Flow Doors/Technical Specifications

Technical Specifications

A reference sheet for architects, specifiers, and contractors. Every FlowDoor is custom-built; these values define the envelope within which your project will be engineered.

System

Product type
Folding patio door, bottom-supported
Support method
Bottom track (floor-supported)Panel weight transfers to sub-floor, not the header
Panel count
2 panels to unlimitedEvery system custom-built to opening
Opening width
No fixed product limitConstrained only by structural header span
Application
Residential & light commercial
Origin
Designed and manufactured in California

Panel dimensions

Max panel width at 8 ft height
42 in (1067 mm)
Max panel width at 9 ft height
37 in (940 mm)
Max panel width at 10 ft height
34 in (864 mm)
Custom heights
Any height specified to the openingReference tool available from 6'8" to 10'0"
Panel aspect ratio
Engineered to preserve frame stiffness and roller performance

Width maxima scale inversely with height to keep the frame stiff and the rollers running smoothly. Intermediate heights interpolate between the values above.

Frame & thermal barrier

Frame material
Architectural-grade extruded aluminum
Thermal break
Thermally broken architectural frame system
Expansion behavior
Engineered for controlled heat-cycle movementFrame details are specified to preserve alignment through ordinary sun exposure and temperature swings
Thermal bowing
Managed by designPanel geometry, hardware engagement, and thermal detailing work together to keep operation predictable
Operating temperature range
Specified for residential hot-sun and coastal conditions

Glass systems

Solarban® 70 (standard)
Triple-silver Low-E, high-clarityBlocks ~70% of solar energy while keeping views neutral
Solarblue®
Body-tinted sky-blue glass, 50% visible light filterInherent tint — will never peel or fade
Solarban® Laminated
Solarban 70 + laminated interlayerAcoustic damping, forced-entry resistance, 99% UV filtration
Construction
Insulated double-pane, tempered, argon-filled
Laminated / oversized units
Available on specification

Finish & color

Standard palette
Matte Black (RAL 9005), Satin White (RAL 9016), Dark Bronze, Silver Powder Coat
Extended palette
200+ RAL Classic colors at no premium
Dual-tone option
Interior and exterior faces in different finishes
Finish method
Electrostatically applied, baked-on powder coat
Finish warranty
10-year fade and chalk warranty (standard residential)

Sill & threshold options

Upstand Sill
3/4 in (19 mm) riseMaximum weather protection; engineered for wind-driven rain exposure
Low Threshold
1/2 in (13 mm) riseUniversal choice — balanced debris break with a minimal vertical transition
Flush Threshold
0 in rise, flush to finish floorZero-boundary indoor-outdoor; recommended under eave or overhead protection
Construction
All three are thermally broken architectural aluminum, finished to match frame

Hardware & clean design

Hinges
Concealed within frame profile
Locking mechanism
Concealed multi-point; no exposed levers
Panel handle
Recessed flush wheel-lift pull
Panel retention (optional)
Magnetic panel hold for tidy stack against breeze or uneven floor
Hardware material
Powder-coated steel throughout
Smart locks (optional)
Electronic locking available; see Options page

Rough-opening requirements

Tolerance
Plumb, level, and square within 1/4 in across opening width
Header reinforcement
Typically not requiredBottom-supported system transfers panel weight to the sub-floor, not the header
Sub-floor under track
Must be level and structurally sound
Waterproofing
Sill pan, flashing, and weather membrane must be in place prior to door set
Installation time
~1 day for 3–4 panel system with a two-person crew
Certified installation
Required for full warranty tier and FlowCare Promise coverage

Performance ratings

Published third-party ratings are being finalized. Project-specific data is available on request for design review, permit submittal, and energy-code compliance — contact us with your project details and we will send the latest available values.

Thermal transmittance (U-factor)
Published data in preparation — available on request
Solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC)
Published data in preparation — available on request
Visible transmittance (VT)
Published data in preparation — available on request
Air infiltration (AAMA)
Published data in preparation — available on request
Water resistance
Published data in preparation — available on request
Structural / design pressure
Published data in preparation — available on request
Sound transmission (STC / OITC)
Published data in preparation — available on request

Warranty summary (residential)

Standard coverage applies more than 1 mile from saltwater. Coastal coverage applies within 1 mile of saltwater and is conditional on the recommended maintenance routine. Certified installation includes parts and labor; supply-only orders receive half the certified schedule. Commercial coverage uses a shorter schedule on several components — request the full warranty document for commercial specifications.

Component
Standard
Coastal
Aluminum frame
20 yr
15 yr
Glass seal (IGU)
10 yr
10 yr
Powder-coat finish
10 yr
7 yr
Hardware & fittings
5 yr
3 yr
Weather seals
3 yr
3 yr
FlowCare Promise
1 yr
1 yr

Full warranty terms, exclusions, and claim procedures are documented on the Warranty page. For exposure-driven specification — direct sun, heat cycling, and marine air — see our planning notes on large-opening patio doors in California.

Downloads

CAD and BIM files, installation guides, and full specification PDFs are released per project. Contact us with your project details to receive the current revision.

  • CAD details (DWG)Available on request
  • BIM / Revit family (RFA)Available on request
  • Installation guide (PDF)Available on request
  • Three-part specificationAvailable on request
  • Performance data sheetAvailable on request

Need specs for a live project?

Tell us about the opening and we will send project-specific drawings, performance values, and a full three-part specification for your submittal package.