Kent · England
Sliding Doors in Kent
Want a clearer view of the garden from your home in Kent? Slimline aluminium sliders keep frames to a minimum and take up no room when opened.
- Guide from £1,795
- 23 towns covered
- Postcode areas BR, CT, DA, ME, TN
Replacement patio doors for homes and businesses in Kent
Making an opening wider for new sliding doors is structural work that needs building control approval and a correctly sized lintel or steel. Replacing doors in the existing opening is simpler. Flats, listed buildings and conservation areas may also need planning or other consent for the change.
Older patio doors with worn rollers often feel heavy and grind along the track. Modern sliding doors use adjustable stainless or sealed bearing rollers designed for heavy glass, but they still need a clean, level track. Grit in the bottom track is the main reason a sliding door becomes stiff.
Security on sliding doors depends on multi-point hook locks that grip the frame, anti-lift blocks that stop panels being lifted off the track, internally glazed beads and an anti-snap cylinder. Older patio doors without anti-lift protection can sometimes be lifted out, so ask whether the system is tested to PAS 24.
Sliding doors can have a raised sill for weather resistance or a low, flush track for near level access between floor and patio. Flush tracks need good drainage outside and some shelter, and on exposed elevations a slightly raised threshold usually keeps water out more reliably.
Towns we cover for sliding doors in Kent
Choose your town for local details, nearby areas and the postcode districts we cover.
What applies in Kent
Approved Document K requires safety glass in critical locations in England: glazing in doors and in side panels within 300 mm of a door, up to 1500 mm above floor level, and any glazing in walls or partitions up to 800 mm above floor level.
Replacing windows and doors with similar ones is usually permitted development for houses in England. Flats, listed buildings and homes in conservation areas or covered by an Article 4 direction can need permission, so check with the council first.
Kent has its own coastline, so for homes and businesses near the sea, salt air and wind-driven rain are part of the brief. Salt and sand collect in sliding door tracks near the coast, wearing rollers and seals more quickly, so tracks need more frequent cleaning. Stainless running gear, a coating suited to marine exposure and a raised threshold help on exposed elevations facing the sea.
Rural patios are often uneven or sit below the floor, so threshold height, drainage and level tracks need careful planning. Exposed sites benefit from stiffer frames, robust weather seals and laminated glass, as homes may be some distance from neighbours.
Guide prices
| Typical job | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| Aluminium slider, 1800 mm wide | £2,695 – £3,495 |
| Aluminium slider, 3000 mm wide | £3,995 – £5,095 |
| Lift-and-slide, 4000 mm wide | £6,695 – £8,595 |
| uPVC patio door, 1800 mm wide | £1,795 – £2,395 |
Choosing your sliding doors
Glass specification
Toughened low-E double glazing as standard, with triple glazing, laminated security glass, acoustic or solar-control glass available.
Lift-and-slide doors
Panels lift off their seals to glide, then drop to seal tightly when closed; suited to very large, heavy glass panels.
uPVC patio doors
A lower-cost in-line sliding door with chunkier frames, available in white, grey and woodgrain foils for standard openings.
Flush or low threshold
A low-profile bottom track for near level access, paired with external drainage and used where there is some shelter.
Sliding Doors in Kent: questions
What maintenance do sliding patio doors need?
Sliding patio doors need regular cleaning of the bottom track and drainage slots, a wipe of the frames with mild soapy water and occasional checks of the brush seals and locks. Avoid oiling the track, which attracts grit. If a panel starts to drag, roller adjustment is usually a short job for a glazier.
What guarantee comes with sliding patio doors?
Manufacturer guarantees apply to the frames, coating, rollers, locks and sealed units, and the terms are confirmed in writing. Cover for rollers can depend on regular cleaning, so read the conditions. Guarantee terms for the installation are set out in writing with your quote, so you know exactly what is covered before you go ahead.
How long does it take to install sliding doors?
Replacing a typical set of sliding patio doors takes about a day on site, and large multi-panel or lift-and-slide systems can take longer, especially if lifting equipment is needed. The doors are made to order first, and the manufacturing lead time is confirmed in writing when you accept the quote.
Can I get sliding doors with a very slim frame?
Yes. Slimline aluminium sliding doors are designed with narrow outer frames and interlocks, and some systems hide part of the frame in the floor, walls or ceiling. Very slim systems need precise, level openings and strong support above, so the survey checks the lintel, floor and walls before recommending one.
Which parts of Kent do you cover for sliding doors?
We cover the whole of Kent, including Maidstone, Gillingham, Chatham, Tunbridge Wells and Folkestone, and postcode areas BR, CT, DA, ME, TN. Building rules for sliding doors here follow the regulations for England. Enter your postcode on the quote form and we will confirm cover; then a glazier will arrange a free survey before giving you a written quote.
Other glazing services in Kent
- Replacement Glass in Kent
- Misted Glass Repair in Kent
- Emergency Glazing in Kent
- Safety Glass in Kent
- Window Repairs in Kent
- Window Film in Kent
- uPVC Windows in Kent
- Aluminium Windows in Kent
- Sash Windows in Kent
- Composite Doors in Kent
- Bifold Doors in Kent
- Secondary Glazing in Kent
- Roof Lanterns in Kent
- Glass Balustrades in Kent
- Frameless Glass in Kent
- Shower Screens in Kent
- Glass Splashbacks in Kent
- Bespoke Mirrors in Kent
- Glass Roofs in Kent
- Shopfront Glazing in Kent
- Curtain Walling in Kent
- Glass Partitions in Kent
- Property Glazing in Kent
Get a written quote in Kent
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