on-site challenges
The main challenge of this installation was caused by the number, size and weight of the lift and slide doors. The smallest of the doors weighed 228kg while the largest - at 5.4m wide x 2.7m high - weighed an enormous 815kg. Our fitting team had to navigate lifting a number of the doors safely and carefullyover the house and into position (on both floors) with scaffolding in place to enable safe access for installation.
As is standard practice during our pre-installation site visit, we gave special consideration to the existing scaffolding and any changes required. While openings need to be clear of poles to allow fitting from the outside, it is also critical that the platforms are large enough to accommodate both the fitters and the units. They are then manoeuvred into position.
Another challenge on this project, encountered often on-site, was the uneven ground which complicates manual handling of the windows and doors. We overcame this by careful planning and execution on-site, installing the units in-line with health and safety considerations - and, of course, without causing any damage.
At the time of the installation, the client became concerned that the 2 entrance doors could be damaged by site traffic, as these were being used as main access routes in and out of the property by other trades. We agreed to return to fit these remaining units when the client was ready and our installation was successfully completed in January, with the exception of the final RAL silicone which will be undertaken once the client has fitted their external cladding detail.