Commercial sliding doors allow wider openings without requiring the large swing-arc trajectories of traditional, oversized swing doors—making them a proven solution for both space-efficiency and design flexibility. However, because they glide along the wall, standard sliding doors may not be feasible when wall space is at a premium.
When specified for the right application, telescopic sliding doors can help designers achieve wider openings in more areas of the built environment to increase a project’s overall flexibility.
What are telescoping doors?
Telescopic sliding doors work by sliding one door leaf over the other to achieve the widest possible opening within the smallest amount of wall space. Telescoping doors are often used in procedure and exam rooms, meeting rooms, break out spaces in schools and offices as well as other low-traffic, interior spaces where flexibility is key.
These door systems can achieve similar performance capabilities as a standard sliding door—such as space savings and large opening sizes that are more user friendly to operate. They are also compatible with a full range of hardware that is compliant with Americans with Disability Act (ADA) standards.
What are the benefits of telescopic sliding doors?
As a commercial sliding door system, telescoping door assemblies support space-use efficiency by eliminating swing arc trajectories. That said, select telescopic sliding doors can maximize their value within a project.
For example, Ad Systems’ XtendSlide™ telescoping sliding door system come with high-quality perimeter frames and hardware to resist typical wear and tear, prolonging their service life and minimizing maintenance. They are also available with several finish options, from transparent full-lite glass doors to leaves with markable surfaces. This helps them fit almost any design aesthetic.
Because the doors overlap as they retract, telescoping doors provide flexibility, accessibility and large clear openings to spaces without requiring the wall space needed of standard sliding door options. As a result, these sliding door systems can solve several design challenges where previously swing doors might have been the only option. Likewise, telescopic sliding doors can match adjacent systems—whether they are sliding or swing doors—to create a cohesive look across the entire built environment.
How do these sliding door systems support design flexibility?
Telescopic sliding doors allow flexible openings in more areas of the built environment. With greater opportunities to specify wider openings without having to account for swing arc trajectories, designers can plan more spaces that can flex to meet occupant needs. This can include moving large equipment between rooms in healthcare facilities or accommodating different lesson plan requirements in educational settings.
In addition to their overlapping door leaves, telescoping doors can support varying degrees of visual connection or privacy—from the full privacy of shut, opaque doors to the complete openness of transparent full-lite glass doors. This supports rooms that can meet a variety of use requirements simultaneously.
These doors minimize footprints both within a room’s interior and along the walls leading into a space, making them an extremely versatile door solution. Available in surface-mounted configurations or inset with an integral sidelite, telescopic sliding doors support space-efficiency, design flexibility and accessibility among other goals.
