FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Fully recessed floor tracks are fitted with a highly effective drainage system. An integrated drainage chamber system carries away the heaviest rainfall beyond the building’s damp proof membrane to an external drain concealed below a patio surface. To find out more about how sliding door designs cope with all kinds of weather through the year, why not read ‘Sliding Doors for all Seasons’ in our Knowledge Hub?

This is the big question for customers visiting our showrooms for the first time! The showroom team will take you through the benefits of both systems – sometimes it’s location and type of property that are the deciding factors, at other times it’s aesthetic and lifestyle that determines whether sliders or bi-fold doors are best for your home. Why not take a look at past customer projects before you come – if you see something that you love, we’ll let you know if it can be done!

ODC windows and doors come in Anthracite Grey, Black and White as standard but you can order frames in any RAL colour to complement your home’s aesthetic.

Our ODC aluminium window systems are designed and manufactured with the same exacting aesthetic and standards as our sliding doors and bifold doors. They will complement any of our sliding systems, providing a complete glazing solution for your project.

Yes, we can install sliding doors with thresholds flush to your floor.

Large sliding doors sometimes have a lift and slide mechanism. By turning the handle down, the door panel is very slightly lifted up from the bottom rail to run smoothly and easily, free of the weather strip. Once the handle is dropped, the door is locked back into position. This design also allows for the installation of trickle vents for additional ventilation. Our ODC300 system offers this option.

Slimline door systems have very slender aluminium profiles so when they are in the closed position, there is very little frame to see. The central mullions on these sliding doors are called interlocks and these are again are as slim as possible to minimise any interruption to your view.

Yes, all our sliding systems can be installed to create a continuous wall of glass with doors that meet at a corner and slide open in either direction to create that amazing inside/outside space.

Our aluminium sliding doors are designed with security as an absolute priority and they meet rigorous British and European standards. All our ranges have multi-point locking systems and toughened safety glass that can withstand burglar impact. For more explanation of standard and optional security features, please check out Sliding Door Designs for Home Security – it’s a quick read article in our Knowledge Hub.

Stainless steel, precision-engineered rollers and running gear mean any sliding door can be opened and closed effortlessly. Larger door panels can weigh up to 1000kg each and yet can be easily operated with one hand. When you visit our showroom, it’s one of the aspects of our doors to try for yourself.

Yes, they are designed for your space. The ODC systems offer a choice of sightlines and panel sizes, and once you’ve decided the look and number of panels, the type of threshold, handles and frame colour for your doors and windows, they are manufactured at our production facility in Poole. We have a technical team to design exactly what you want – and to liaise with your architect to ensure your glazing delivers the aesthetic, security and performance you’re looking for.

This is the big question for customers visiting our showrooms for the first time! The showroom team will take you through the benefits of both systems – sometimes it’s location and type of property that are the deciding factors, at other times it’s aesthetic and lifestyle that determines whether sliders or bi-fold doors are best for your home. Why not take a look at past customer projects before you come – if you see something that you love, we’ll let you know if it can be done!

ODC windows and doors come in Anthracite Grey, Black and White as standard but you can order frames in any RAL colour to complement your home’s aesthetic.

Of course, looks and budget will play their part in your decision. Integral systems are extremely practical and low maintenance, ideal for busy living spaces and homes with children and pets. Bespoke roller blinds offer a very contemporary and minimalist finish to your installation while pleated blinds will add texture and depth to your interior.  We have all three systems and samples in a range of fabrics on display at our showrooms to help you find the best solution.

ODC manufactures folding doors from aluminium which provides a contemporary low maintenance solution with narrow sight lines. Alternatively, the Composite offers a high-quality timber interior finish with aluminium on the external side of each panel. Finally, we supply a Timber frame with an aluminium core. All the timbers we use are from renewable and certified sources and are finished with eco-friendly water-based lacquers.

Bi-folding doors should be easy to operate and not feel heavy or stiff to open. ODC systems are designed so that they can be opened with just one hand. You can see demonstrations of our sliding and folding doors on our aluminium bifolding doors product page.

That’s down to your personal preference or the space you have available inside and outside. We can manufacture either and and will be very happy to advise on the best option for your room and lifestyle with you.

This will depend on the size and number of the panels. For example, a five-panel opening across a span of 5 metres will open to a folded width of approximately 350mm.

This will depend on floor and ground levels, but yes, it should be possible as we have a flush threshold option which allows this. We offer up to four threshold solutions for each folding door system and will advise on which is best for your situation.

Bespoke folding and bi-fold doors and windows are made to measure to fit your space precisely. Our popular aluminium bifolding door range has a maximum panel size of 1200mm wide x 2500mm high, and you can have a folding system consisting of 2- 14 panels.

Our ODC aluminium window systems are designed and manufactured with the same exacting aesthetic and standards as our sliding doors and bifold doors. They will complement any of our sliding systems, providing a complete glazing solution for your project.

Our range of bifold doors has been extended to include the ODC99AH, a slimline bifold system with panel heights up to 3500mm. With individual panels up to 1100mm wide and with a system potential to hold 14 panels, these are bifolds with the wow factor!

Yes, they are designed for your space. The ODC systems offer a choice of sightlines and panel sizes, and once you’ve decided the look and number of panels, the type of threshold, handles and frame colour for your doors and windows, they are manufactured at our production facility in Poole. We have a technical team to design exactly what you want – and to liaise with your architect to ensure your glazing delivers the aesthetic, security and performance you’re looking for.

ODC windows and doors come in Anthracite Grey, Black and White as standard but you can order frames in any RAL colour to complement your home’s aesthetic.

No specific opening option is better than another; it’s a case of choosing the right window for the position, the view and prevailing weather. Our expert team advise on exactly this when discussing your project, but to learn more about different glazing options see our ‘Five top tips on window design and placement’ blog.

Aluminium windows have significant advantages over UPVC and timber. Firstly, aluminium is more resilient, so, unlike some timber windows, aluminium frames can be finished in dark stylish colours without any worry that these will draw the heat and cause expansion. An aluminium window frame’s powder coating finish is basically maintenance free, and, with the option of up to 200 RAL colours, offers a fabulous choice for your project.

Aluminium is also much stronger than other materials. This means aluminium windows can be fabricated with much slimmer sightlines holding larger expanses of glass for beautiful slender windows in sizes to maximise your views. In addition, these robust frames meet the industry’s highest standards for security to withstand impact and attempted break-ins.

Our ODC aluminium window systems are designed and manufactured with the same exacting aesthetic and standards as our sliding doors and bifold doors. They will complement any of our sliding systems, providing a complete glazing solution for your project.

Yes, they are designed for your space. The ODC systems offer a choice of sightlines and panel sizes, and once you’ve decided the look and number of panels, the type of threshold, handles and frame colour for your doors and windows, they are manufactured at our production facility in Poole. We have a technical team to design exactly what you want – and to liaise with your architect to ensure your glazing delivers the aesthetic, security and performance you’re looking for.

You can install a rooflight under your Permitted Development rights as long as it does not project more than 15cm from the roof slope. If the rooflight extends forward of the roof plane on the elevation fronting a highway then it’s not allowed under Permitted Development. If you live in a conservation area, then you may be required to install conservation rooflights, but it’s always best to check with your local authority before you begin.

Kitchens and rooms with lots of direct light benefit from ventilated systems. Rooflights with trickle vents allow a small amount of air movement. Opening rooflights with manual or electric controls give you more flexible ventilation options and can be fitted with opening sashes, climate control and rain sensors. Little and often is our advice when ensuring your home is well-ventilated; windows with trickle vents allow fresh air flow in a room and keep moisture build up to a minimum. Our technical surveyor will evaluate ventilation requirements for your space as part of drawing up your specifications.

If your glass roof or rooflight is south-facing, you may want to upgrade to glass with a solar-control coating. There are many types of solar control coatings, and the darker tint options may help protect your interior finishes, but it does sacrifice the amount of natural light you will get. ODC recommends using a colour neutral coating which effectively looks like “normal” glass. However, this can reduce heat gain by up to 65% which will reduce the need for air-conditioning. This is obviously great for money saving as well as the planet.

Yes, they are designed for your space. The ODC systems offer a choice of sightlines and panel sizes, and once you’ve decided the look and number of panels, the type of threshold, handles and frame colour for your doors and windows, they are manufactured at our production facility in Poole. We have a technical team to design exactly what you want – and to liaise with your architect to ensure your glazing delivers the aesthetic, security and performance you’re looking for.

Yes, we can design stand-alone glass structures as focal points in gardens or adjacent to pools. As a private place to relax, protected from the elements, a glass wintergarden adds the ultimate wow factor to any property.

Protective awnings are perfect for shading from the sun, and can be installed on top, vertically or as or as an underglass awning. Blinds, pleated blinds, and Venetian blinds also give a wintergarden privacy as well as keeping it cool on hot days. Integrated LED lighting will give your new living space atmospheric and adjustable ambient light.

A glass canopy is a glazed overhang often installed over an entrance or doorway, offering protection from the elements without obstructing views or natural light. Glass canopies can be transformed into striking glass house structures with the addition of glazed slide-and-turn walls or bifold doors.

A wintergarden is a glass room usually linked to an existing building. Designed to extend a living space, a wintergarden extension is integrated into an existing building, creating a seamless connection to the outside space.

Our ODC aluminium window systems are designed and manufactured with the same exacting aesthetic and standards as our sliding doors and bifold doors. They will complement any of our sliding systems, providing a complete glazing solution for your project.

Yes, they are designed for your space. The ODC systems offer a choice of sightlines and panel sizes, and once you’ve decided the look and number of panels, the type of threshold, handles and frame colour for your doors and windows, they are manufactured at our production facility in Poole. We have a technical team to design exactly what you want – and to liaise with your architect to ensure your glazing delivers the aesthetic, security and performance you’re looking for.

Yes, aluminium is a very versatile material and aluminium panels can be cut and shaped into a variety of designs and profiles. It can also be powder-coated in any RAL colour and you can customise your design further with a choice of fittings. If you’re looking to replicate a specific look or create a design to complement existing windows, then we’d be delighted to discuss your ideas.

Aluminium is very resistant to the impact of the elements and so requires very little maintenance. We can also pre-anodisise the metal prior to fabrication for particularly harsh environments – for example, by the sea or swimming pool locations where airborne salt or chlorine exist. We are happy to discuss options.

Yes, they are designed for your space. The ODC systems offer a choice of sightlines and panel sizes, and once you’ve decided the look and number of panels, the type of threshold, handles and frame colour for your doors and windows, they are manufactured at our production facility in Poole. We have a technical team to design exactly what you want – and to liaise with your architect to ensure your glazing delivers the aesthetic, security and performance you’re looking for.

Yes, this system works perfectly for internal openings, mezzanine and walkways, providing an almost invisible protection barrier for a contemporary, minimalist interior.

Yes, a façade-mounted balustrade creates an invisible safety barrier for inward folding bifold doors or sliding patio doors installed on upper floors.

Extremely. High quality aluminium frames withstand extreme temperatures and humidity. Toughened safety glass has long term durability. Fixtures and fittings conform with Building Regulations standards.

A frameless balustrade is an all-glass system to provide a glass barrier in an opening with minimal visual interruption.  It can be installed either without a top or bottom rail, and fixed on the sides, or alternatively without a top or side rails, and fixed at the bottom. ODC offer both options to suit your design requirements.

Yes, they are designed for your space. The ODC systems offer a choice of sightlines and panel sizes, and once you’ve decided the look and number of panels, the type of threshold, handles and frame colour for your doors and windows, they are manufactured at our production facility in Poole. We have a technical team to design exactly what you want – and to liaise with your architect to ensure your glazing delivers the aesthetic, security and performance you’re looking for.

We have a range of awnings on display and working at our showrooms. Please get in touch to visit us in London or Poole.

A blind or awning can protect you against sun, wind and rain, but only if it is positioned correctly and suitably fitted. A key factor must be the daily movement of the sun across your patio. If, for example, low evening sun still reaches your seating area, an awning with Shadeplus could be a good choice

The ODC Awning is available in a wide range of different awning fabrics – giving you a choice of patterns and colours, but also options in different fabric qualities and finishes. Manufactured to maintain their shape and colour for years, high-tech awning fabrics are dyed using up to 16 million distinctive colours for outstanding luminosity and colour intensity. These functional textiles have exceptionally high standards in terms of quality, UV protection, ease of care and appearance.

The ODC Awning has been tested in a Formula 1 wind tunnel in Cologne, Germany. The awning had to withstand wind speeds of up to 180 km/h. Whilst we wouldn’t recommend leaving the awning extended in extremely windy conditions, it is good to know the quality of this system will handle most of what UK weather has to throw at us.

Yes, our blind systems may not look like they have the same energy conservation efficiency as a pair of thick curtains, but your bifold door blinds will offer excellent thermal conservation and light control to save on your heating and air conditioning bills.

Yes. Blinds need to have complete functionality with your installation. Blind systems that attach to the door rather than the frame are required to avoid any tangling when opening and closing.

Of course, looks and budget will play their part in your decision. Integral systems are extremely practical and low maintenance, ideal for busy living spaces and homes with children and pets. Bespoke roller blinds offer a very contemporary and minimalist finish to your installation while pleated blinds will add texture and depth to your interior.  We have all three systems and samples in a range of fabrics on display at our showrooms to help you find the best solution.