NEW: Lift-slide system with fiberglass composite sill

Innovation reigns supreme in Schijndel

Beautiful sightlines, maximum light and a smooth transition from inside to outside: it is not for nothing that lift-and-slide doors are eagerly sought after in Dutch residential construction. With the increasing dimensions of these facades, however, the market is facing specific challenges. For example with regard to transport, assembly, thermal insulation, air and water tightness and weights. Challenges for which ISC BV has developed a unique and powerful solution, in the form of a fiberglass composite lower sill for GEALAN's S9000 Lift&Slide window system.

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

"The fiberglass composite lift-slide sill was developed in collaboration with Smits Gemert BV and experienced a first with the K-VISION PremiDoor lift-slide in 2022," says Erik Smits, general manager of ISC BV. "Among others, the VHZ Group (Europrovyl, Kumij and Smits Gemert BV) and Hanssen Kozijnen have now embraced our PremiDoor fiberglass composite lower sill and produce more than a hundred lift-slide doors per week. The innovation has also led to the development of a fiberglass composite lift&slide sill for GEALAN's new lift&slide system, the S9000. The new lift-slide sill fits perfectly into the range of sub-sills developed by ISC BV for windows and doors. All sills have the same dimensions (height), so that the interior and exterior floors fit nicely with the sills."

Advantages of fiberglass composite

The GEALAN S9000 lift-slide system is distinguished by a sophisticated design, simple and light operation, high insulation performance and optimal air and water tightness. Performance that is taken to an even higher level thanks to ISC BV's fiberglass composite lift-slide sill and unique de-watering auxiliary and coupling fittings. 

"Thanks to the high rigidity and stability of our under sill, deflection/deformation of the façade during transport, assembly and use is hardly an issue anymore," Smits said. "As a result, the sill does not need any aftercare. The sill can also handle very large structural loads. A godsend, now that triple glass is increasingly being used. Our fiberglass composite lifting sill is light, shatterproof and has a minimal expansion coefficient and very favorable insulation value. This also makes the S9000 lift-slide system with fiberglass composite sill very suitable for stacked construction." 

First samples available

The GEALAN S9000 lift-slide system with fiberglass composite lower sill is brand new. After the construction vacations, the first test facade will be assembled. Smits expects the system to be available from the beginning of January. The fiberglass composite lift-slide sill for GEALAN's S9000 lift-slide system is available in the color black and with a textured PU paint. 

Received with open arms

The GEALAN S9000 lift-slide sash is produced entirely in-house in Schijndel, ensuring fast delivery times. Smits has high expectations of the new system. "The reactions from the market are praising and the first customers have already signed up," he says. As an example, he mentions Ventana Deutschland, which plans to produce two to three thousand S9000 lift-slide systems with fiberglass composite sill per year.

Life cycle analysis

Following the aforementioned system tests, ISC BV is also conducting a life cycle analysis of its fiberglass composite sub-sills. "Our ambition is to recycle more and more of our raw materials," Smits said. "Therefore, we are currently investigating where the material can best go for recycling at end-of-life. For example, glass fiber composite is currently being ground up for use in the cement industry, as well as for use in the resin of new glass fiber composite products. In this way, we are giving composite materials a sustainable second life!"    

Cross-section of the new fiberglass composite lower sill.