Sliding windows and doors: “Here to stay”
Viking Window in Estonia has been producing its Innova sliding systems since August 2017. It recently began using the Roto Patio Inowa| Max all-round sliding hardware for all formats. Ergo Jüristo, Head of Development at the company, is certain that “sliding windows and doors made their way from hot countries to us in the north – and they’re here to stay.”
This has led Viking Window to develop tightly sealed elements which easily achieve a U value of less than 0.8 W/m2K depending on the size and equipment, to give just one example.
“The American Passive House Institute classified our Innova elements as ‘recommended’ and listed them.”
This is clear proof that sliding windows and doors with a smart design offer sealing and thermal insulation properties that are just as impressive as those of Tilt&Turn elements.
Until now, Viking Window mainly produced systems with an outward running sash, like those that are popular in Scandinavia. However, the spectrum of formats is vast: from a narrow kitchen window to a large patio door, there is high demand for varied Innova elements in almost all export markets.
Crisis-proof
While demand for building elements of other opening types has suffered due to the numerous crises which have occurred in recent years, demand for sliding systems remains at a consistently high level.
“We notice at trade shows here in Estonia, in Scandinavia, the United Kingdom, Germany and the USA that nothing interests Attendees as much as the user-friendly Innova systems.”
Indrek Rüütel, member of the board of directors and quality management expert, even has an Innova system in his own home. “As a user, on a daily basis I’m pleased with how easy it is to operate. Particularly when you’re stepping on to the terrace and want to easily close the door behind you with just one hand, you notice how simple it is to move the leaf. At the same time, the circumferential seal provides comfort without draughts.”
An Innova system was installed in the company building to provide access to the roof terrace so that Viking Window employees could see for themselves what makes an Innova system so unique.
“Even our most petite colleagues are able to slide the sash open and closed with ease,”Jüristo grins.
One hardware system for all formats
Rüütel explains how he has never regretted switching over to the Roto Patio Inowa | Max all-rounder in 2024.
“We also sell small sliding systems in which the sash weighs perhaps 100 kg. In these systems, it’s a benefit that the front roller unit in Roto Patio Inowa | Max can be adjusted.” The SoftClose and SoftOpen comfort functions are also very popular with many customers. Especially in the USA, most customers see these as a non-negotiable.
Viking Window knows just how important the high level of flexibility the hardware brought to production is: “We can use it to implement all sash formats and weights up to 400 kg. And, of course, also systems with an inward running sash, which we would like to add to our range as well as elements of resistance class RC 2. This guarantees that Innova systems will represent an ever-increasing proportion of the total number of sliding systems we produce.” In particular, kitchen windows with the Roto Patio Inowa | Max hardware are growing in popularity.
Reliability for products and services
Triple glazing is standard for all Innova systems from Viking Window. Rüütel admits that “the high glass weight and the lasting trend for large glass surfaces are not only a challenge for our installers, but also for the system as a whole, with the profile, hardware and seal.” But the company places its full trust in Roto after almost 20 years of collaboration.
“For sliding elements, Roto Patio Inowa | Max is without a doubt the best way to meet all market requirements.”
At the same time, Roto offers exceptional delivery reliability, which is important for the value proposition of Viking Window. Head of Development Jüristo explains: “We are always asking how satisfied our customers are. That’s the real ‘hard currency’ for us. And customers are only satisfied if both the product quality and the delivery performance are right.”
Together with Roto, in future we want to continue working on further increasing efficiency in manufacturing and therefore providing experienced staff in production with the best possible support. Rüütel concludes by outlining what the next few months have in store: “The market demands a high level of flexibility, and it’s our aim to fulfil even special requests, for example with regard to formats and colours, within the usual short delivery time. This means that we’re investing in the future and modern systems.” The expertise of Roto technicians is welcomed in preparation for this.
This article was published in Roto Inside 58.