Are lift-and-slide doors generally less airtight?

How is the balcony constructed and especially drained? A suspended wooden balcony or similar where water drips through the floorboards, or a cantilevered concrete element? The problem with doors (whether classic or sliding) would be standing water due to clogged drains, snow drifts, or similar. With a "sealed" balcony, the water-bearing level must be below the door threshold. So either there is a step, the flooring is raised, and/or a channel is made between the door threshold and the flooring. If that works, it doesn't matter whether it's a classic or sliding door.

Otherwise, just a note that the frame portion of a sliding door is really quite massive. The smaller the door, the more this impacts. You should check it out live somewhere.

Again some good points! I will take them with me and clarify! If there is a threshold (which I hope not), I don't need a lift-and-slide door either, I would even prefer a leaf door...

Impressive résumé... Thanks for the clarification!

Impressive CV... Thanks for the clarification!

I am not retired yet, the CV continues: currently I am a construction pilot (and property finding coach).

...we have now been operating the lift-and-slide door in a closed state for 5 years. A sash system would have been higher as well.

The flush installation (thresholdless) was denied because the height for a sufficient channel was allegedly not available. We can live with the few centimeters.

The terrace covering is laid on pedestals, which in turn stand on rubber mats, and these again on a thick foil as waterproofing.

I could no longer see the "channel" made of loosely laid grating panels! Therefore, the vertical part was clad with stainless steel and the grates were replaced by a WPC panel.

Also, the regular removal to clear the pile of leaves is now no longer necessary.





I cannot see how the planning is intended on your side(?).

There is a balcony above the sliding door and there have been no problems with water, not even with regular watering hose use and once a year high-pressure cleaner use.

Best regards and much enjoyment after moving in ;-)