Innovative plastic lift-and-slide door with fiberglass composite lower sill

A feeling of space, maximum light and an optimal view to the outside: not for nothing do lift-and-slide doors find eager acceptance in Dutch residential construction. However, with the increasing dimensions of these facades, the market is facing specific challenges. For example with regard to transport, assembly, thermal insulation, air and water tightness and weights. These are challenges for which ISC BV and Smits Gemert BV have jointly developed a unique solution: K-VISION-PSG (PremiDoor Smits Gemert BV). This robust and highly durable plastic sliding door with glass fiber composite sill guarantees optimal stability under all circumstances. Moreover, the system is 'Made in Holland'. Thus, K-VISION-PSG perfectly matches the new building concept, in which sustainability, energy reduction and optimal living comfort are paramount.

ISC BV specializes in the development and production of innovative and durable plastic building elements, including insulating and ventilating under-sills. New in the assortment are the composite under-sills, which are composed of GVC fiberglass composite and guarantee optimal air and water sealing.

"Part of this fiberglass family is the PSG sill, which is produced entirely in-house in Schijndel," says Erik Smits, general manager of ISC BV. "In the run-up, this sill will be marketed exclusively by Smits Gemert BV. In time, the sill will also be released for other processors of K-VISION profile systems in the Netherlands."

Continuous development

Smits Gemert BV is the address for the development, production and sale of steel and plastic windows and doors, including insulating glass. "To stay ahead in the market, we continuously develop our products," says Paul van Tongeren, commercial manager at Smits Gemert BV.

"For example, the straight corner joints, fire-resistant plastic window frames and K-VISION-PSG lift-and-slide door are telling examples of this. At the basis of K-VISION-PSG is the PremiDoor lift-and-slide door, which stands out for its sophisticated design, simple operation, high insulation performance and optimal air and water tightness. These performances are lifted to an even higher level, thanks to the unique combination with ISC BV's fiberglass composite lower sill and unique de-watering auxiliary and connection pieces. Thanks to the high stiffness and stability of the sill, bending/deforming of the façade during transport and installation is hardly an issue anymore. The threshold can also withstand very high structural loads. Door sizes up to 6.30 meters are no problem at all.

Smits: "Thanks to the unique composition of our system, fixed sashes, doors and frames can be easily (de)assembled on site. This greatly simplifies logistical processes and any subsequent repairs. In addition, safety on projects increases because most parts can be delivered outside or through the house, if necessary. Last-but-not-least, residents are assured of optimal aesthetics."

Barely distinguishable from wood

The fiberglass composite sill is available in two colors: matte black or Bluestone, Smits explains. "Thanks to the special combination of a wood-look joint and chamfered lower sill in natural stone appearance, the lift-slide door can hardly be distinguished from real wood, while at the same time users benefit from all the advantages of plastic. A high-quality two-component paint guarantees an excellent UV, ozone and scratch-resistant top coat on both the sill and the frame."

High expectations

The K-VISION-PSG system is brand new and certainly unique. ISC BV and Smits Gemert BV have jointly invested in the production of the lower sill. In December, a first prototype of the system will be tested in a special test cabinet, in which extreme weather conditions will be simulated. If necessary, further optimizations will be made, after which the system will be tested again at an official certification body. During Polyclose, K-VISION-PSG will be presented to the general public for the first time. Smits and Van Tongeren have high expectations.

"K-VISION-PSG has been thought through in every detail," they emphasize. "We aspire to an air and water tightness that is well above legislation and regulations, as well as a very good insulation value. A greater angle of inclination of the sill also guarantees excellent drainage, thus responding perfectly to the changing climate in the Netherlands. Fiberglass is insensitive to moisture and salts, which also makes the system ideally suited for installation in coastal areas."