Product Comparison

 Place the cursor over each colored rating for an explanation 

Feature

Bi-Fold Style

“Lift & Slide” Style

Fleetwood

Large Sizes

Most systems limited to 9' tall

Some panels up to 4' wide and 12' tall

Panel sizes up to 8' wide and 14' tall - Series 3070

Economic Impact

Extremely costly! Typically about twice the cost of the Norwood 3070-EX

Extremely costly! Typically about twice the cost of the Norwood 3070-EX

About 30% less than the "other guys" - Series 3070 & Series 3050

Smooth Operating

Hinges and pins tend to bind during operation

However, every panel must be in the "lift" position

Precision Rollers - Series 3070 & Series 3050

Longevity

Gravity promotes failure because it wants to "pull" the house down

The interior wood finish requires much maintenance/The aluminum skin is almost maintenance free

Aluminum requires minimal care - Series 3070  & Series 3050

Ease of Use

Offers flexible features such as a hinged vent in the middle of the glass wall

Because each panel must be lowered or "lifted" manually, this becomes burdensome to some homeowners

No adjustment needed after installation -  Series 3070 & Series 3050

Weathering

Although no certification nor labeling is present, the sill protects the home from water intrusion

No certification/No labeling

AAMA and NFRC certified & labeled - Series 3070

Sill Height

No flush sill option

Flush sill

Hidden Track.  See page 7- Series 3050

Sight-lines

Wide verticals obstruct view & size limitations require more verticals in a typical opening

Wide verticals obstruct view

Narrow verticals - Series 3070 & Series 3050

Finishes

Only aluminum is offered

Only wood is typically offered

Only aluminum is offered - Series 3070 & Series 3050

Colors

Several colors are offered but only on the aluminum side

Several colors are offered, but only on the aluminum side

Thousands of custom paint colors - Series 3070 & Series 3050

Automatic Use

Manual operation only

Manual operation only

High tech motor optional - Series 3070 & Series 3050

System Flexibility

Several Configurations

Strict limits

Numerous configurations - Series 3070 & Series 3050

History

These products have been manufactured for several years

These products have been manufactured for several years

Fleetwood has been making multi-slide and pocket doors for over three decades

Opening View

About 90%; however the panels encroach on the living space

100% when pocketed

100% when pocketed - Series 3070 & Series 3050

Clandestine Option

Cannot be pocketed

100% pocket able

100% pocket able - Series 3070 & Series 3050

Curved Door Option

Not able to bend parts

Capable of being curved but with limited radius and sizes

Capable of being curved with numerous radius and size options - Series 3050

Installation Ease

This system is extremely volatile and requires many "adjustments"

This system requires major changes in the construction of the main slab to make the hidden sill work

Although a professional is required to install the 3070-EX it is erected in a fraction of the time - Series 3070 & Series 3050

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