Guillotine Glass or Sliding Glass? A Comparison for Terraces and Winter Gardens
Guillotine glass opens vertically, sliding glass horizontally. That one difference shapes the view, insulation and daily use.
4 min read · İNORMA
How they open
On VISTA GLS G-200 guillotine glass the panels move up and down by motor; open, the lower panel stays at balustrade height. On sliding glass the sashes run sideways on rails and stack at one side.
View and opening
When a guillotine opens, the upper part of the front is completely clear and horizontal bars drop out of eye level. With sliding glass the stacked sashes leave glass on one side; the opening depends on the number of sashes. If the front must open almost completely, consider folding glass too.
Insulation
When thermal and acoustic insulation come first, THERMA SLD T-400 stands out with 4+12+4 double glazing and a threshold design. On VISTA, gaskets and brush seals minimise air leakage; LINEA gives a slim, panoramic look with 10 mm tempered single glass.
Use and cleaning
A guillotine runs by motor at one touch; the tilt-to-clean version tilts inwards for cleaning. Sliding glass opens easily by hand and sashes can stack at either corner.
Which to choose?
Guillotine for restaurant, café and sea-view villa fronts; double-glazed sliding for enclosed rooms heated in winter; single-glass sliding for narrow balconies and a slim look. One project can have a guillotine front and sliding sides.
FAQ
How wide can a guillotine be?
A single VISTA system is up to 400 cm; wider openings are split into equal systems.
Can sliding glass be motorised?
Sliding glass is usually operated by hand; if you want motorised operation, guillotine glass is the better fit.
