Sliding windows for a gazebo - is it worth installing?

The harsh Russian climate does not allow us to enjoy warm days for a long time, enjoy the sun, or spend our leisure time on terraces and open verandas. After a short summer period, we are forced to hide from the weather conditions in our homes.

Sliding windows for terraces and gazebos will come in handy for people who want to extend their time enjoying nature in the autumn. This type of glazing has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its practicality and compactness. Such systems make it possible to use the area of ​​the structure to the maximum, since when opening they do not take up space, and in strong winds the doors do not slam.

Positive traits

The sliding window system is a lightweight design that is very practical and easy to use. It has excellent sound insulation, excellent thermal insulation, is environmentally friendly and has a presentable appearance.

Among the main characteristics of sliding systems:

• high tightness;
• the sash moves easily along the window;
• low installation cost makes them increasingly popular;
• additional protection against hacking and unwanted entry.

Sliding glazing of terraces - cold and warm

If the choice fell on a more practical and ergonomic sliding glazing, then you should consider all possible options that are most optimal for its owner.

Sliding cold structures are often used on summer terraces and come in three types - frameless, aluminum, plastic.

Frameless glazing

These are all-glass sheets made of safety tempered glass with silicone seals. Frameless glazing is recommended to be used to create a beautiful view from the terrace - it does not spoil it at all due to the absence of lintels.

The price of frameless glazing starts from RUB 10,000/m2 without installation.

Advantages of frameless glazing:

• Beautiful panoramic views and plenty of light.
• Light weight, so frameless glazing can be used on any type of foundation
• Safety when tempered glass breaks.
• Space saving due to the sliding principle of opening the doors.
• The ability to completely open the opening by collecting all the doors into one segment.

Photo: frameless glazing - panoramic view, but low airtightness Limitations of frameless glazing:

• Low thermal insulation, tightness, possible blowing and ingress of dust, and in winter, snow, which will lead to freezing of the movable rollers.
• Low sound insulation.
• It is not possible to install mosquito nets.
• High price.

Sliding aluminum glazing (cold aluminum)

These are aluminum structures in which the doors move on runners, like in sliding wardrobes, and the joints of the doors are sealed with a brush seal.

The maximum dimensions of the doors of aluminum sliding structures for terraces are 1x2 meters, so on higher terraces you will have to join several structures, thereby losing the panoramic view from the terrace.

The cost of sliding aluminum structures starts from 2500 rubles. per square meter without installation.

Advantages of sliding aluminum glazing:

• Light weight, can be used for any type of foundation.
• Sound insulation is higher than that of frameless glazing.
• Thin profiles leave a large light opening.
• The high strength of aluminum allows for large-sized structures.
• Possibility of painting in any color, but only the same on both sides.
• Optimal use of terrace space.
• The ability to combine sliding, swing and fixed structures allows you to solve all your needs.
• Relatively affordable price.

Photo: in aluminum glazing several structures are joined and the panoramic view from the terrace is lost. Limitations of sliding aluminum glazing:

• There is only one glass as filling, which does not allow obtaining high heat and sound insulation performance. The difference in temperature inside and outside is only 3-5 degrees.
• A small selection of solar control glasses that can be used in monoglazing without double glazing.
• Light doors can “stick” and warp when moving.
• Precipitation getting into the frame-sash joint leads to freezing of the sash in winter.
• Difficult maintenance - to wash the glass, the sashes will have to be removed.
• In regions with strong wind loads, the doors may be blown away by the wind.

Sliding plastic glazing of terraces (cold plastic)

Plastic windows, in which the sashes do not swing open, but move to the side, are still poorly represented on the market, despite all their advantages. This is a middle option, between cold aluminum and warm plastic swing glazing. The optimal solution is the PVC system – REHAU EURO-Design Slide. The system has two options for sashes - window and door. For sliding terrace structures, it is preferable to use a door leaf; its maximum height is 2.4 meters, width 1.5 meters, and weight up to 100 kg.

Photo: the optimal solution for terraces is the REHAU EURO-Design Slide PVC system*Advantages of the REHAU EURO-Design Slide system:

• The increased dimensions of the sashes compared to cold aluminum make it possible to design panoramic glazing with fewer lintels and larger openings. The maximum dimensions of window sashes are 1400 x 1700 mm, door sashes 1500 x 2400 mm. The reinforcing profile inside allows for the production of large sliding structures
• Widely used - glazing of terraces, verandas, balconies, loggias
• Increased heat and noise insulation, wind protection compared to cold aluminum - profile width 60 mm, 3 chambers, siliconized brush seal and tight fitting of the sashes.
• More reliable in operation compared to cold aluminum. Smooth and easy sliding of the sashes on the aluminum rail without distortions or jamming. The design of the runners ensures reliable fit of the sash and use in conditions of high wind loads. Welded corners of frames and sashes ensure high rigidity and reliability of structures.
• Installation of a double-glazed window with a thickness of 20 mm (in cold aluminum there is only glass), which makes it possible to use energy-saving and solar-protective glass with spraying and makes the glazing warmer.
• The period of comfortable use of an unheated balcony increases from 5 to 9 months – from March to November.
• It is possible to install fittings with a classic window handle - a familiar look to the window and its controls.

Photo: REHAU EURO-Design Slide is easy to open with a regular window handle*

• Compatible for installation with REHAU 60 mm profile systems, which makes it possible to combine and obtain glazing for any request.
• Sliding mosquito nets provide complete protection against insects and poplar fluff.
• Easy to clean – the glossy surface of the profile does not absorb dust and is easy to clean. The tight fit of the doors prevents dust from entering the room and requires cleaning less often.
• Elegant appearance and the possibility of versatile decoration (different colors inside and outside).
• The beveled shape of the glazing rebate of the frame profile effectively removes moisture, with less opportunity for rain and snow to get inside and freeze the sashes.
• Space saving - the doors do not swing open and allow optimal use of a small room.

Disadvantages of the REHAU EURO-Design Slide system:

• Not suitable for heated premises, the period of their comfortable use is not year-round (up to 9 months), or can only be used in warm climates.
• To increase sound insulation properties, it is necessary to use laminated glass , which increases the cost of structures.
• Compared to frameless glazing, it “eats” more light space.
• The cost is higher than the aluminum analogue - a square meter without installation will cost 5,500 rubles, but cheaper than warm glazing.

Warm sliding glazing of terraces

Large-format structures made of warm profiles with double-glazed windows are suitable for glazing terraces that are part of a house or swimming pool. With such glazing, the terrace practically turns into a glass house with panoramic views.

The most popular material for warm sliding doors is aluminum or plastic. In terms of functional features and maximum dimensions, doors made from both materials are very similar. However, plastic doors and windows have better thermal insulation - it is 20% higher than aluminum ones, and the dimensions can be even larger.

Sliding warm structures are presented in several versions - tilt-and-slide (PSK) and lift-and-slide (HS) portal systems.

PSK doors are made using a warm window profile; the best option can be standard window systems, for example, REHAU DELIGHT-Design 70, GRAZIO 70, INTELIO 80. The sashes in PSK doors are moved to the side along a special rail. The opening and closing of the doors can be manual or semi-automatic.

Advantages of tilt-sliding doors:

• Possibility of producing sliding doors of a larger size than with cold plastic and aluminum glazing. The dimensions of the doors are limited to a width of up to 2 meters and a height of up to 2.4 meters.
• Large selection of profile systems and fittings options.
• There are many offers on the market.
• Warm, hermetic structures with full sash abutment - these properties of the structures are comparable to conventional tilt-and-turn windows.
• Anti-burglary equipment available.
• Cheaper than HS doors.

Limitations of tilt and slide doors:

• High threshold (about 6 cm), cannot be used in a “barrier-free environment”.
• The weight limit of the sashes is up to 200 kg.
• You need a reliable foundation.
• More expensive than cold glazing.

Photo: REHAU GENEO HST - panoramic glazing for warm terraces *For large, respectable terraces, HS lift-and-slide doors are best suited, which can be considered using the REHAU GENEO HST system as an example.

Advantages of the REHAU GENEO HST lift and slide door system:

• Flat barrier-free threshold.
• It is possible to produce sliding doors up to 10 meters wide, 2.7 m high, and weigh up to 400 kg.
• High thermal insulation and tightness, at a much higher level than all known systems of sliding doors and tilt-and-turn windows.
• Anti-burglary equipment.

Limitations of lift and slide doors:

• Difficulties in delivery and installation (large-sized sashes, heavy double-glazed windows).
• You need a reliable foundation.
• High cost, but cheaper than aluminum.

Metal-plastic windows

Sliding sashes, which have a single layer of glass, are the simplest and easiest to install. Such metal-plastic windows easily open in the intended direction. Another plus to the fact that they perfectly protect against drafts, rain and wind is the low cost of installation. Anyone can afford to make glazing in this way.

The design of sliding metal-plastic windows with double glazing will not only provide excellent protection from bad weather, but will also allow you to use the room until the coldest weather. To be able to spend days and evenings in a glazed gazebo in winter, it is necessary to insulate the walls and floor, install additional heating devices, and place a fireplace.

Sliding window designs can be developed individually. A project created specifically for a specific gazebo will be a little more expensive, but at the same time it will become a highlight of the suburban area and will add special charm and respectability. Among such original solutions, for example, is the use of semicircular windows, which create a semblance of a bay window structure.

Difference from swing doors: advantages and disadvantages

Installed sliding windows in the gazebo due to their ergonomic design increase the usable space. Since they do not require space to open like hinged ones. A glazed gazebo made of brick with sliding windows allows you to open them as much as possible. Essentially a large opening is created. Then in warm weather it can be used as a terrace. If there is a banquet, people can move freely to the street and back. And the opening of several walls will allow a light breeze to walk.

The openings of the “Accordion” type structure open as much as possible. But for them you cannot use doors that are too heavy, no more than 80 kg. That is, when choosing a double-glazed window, the sashes will be very small. They are most often used for cold glazing. And the sliding windows in the gazebo of the “Portal” type will require space on the sides. That is, they are more effective to use with a wall width of at least 4 meters.

Aluminum windows

Among the materials of profiles for sliding windows, aluminum is especially popular. It is most popular for small architectural forms, including gazebos and verandas. Such sliding systems are also suitable for glazing rooms that will be used throughout the year, provided that additional heating is provided. This creates a comfortable temperature for staying inside.

The advantage of aluminum systems is that they are applicable for both conventional and panoramic glazing due to their thin profile that does not interfere with the view. They are equally often used for glazing gazebos made of various materials, it can be wood, brick, metal, or plastic.

The advantage of aluminum systems is that they are applicable for both conventional and panoramic glazing due to their thin profile that does not interfere with the view. They are equally often used for glazing gazebos made of various materials, it can be wood, brick, metal, or plastic.

The advantages of aluminum sliding windows:

• anti-corrosion properties;
• strength;
• long service life;
• ease of care;
• lightness of structures;
• acceptable price.

Aluminum profile systems can have the color of natural metal or be laminated with a film of different textures and shades.

The cost of glazing services for small architectural forms will depend on many factors. These are the materials used in the production of windows, in the construction of the facility, the glazing area, the manufacturer and cost of the fittings, the availability of an individual project and some other professional nuances.

The cost of glazing a gazebo with an aluminum profile

If we compare window systems in terms of their cost, aluminum sliding/hinged windows can be afforded by the lucky owner of a gazebo with any income level. Such designs usually use a profile with minimal thermal insulation and single-chamber double-glazed windows. So, by definition, they are inexpensive.

To calculate the cost of your future gazebo, indicate your phone number on our website in the form fields and click “Submit” so that a consultant from our company will contact you and explain everything in detail.

Minimum price – from 2200 rub./m² (two-runner sliding system “Provedal”). This is the most budget option, suitable both for windows and for installing aluminum doors for a gazebo. The sliding doors are arranged in 2 rows. They ride on special guides at the top and bottom of the frame.

The three-rail system costs an order of magnitude more – approximately 3,800 rubles. /m². It is overall stiffer, stronger, and thanks to three independent rails, all sashes move to one edge of the frame, revealing an excellent view.

The price for sliding aluminum windows in the gazebo is the same even higher - 5,045 rubles/m².

On average, to glaze a gazebo with an aluminum profile, you need to spend from 50 to 200 thousand in national currency, and the price for services will depend on the area to be glazed, the type of system (sliding, two- or three-slide, hinged) and the complexity of the work, so the final price is calculated individually. Rest assured that it will remain unchanged after installation.

Installing sliding systems yourself

Owners of plots outside the city are accustomed to doing everything themselves. Insulation of various structures is not a complex, impossible task. Often the material used is polycarbonate sheets. For a person who is familiar with construction tools, insulating a veranda or gazebo by installing windows is not difficult. The structure can be assembled without outside help.

Before you begin, you should decide on the method of opening the windows. This determines what fittings will be used when installing polycarbonate structures.

There are two ways to open windows:

• parallel-sliding;
• lift-and-slide.

For installation, you can use sheets of cellular and monolithic polycarbonate. These materials are light, safe, easy to process, and do not transmit harmful ultraviolet rays. The choice depends on the wishes of the owner of the site. The use of cellular polycarbonate will reduce the cost of the process and darken the room; the monolithic version is more expensive, but is transparent like glass.

Polycarbonate sheets are produced in various colors, which allows your imagination to run wild and make your site special. But you should choose a material that is produced by a trusted company so that the created structures serve for a long time and without failure.

Cost of sliding doors

Having decided to buy sliding doors for a gazebo, the client is faced with the issue of cost. The price of the sliding system is slightly higher than the classic one, which is justified given the superiority of the design. The final cost is affected by:

• type of glass, number of cameras;
• selected design;
• profile and thermal insert thickness;
• dimensions of the sliding system;
• decorative finishing;
• fittings and seals.

The final price is also affected by installation: whether the installation will be carried out professionally or independently.

Aluminum sliding doors for gazebos are presented in a large assortment, which is regularly updated with new products. In order for the doors to function properly, do not neglect the manufacturer’s recommendations for operating conditions.