Turn the handle and the panel lifts off its seal; slide it effortlessly to one side with a single finger. Lift and slide technology makes even floor-to-ceiling glass panels feel weightless.
Standard sliding doors rest directly on their bottom rollers, which means heavy triple-glazed panels can become difficult to move. Lift and slide technology solves this elegantly. When you turn the handle, a mechanical cam system raises the panel by a few millimetres, lifting it completely off its compression seals and onto precision ball-bearing carriages. The panel then glides with almost no resistance, regardless of its weight.
Because the panel compresses firmly onto its seals when closed - rather than simply resting against a brush or pile seal like a standard slider - the thermal and acoustic performance of a lift and slide door is significantly better. When the handle is turned to the closed position, the panel presses down against triple-layer seals on all four sides, creating an exceptionally weather-tight and draught-free barrier.
We supply lift and slide door systems in three frame materials to suit every home and budget. Aluminium offers the slimmest frames and the widest colour choice via powder coating. PVC is a cost-effective alternative with excellent thermal properties. Aluclad gives you natural timber warmth on the inside with maintenance-free aluminium protection on the outside - the choice of architects and discerning homeowners.
The mechanical lift mechanism removes all contact between the panel and its seals during sliding. A 400kg glass panel moves with effortless, fingertip control.
Individual panels up to 3 metres wide and 2.8 metres tall. Achieve panoramic openings spanning the full width of an extension or living room rear wall.
The panel compresses onto triple-layer seals on all four sides when closed, creating exceptional draught exclusion and weather performance.
That same compression seal that locks out draughts also dramatically reduces noise transmission. Triple glazing takes acoustic performance even further.
Multi-point compression locking engages automatically when the handle is turned closed, securing the panel at multiple points with no weak spots.
Lift and slide is the door of choice on architect-designed new builds and high-end renovations. Its performance credentials match its premium aesthetic.
"We specified a 5-metre wide lift and slide in aluminium for our rear extension and it is the single most impressive feature of the house. When you turn the handle and that massive panel just glides open silently with one finger, guests are always stunned. The thermal performance is outstanding too - no condensation, no draughts, and no noise from the road. WOW delivered and installed flawlessly."
"Our architect specified a lift and slide and WOW were the recommended installer. The quality is extraordinary - the panels are huge and yet you open them with one finger. The seal when closed is so good that you barely hear the garden even with the doors right there. Worth every cent."
"Had a PVC lift and slide fitted to replace old French doors and the change is phenomenal. The opening is much wider, the operation is effortless, and the room is noticeably quieter and warmer. The fitters from WOW were excellent - careful, tidy, and finished ahead of schedule."
On a standard sliding door, the panel rests on its bottom rollers all the time. When you push it, the panel slides while still in contact with the frame's seals, which creates friction. On a lift and slide door, turning the handle raises the panel off its seals onto precision carriages before any sliding takes place. This means zero contact with the seals during movement, which is why even a 300-400kg panel slides with just one finger. When you push the handle back down, the panel lowers back onto its seals, creating a tight, compression-sealed closure that is significantly more thermally and acoustically efficient than a standard slider.
We supply lift and slide systems in three frame materials. Aluminium is the most popular, offering ultra-slim sightlines, any RAL colour, and a fully contemporary look. PVC is available for those seeking excellent performance at a lower price point. Aluclad - solid engineered timber on the interior with an aluminium exterior - is the premium option, offering natural warmth inside the home with fully maintenance-free protection outside. All three options are available with thermally broken profiles and double or triple glazing.
Yes - lift and slide doors are actually better suited to exposed locations than standard sliders. Because the panel compresses onto seals on all four sides when closed, they provide superior weather exclusion against driving rain and wind. Our systems are tested to stringent European standards for air permeability, water tightness, and wind resistance. For coastal properties we recommend marine-grade hardware and anodised or PVDF-coated aluminium to maximise corrosion resistance. Our surveyor will advise on the best specification for your location during the free home survey.
Yes. Triple glazing is available across our aluminium, PVC, and aluclad lift and slide ranges. Because the lift mechanism completely removes the friction of moving the panel, the additional weight of triple glazing (which can add 30-40% to the panel weight) makes no difference to the ease of operation. Triple glazing delivers a U-value below 0.8 W/m2K and a significant improvement in acoustic performance, making it an excellent choice for homes on busy roads or in exposed locations. We will always quote both double and triple glazing options so you can make an informed decision.