Sliding Systems

Side glazing of terrace roofs and summer gardens

Many terrace roofs offer good protection from above, but they don't prevent rain, wind, and cold from entering from the sides. SUNFLEX sliding systems close this gap: As side glazing, they can be precisely tailored to the width of the terrace roof, transforming the covered terrace into a sheltered outdoor living space. System widths of up to 19.2 meters allow for true panoramic glass fronts that can be fully opened in summer and easily closed again in autumn. Thanks to an automatic drive mechanism, multiple sliding panels can be moved smoothly and easily at the same time. 

Loggia glazing and balcony

Loggias and balconies promise open space – but are often avoided in wind and rain. With a SUNFLEX glass sliding wall, the balcony can be glazed seasonally without sacrificing the view or the spaciousness of the room. The SF20, as an all-glass system, provides virtually frameless glazing that doesn't obstruct the panoramic view. Simply open it in summer, close it in autumn – the balcony season is significantly extended. For loggias with multiple panels, the 1- to 6-track version is recommended, which can accommodate up to twelve sliding panels. 

Room dividers and interior glazing

Open-plan living concepts sometimes require flexible boundaries: between the living room and dining room, between the hallway and workspace, between the walk-in closet and bedroom. SUNFLEX sliding systems are ideal as floor-to-ceiling glass walls for interior spaces. They divide rooms without blocking light and can be fully opened when needed. The tracks are recessed into the floor, ensuring a clean, uncluttered surface and barrier-free access. The result looks like something out of a design magazine while remaining perfectly practical for everyday use.

Gastronomy and commerce

Restaurants, cafés, and commercial spaces particularly benefit from large opening widths. The SF20 and SF22 can be configured up to 19.2 meters wide and 3.0 meters high – ideal for restaurateurs who want to fully open their terrace to the interior when the weather is nice. The integrated drive mechanism also makes opening large fronts simultaneously a simple, routine task. 

SF20 – Uninsulated all-glass system

• Product type: Uninsulated all-glass system (frameless look)
• Max. system width: 19,200 mm | Min. system width: 600 mm
• Max. system height: 3,000 mm | Min. system height: 1,100 mm
• Number of sashes: 1 to 12
• Floor tracks: 1 to 6 tracks
• Glass thicknesses: 8 mm or 10 mm tempered safety glass (ESG-H)
• Accessibility: Possible with recessed floor track
• Thermal insulation: No (for seasonally used areas)
• Automatic closing mechanism: Automatic
• Sealing: Gap closure via aluminum profile with brush seal
• Tolerance compensation: 16 mm to 20 mm

SF22 – Uninsulated aluminum system with vertical frame

• Product type: Uninsulated aluminum system with vertical frame
• Max. system width: 19,200 mm | Min. system width: 600 mm
• Max. system height: 3,000 mm | Min. system height: 1,100 mm
• Number of sashes: 1 to 12
• Floor tracks: 1 to 6 tracks
• Glass thicknesses: 8 mm or 10 mm tempered safety glass (ESG-H)
• Accessibility: Possible with recessed floor track
• Thermal insulation: No (for seasonally used areas)
• Automatic closing mechanism: Automatic
• Sealing: Gap closure via aluminum profile with brush seal
• Tolerance compensation: 16 mm to 20 mm

SF42 – Uninsulated aluminum system (increased wind resistance)

• Product type: Uninsulated aluminum system with triple sealing
• Max. system width: 18,000 mm | Min. system width: 1,500 mm
• Max. system height: 3,000 mm | Min. system height: 1,600 mm
• Number of sashes: 1 to 6
• Bottom tracks: 2 to 3 tracks
• Glass thickness: Up to 20 mm
• Barrier-free access: No
• Thermal insulation: No
• Automatic closing mechanism: Automatic
• Airtightness: Windproof thanks to three sealing levels in the labyrinth seal
• Tolerance compensation: 7 mm

Structural engineering and building physics: Specific requirements regarding snow load, wind load zone, and structural integrity are determined on a project-specific basis by the SUNFLEX specialist partner. SUNFLEX provides the manufacturer's system specifications and technical documentation; the structural analysis on-site is the responsibility of the contracted specialist company.

The SF20, SF22, and SF42 sliding systems are horizontally guided aluminum-glass sliding walls for large-scale exterior and interior applications. Unlike the SUNFLEX SF40/SF60/SF80 sliding window systems, which are primarily designed as weatherproof, insulated terrace windows and doors, these sliding systems are designed for maximum opening width, a high number of panels, and straightforward, large-area side glazing – without thermal insulation, but with a particularly slim design and universal applicability from room dividers to commercial terrace glazing.

All three systems are uninsulated and therefore suitable for seasonally used areas, conservatories, loggia glazing, and interior glazing. The SF20 impresses with its frameless, all-glass look and up to twelve sliding panels. The SF22 complements the all-glass aesthetic with a discreet vertical frame for added stability. The SF42 relies on increased wind tightness with a triple sealing level in the labyrinth area and glass thicknesses up to 20 mm. 

Suitable for:

• Side glazing for terrace roofs and carports
• Conservatories and seasonally used outdoor areas
• Loggia and balcony glazing
• Room dividers and interior glazing (e.g., walk-in closets, office areas, dining rooms)
• Restaurant and commercial facades with large opening widths
• Projects with special requirements regarding system width (up to 19.2 m) or number of sashes (up to 12)

Not suitable for – and sensible alternatives:

• Projects with high thermal insulation requirements (Uw values, energy efficiency): SUNFLEX SF60 or SF80 sliding window systems (thermally insulated or highly thermally insulated) are recommended.
• Systems where the entire front needs to open almost completely (folding instead of sliding): SUNFLEX folding sliding systems offer the largest opening widths.
• Projects with burglar resistance requirements up to RC2: The SUNFLEX SF60/SF80 sliding window system offers secure RC2 protection.

Conventional glass sliding walls and side glazing quickly reach their limits with large system widths: stiff operation with many panels, visible and visually disturbing frame constructions, limited number of panels and tight dimensional tolerances that make installation on uneven floors difficult.

SUNFLEX sliding systems specifically address these problems:

• Automatic sliding mechanism: Multiple panels can be moved simultaneously – even large fronts remain easy to operate.
• High number of panels: Up to twelve sliding panels in one system, distributed across up to six tracks – for true panoramic glass fronts without visual interruption.
• Generous tolerance compensation: SF20 and SF22 compensate for construction tolerances of up to 20 mm – this significantly simplifies installation on existing terraces and buildings.
• Frameless all-glass design (SF20): No visible aluminum profiles between the panes – the glazing appears virtually invisible.
• Barrier-free: SF20 and SF22 can be implemented with a recessed floor track – no tripping hazard, clean floor appearance.

Minimalist frames – for modern design concepts and a visual connection between indoors and outdoors.

SF20 vs. SF22 vs. SF42 in comparison:

The SF20 is the most frameless of the three systems: It consists almost entirely of glass, with barely visible transitions between the sashes – maximum transparency, minimal frame. The SF22 complements this look with a vertical aluminum frame, offering greater stability for more demanding installation situations and slightly reducing the glass area. The SF42 is the system with the highest wind resistance: Three sealing levels in the labyrinth area ensure effective protection against wind and driving rain – however, the minimum system height is slightly greater at 1,600 mm, and barrier-free access is not possible.

Glass sliding wall systems vs. sliding window systems:

The SF40/SF60/SF80 sliding window systems are thermally insulated systems with burglar resistance up to RC2, mushroom-head locking bolts, and U-values ​​as low as 0.75 W/m²K – designed as fully functional terrace windows and doors for heated living spaces. The SF20/SF22/SF42 sliding systems, on the other hand, are designed for maximum opening width, a high number of sashes, and universal application without thermal insulation. The systems are not mutually exclusive – they can be combined: for example, if the sliding window system provides access to the terrace and the sliding system handles the side glazing of the terrace roof.

Glass sliding wall systems vs. folding sliding systems:

SUNFLEX folding sliding systems open by folding the panels, allowing the entire front to be almost completely exposed. This is ideal when the transition between indoors and outdoors needs to be maximized. Sliding systems open linearly on tracks; a small portion of the opening always remains blocked (parked position of the panels). However, for structures with a great height, a wide track, and many panels, sliding systems are often the more stable and cost-effective solution.

Glass sliding wall systems vs. sliding-folding systems:

SUNFLEX sliding-folding systems combine sliding with a pivoting mechanism that opens the sashes outwards and slides them to the side – thus enabling almost complete opening. They are particularly suitable for loggia glazing with high opening requirements and are less designed for maximum system width. In contrast, the SF20/SF22/SF42 sliding systems offer significantly greater capacity in terms of width and number of sashes.