Perfect Fit:
Made-to-Measure Lift and Slide Doors
LWS&I Windows and Doors offers a wide range of bi-fold and sliding door systems from world-renowned manufacturers, with options available in uPVC, aluminum, and timber.
Bi-Fold Doors
LWS&I provides bi-fold doors, including a specific "Loft" style system, designed for flexible space division and large openings.
Loft Bi-Fold System: This system combines the lightness of single glazing (6mm or 8mm) with the durability of steel profiles, featuring decorative muntins for a post-industrial aesthetic. It's suitable for restaurants, offices, and modern apartments.
Sliding Doors
LWS&I offers a variety of sliding door options, including lift-and-slide and tilt-and-slide systems in various materials, some suitable for passive construction. They are easy to operate, even with large, heavy sashes.
Aluminum Sliding Systems: These systems can accommodate large glass panes (up to 400 kg per sash) and are available in various schemes with both visible and flush/disappearing thresholds.
- Specific system schemes offered include Aluprof MB-77HS, Aliplast Ultraglide HST, Reynaers Masterpatio, and Cortizo Cor Vision.
uPVC Sliding Systems: Known for their reliability, high thermal insulation, and aesthetic appeal, these systems offer better space-saving possibilities compared to traditional doors.
- Specific system schemes offered include Aluplast HST 85 Premium, Deceuninck Decalu Slide, Decco HST, Gealan HST S9000, and Salamander Evolution Drive 82.
Wooden Sliding Systems: LWS&I also provides ecological sliding doors made from FSC-certified wood, prioritizing a low carbon footprint and excellent energy efficiency.
Key Product Features
Materials: Doors are available in uPVC, aluminum, steel, and timber, allowing clients to choose based on their specific preferences for durability, style, and insulation.
Energy Efficiency: LWS&I's products feature high thermal performance, including options that meet standards for passive construction.
Glazing: A variety of glass and glazing solutions are available, including warm glazing units with up to four panes, to meet specific needs for energy efficiency, safety, and privacy.
Customization: All products can be tailored to individual wishes, including configuration, colour, and hardware styles.
Security: The products incorporate various security measures, including robust locking systems and features like photocells and amperometric sensors in automated systems.
Bi-Fold and Sliding Door Collection
Sliding Door Standard Opening Options
Scheme A
2 sashes / 1 active
Scheme available in systems:
- Available with all sliding door systems
Scheme C
4 sashes / 2 active
Scheme available in systems:
- Aluprof MB- 77HS
- Aliplast Ultraglide HST
- Aluprof MB-59
- Aliplast Ultraglide
- Aliplast VG PLUS HST
- Aluplast HST 85 Premium
- Cortizo Cor Vision
- Deceuninck Decalu Slide
- Decco HST
- Gealan HST S9000
- Reynaers Masterpatio
- Salamander Evolution Drive 82
Scheme D
2 sashes / 2 active
Scheme available in systems:
- Aliplast Ultraglide HST
- Aluprof MB-59
- Deceuninck Decalu Slide
- Aliplast Visoglide plus HST
- Aluprof MB77-HS
- Aluplast HST 85
Scheme G
3 sashes / 1 active
Scheme available in systems:
- MB-59 HS
- Aluprof MB-59
- Aliplast Ultraglide
- Aluprof MB77-HS
- Aluplast HST 85 Premium TS
- Reynaers Masterpatio
Scheme K
3 sashes / left-right active
Scheme available in systems:
- Aluprof MB- 77HS
- Salamander Evolution Drive 82
Scheme AG
3 sashes / 2 active
Scheme available in systems:
- Aluprof MB-77HS
- Reynaers Masterpatio
- Aliplast Ultraglide
Sliding systems are categorized into tilt-and-slide (PSK) and lift-and-slide (HST) solutions.
Tilt-and-Slide (PSK): Typically used for smaller openings, such as balcony doors. When closed, the moving sash aligns perfectly with the fixed sash to form a single line.
Lift-and-Slide (HST): Designed for larger glazed areas. The sashes overlap and slide with minimal effort despite weights up to 400 kg.
Disappearing Thresholds: Systems can be configured with visible thresholds or low-profile thresholds that disappear into the floor (as low as 3mm) for seamless transitions.
Pocket Doors: A specialized option where the active sash slides entirely into a space inside the wall, providing a completely unobstructed passage.
Corner Glazing: HST systems allow for unique corner opening configurations without a fixed structural post.
Bi-Fold Door Opening Options
Bi-fold systems offer the most flexibility for completely opening a space to the outdoors.
Stacking Direction: Panels can be configured to stack entirely to the left, entirely to the right, or split to stack on both sides.
Inward vs. Outward: Doors can be designed to fold inwards (into the room) or outwards (towards the garden), depending on available space.
Traffic Doors (Access Leaf): An "odd number" of panels (e.g., 3, 5, or 7) allows for a single "traffic door." This acts as a standard hinged door for everyday access without needing to fold the entire system back.
Loft System: This specific industrial-style system uses steel profiles and can be configured as a multi-sash folding partition for separating interior or exterior spaces.
Typical Configurations
Systems are often specified by their number of sashes and how they move:
2-Panel: Can act as a double-sliding set or a folding pair.
3-Panel: Often features one traffic door and two folding panels.
4-Panel: Can open from the center (2+2) or have one traffic door with three folding panels (1+3).
Large Spans: Systems like the Aluplast HST 85 or Aluprof MB-77HS can be configured with multiple tracks to accommodate very wide openings
Barrier-Free Solutions by Door Type
Barrier-Free Solutions
Recessed: The threshold can be installed so it disappears within the floor, with the running rail potentially as low as 3mm or even 0mm in some specific systems.
Specific Systems: Options like the Aluprof MB-77HS and uPVC systems such as Aluplast HST 85 Premium offer low or flush threshold configurations. The Reynaers HiFinity minimal sliders are particularly known for their "invisible base" detail where the floor finish can run over the frame.
Drainage: These solutions incorporate integrated drainage channels to manage water effectively and prevent ingress, which is a crucial consideration for flush external installations in the Irish climate.
Flush Installation: The frames for bi-fold doors can also be sunk or recessed to achieve a level floor finish inside and out.
Low Thresholds: Standard low aluminum thresholds are available, which are a practical solution for easy access.
Water Management: Similar to sliding doors, zero-threshold bi-folds utilize sophisticated water management and drainage principles to ensure weather resistance.
Planning and Considerations
Design Stage Planning: Achieving a true barrier-free or flush threshold requires careful planning at the building design stage. The selection of the exterior and interior floor levels needs to be adapted for correct installation and effective water drainage.
Professional Installation: Proper installation by skilled professionals is essential to ensure that the complex drainage and sealing systems work correctly, especially in areas with potential exposure to wind-driven rain.
Aesthetic & Practical Benefits: Beyond accessibility, these solutions provide a cleaner, streamlined look that blurs the lines between internal and external living spaces, creating a seamless flow.
Explore how bi-fold and sliding doors can offer barrier-free thresholds through recessed frames and advanced water management systems.
Key Convenience Features
Space-Saving Design: Unlike traditional hinged doors, sliding sashes move parallel to the opening and do not protrude into the room. This eliminates the need to reserve "operating space" for the door's opening radius, allowing for more flexible interior arrangements.
Effortless Operation: Despite sashes that can weigh up to 400–600 kg, LWS&I systems are superbly balanced. Advanced hardware, such as the HST (Lift-and-Slide) mechanism, allows the largest doors to glide open with a slight push, making them comfortable for children and seniors to use.
Pocket Door Option: LWS&I offers solutions where the active sash can be hidden entirely inside the wall when open. This "disappearing" door provides an unobstructed passage and a clean, minimalist aesthetic.
Wide Passageways: These systems are the optimal solution for achieving the widest possible clear openings. This is particularly useful for moving large furniture or facilitating high traffic flow between indoor and outdoor areas.
Barrier-Free Access: Systems can be configured with low or flush thresholds (as low as 3mm), creating a single surface between a living room and terrace. This significantly improves comfort for individuals with mobility limitations or families using prams.
Versatility in Materials: Whether choosing aluminium for slim profiles and panoramic views, uPVC for excellent thermal insulation at an affordable price, or timber for natural aesthetics and low carbon footprint, each system is engineered for user-friendly performance.
Automation Availability: For the highest level of convenience, automated options are available that allow the doors to be controlled with a single button, requiring no manual effort at all.