Installing the track
This project features a slab-on-grade foundation. In order to create a flush sill, recessed areas, called dap-outs, were created when the concrete was poured. The dap-outs were waterproofed. Then, threaded screws were installed for the patented flush drainage track. The track comes equipped with vertical and horizontal adjustments so fine tuning up and down, as well as inward and outward, is possible. It’s important to get the track into the optimal place within the dap-out.
The extruded aluminum track includes grates in between the rails allowing it to filter through while keeping debris out. The water then drains via attached tubes that are positioned to direct water away from the house. Although not shown in this video, the final step to completing the sill was going back to fill in the space between the tracks with concrete for a completely flush threshold.
Installing the jambs
With the drainage track in place, the next steps were to install the head and side jambs. The adjustment that’s built into the track is also built into the jambs through a system of jacking screws. A jacking screw includes a plastic exterior barrel that acts as an adjustable shim and houses a structural screw. The jacking screws used to attach the frame to the rough opening allow for fine tuning at installation and later, if needed. Once sill and jambs were in place and they checked for plumb, level, and square, the bulk of the work was complete — getting the frame right is the key to a successful Liftslide Door install.
Installing the panels
The door in the video has operable panels flanking a large, fixed panel — XOX is how we describe this configuration. It’s essentially a monumental gliding window since it’s intended to be for airflow rather than access. The operable outside panels were installed first. Panels were lifted up into the header, giving enough clearance at the bottom for the panels to swing in and set on the track. Last came the extra-wide fixed middle panel. The two operable panels were opened enough so the interlock between them and the middle panel wouldn’t get in the way. Then, the fixed panel was inserted, centered, and finally, attached permanently.
Why Liftslide Doors?
In this home, Liftslide Doors, rather than windows, were the right choice for several reasons:
- Monumental sizes served the design goal of focusing on the landscape. The Liftslide Door featured in the video is 16' wide by 9' high, and Liftslide Doors can be up to 60' wide and 16' high.
- Aesthetics matched the pared-down style of this Nordic cabin with an elegant, anodized finish on the outside and a warm wood-cladding of white oak on the interior.
- Functionality fit the program. Due to the way the Liftslide Doors operate, a zero threshold was possible.
- Performance allowed for weather conditions in Massachusetts. With drainage built into the track, it was possible to install a flush sill while still planning for the water management needs.
Finally, our team provided support from beginning to end. We prepared the shop drawings that allowed for door manufacturing to take place concurrently with sitework and off-site framing, allowing for a more efficient construction timeline. An installation specialist consulted onsite so the team had support in installing the frame just right, including details like planning for sill drainage. We also worked with the team on details like the custom screens.
See how Liftslide Doors are made
Nick Schiffer
Owner of NS Builders in Boston, MA, Nick leads a team of experienced carpenters, project managers, cabinet makers, and apprentices. He started his business in 2014 and has turned it into one of Boston's most sought-after building companies. Constantly challenging himself and his team, there’s nothing standard about their approach.
