Understanding Hurricane Product Approvals – Sliding and Folding Door Sightlines

Every detail matters—and it’s all in the tested product approvals.

Want narrow sightlines, flush tracks, and clean stacking? You’ll need to dig into the actual test reports, because that’s where the real limitations show up.

Key questions to ask:

• How wide are the vertical sightlines at each interlock or hinge?

• How many tracks are tested—and how wide are they?

• Are you stacking panels on tested tracks, or assuming more than was approved?

• Does your opening fit the actual tested panel width—or will you come up short?

Important notes:

• Folding doors often have wider verticals but allow more clear opening.

• Some manufacturers' 4-track systems require nearly 12" of wall thickness.

• Some only test 4 tracks—but you might want 5 panels stacking to one side.

• Many panels are tested at just under a true 4' or 5' width—leaving your clear opening shorter than expected.

This is the kind of information that gets overlooked early—and becomes a big problem later.

I help teams coordinate around real test data to make sure what’s drawn will actually work in the field.

Sliding and Folding Door Sightlines