at best, with metal detailing. It provides a warm and a more rustic feel while maintaining the contemporary sleek look. It is therefore perfect for use in residential environments that require an extra industrial touch.

All-Metal Sliding Doors

Single-handedly, all-metal sliding doors offer optimum strength and durability. These doors are commonly constructed with steel or aluminum. Although heavy-duty, these doors are also capable of providing a sleek functional design. All-metal sliding doors are popularly used in commercial spaces due to their easy-to-maintain surfaces and additional security features. Often these doors are finished in dissimilar shades, which help in making stark additions to the decor of any space.

Barn Style Sliding Doors

This barn-style sliding door is clearly one of the most practical designs that have borrowed from the original rural barn doors. These industrial-style sliding doors are characterized by exposed tracks, hardware made of steel, and a thick wooden or composite door. These types of sliding doors are very suitable for interior use in houses because they save space and have a special design that draws attention and compliments to a space. The major and popular use of barn-style doors is in residential and informal commercial areas that promote a calm, country-chic atmosphere.

Specifications and maintenance of industrial style sliding doors

Industrial-style sliding doors have become very popular over recent times because they are simple yet sophisticated and save space where they are used. They come in many shapes, are manufactured from many materials, and are mostly easy to install. Still, some specifications/characteristics of these doors need to be addressed, and proper care for them is crucial because of their frequent exposure to heavy traffic and adverse environmental conditions.

Specifications of industrial style sliding doors

Industrial-style sliding doors portray specific features that enhance their functionality and aesthetics. Common specifications include:

• Materials: Industrial sliding doors are manufactured from metal, mostly steel or aluminum, glass, and wood. Steel doors offer strength and durability, while aluminum provides a lightweight and rust-proof finish. Glass enhances transparency, allowing light inside the building. Wood offers a warm, inviting aesthetic.
• Track System: Most sliding doors operate either a top-mounted or bottom-mounted track system, allowing the door to slide smoothly. The track is prone to heavy-duty metal, especially when working on commercial or high-traffic doors.
• Hardware: The exposed hardware, including rollers, brackets, and handles, is one of the most identifying features of industrial sliding doors. Usually, these parts are constructed from stainless steel or black steel. This adds a rugged style to the door.
• Glass Thickness: Glass panels in framed sliding doors feature varying thicknesses for stability and safety. The common measurements of the thickness are 10mm, 12mm, and 15mm. The thick sliding glass doors are highly resistant to impact and are energy-efficient.

Maintenance of industrial-style sliding doors

For these industrial-style sliding doors to maintain their elegance and functionality, regular maintenance of the doors is important. Below are a few maintenance-related guidelines:

• Cleaning: It is always important to clean the materials of the doors used. These can be wood, metal, or glass. An effective way to clean glass panels is to use a gentle glass cleaner. To avoid rusting or corroding, mechanical parts such track systems should be wiped at least weekly with a dry cloth to remove debris and dust.
• Lubrication: Sliding doors usually come with a sliding mechanism, and rollers, like all other types of sliding mechanisms, need lubrication to slide properly. Apply a lubricant that does not attract so much dirt, preferably silicone spray, to the track and rollers. Do this at least every month.
• Inspection: There is a need for regular indoor inspection of industrial-style sliding doors for signs of wear and tear. Look for misaligned tracks, worn-out rollers, or loose hardware. These factors must be addressed quickly, as they may lower the door's functionality and, in some cases, even security.
• Rust Prevention: This applies to metal sliding doors. It is crucial that metal doors be treated with appropriate means such as waxing or commercial varnish, especially when exposed to weather elements. This will, in effect, help to keep moisture away from the surfaces, thus preventing rust formation.

Commercial use cases of industrial-style sliding doors

Industrial-style sliding doors are popular among so many commercial settings because of their sleek and functional looks. The glass sliding doors promote a professional but inviting appeal, while the metal and wooden combination doors provide a more rustic and warmer atmosphere. Some of these use cases include:

Offices

Open-plan offices, meeting rooms, and collaboration areas use these kinds of doors to maintain a working environment while at the same time promoting a good ambience. Glass sliding doors, most of the time, help bring natural light into blind areas and facilitate a sense of openness, while metal-framed doors provide more privacy where needed. Moreover, the industrial design is in tune with the style of many modern offices, especially in technology or creative industries.

Retail Stores

They are preferred because of their sleek design and how easy they are to use. Industrial style sliding doors are very commonly used in retail stores, entrance doors, and display areas. Glass sliding doors allow potential customers to see what is on display and invite light into the store. Furthermore, these doors present a contemporary image that has a strong appeal to customers.

Hospitality Venues

Sliding doors are, therefore, commonly found in hotels, restaurants, and cafés. The most appropriate doors are the metal-framed glass sliding doors, which incorporate a sophisticated and modern look to any area. They help connect outdoor patios and indoor dining areas, improving the overall design of the space. Such doors are also easy to operate and provide a good flow of traffic for customers.

Industrial and Commercial Buildings

These doors are very practical in warehouses and factories, as well as in loading docks. Steel sliding doors are, most of the time, used because of their durability and ability to secure large entrances. These doors need very little maintenance and are practical in high-traffic environments. Additionally, these barn-style sliding doors can be used in tight spaces, where the outside has to be pulled aside so that space is not used up.

Showrooms

Industrial-style sliding doors are preferred in auto and furniture showrooms as they provide a sleek space amenity to the place. These glass doors enable customers to have a clear view of their inside displays. As for the frame, it will just be a mere addition to the modern but raw appeal. These doors are also favorable since they can be used in large and small spaces.

How to choose industrial-style sliding doors

Choosing the right industrial-style sliding door will mostly depend on the function of the product and the look that will be most appealing in a given space. The market has a wide variety of doors that differ in the material they are made of, the size of the door, the type of track used, the type of glazing, and the hardware. All these things should be given a deep thought when selecting the right door. Below are some factors that will help in the selection process:

Material

Industrial-style sliding doors can be made of metal (steel or aluminum), glass, or wood. Metal-framed doors are sleek and robust. Aluminum is lightweight but rust-resistant. Steel offers unrivaled durability but can eventually oxidize if left untreated. On the other hand, wooden doors provide warmth but generally require more maintenance.

Space

The amount of space available will dictate the size of the sliding door. Measure the opening for the door and then look for the right door that will fit that space. The doors that slide along the wall assembly will occupy less space than the doors that pocket into walls.

Track system

In the market, there are top-mounted track systems and bottom-mounted track systems. Top-mounted systems are easier to install and operate; they are very visible. On the other hand, the bottom-mounted systems are concealed, which can be a bit difficult to install, but they can provide better stability. Choose a track system depending on the aesthetics and practicality priorities.

Glazing Options

Industrial sliding doors have varying glass thicknesses. Thicker glass provides better insulation and is safer. Also, there are various glazing types of glass with each having its pros. For instance, tempered glass is shatter-resistant. Therefore, it is ideal for high-traffic areas. On the other hand, frosted glass provides privacy and still allows light through.

Hardware

Exposed hardware significantly influences the overall design. Look for handles, brackets, and rollers made of stainless steel. It complements the industrial appearance. However, ensure that all the hardware components are very strong and sturdy so as to sustain the door weight and ensure functionality.

Q&A

Q1: What are the advantages of installing industrial-style sliding doors in commercial areas?

A1: Industrial sliding doors are very functional and stylish when installed in commercial areas. They are space-efficient; hence, they are very suitable for areas with space limitations. These doors allow the entry of natural light into the room; they also act as a connector between the inside and the outside of the building. They are modern, versatile, and easy to operate.

Q2: Do industrial-style sliding doors require much maintenance?

A2: No. Still, some maintenance work is required, like cleaning the track, lubricating it, and cleaning the doors. The type of maintenance that will be needed will depend on the material of the door. For instance, metal doors only need to be wiped clean, and glass doors need a special glass cleaner. Wooden sliding doors will need additional care.

Q3: How can industrial-style sliding doors be secured?

A3: Install additional locking mechanisms as part of the door frame. Further enhance the security of these doors by using laminated or reinforced glass. For steel doors, they can be fitted with deadbolts or swipe electronic locks.

Q4: Are these doors energy-efficient?

A4: Yes, they are. Most industrial-style sliding doors have insulating characteristics. In addition, the automated glass sliding doors help reduce heating and cooling energy loss. The doors can be made of Energy Star-qualified glass.

Q5: Which hardware finish is best for industrial sliding doors?

A5: Stainless steel is the best hardware finish for these doors because it will not corrode in a commercial environment. If these doors are exposed to water, humidity, or salt air, go for marine-grade stainless steel.