Application
Applications: Where to Specify the Samson Atlante
The Atlante straight sliding door is engineered for large-scale industrial and commercial openings where reliability, thermal efficiency, and minimal maintenance are essential. Its modular design and flexible installation options make it the ideal choice for a wide range of UK building types.
1. Agricultural Buildings & Barns
For traditional stone barns, modern steel-frame agricultural sheds, and equestrian facilities, the Atlante offers a practical, low-maintenance alternative to heavy timber doors or corrugated roller shutters.
- Wide Spans: The dual-track configuration allows openings up to 30m wide, perfect for combine harvesters and large machinery.
- No Floor Track Option: The top-hung system leaves the threshold clear for tractors, telehandlers, and loose livestock.
- Weather Resistance: The insulated panels and perimeter seals protect stored crops, machinery, and animal feed from damp and frost.
2. Aircraft Hangars & Aviation Facilities
From private hangars at rural airstrips to commercial maintenance facilities, the Atlante provides the security and scale required for aircraft storage without the complexity of hydraulic hangar doors.
- Massive Openings: Capable of spanning 15m+ single-track (30m bi-parting), suitable for light aircraft, helicopters, and business jets.
- Partial Opening: Open just one section to allow ground crew access without exposing the entire hangar interior to the elements.
- Low Operating Force: The precision trolley system ensures even very large doors can be manually operated by one person in an emergency.
3. Logistics & Distribution Warehouses
For UK logistics hubs, the Atlante is often specified for "occasional use" loading bays—those that only open a few times a week for large deliveries or equipment moves.
- No Maintenance Penalty: Unlike roller shutters that can seize after standing idle, the sliding mechanism remains operational with minimal servicing.
- Forklift Friendly: The absence of a floor track means no risk of pallet jack wheels jamming in a ground channel.
- Security: The 52mm double-skinned steel panel offers superior resistance to forced entry compared to single-skin alternatives.
4. Commercial Vehicle Workshops
For HGV service centres, bus depots, and plant machinery workshops across the UK, the Atlante provides drive-through access without compromising on insulation.
- Height Clearance: Available up to 6m high, accommodating double-decker buses and tipper trucks with raised bodies.
- Thermal Retention: The insulated construction helps maintain workshop temperatures, crucial for brake testing and MOT bays during winter.
- Customisation: Vision panels can be added to allow mechanics to see vehicles approaching from the yard.
5. Industrial Manufacturing & Production
In UK factories—from food processing plants to steel fabrication shops—the Atlante serves as a robust internal partition or external access point.
- Internal Partitions: The top-hung system allows the door to divide production zones without a trip hazard on the factory floor.
- Noise Reduction: The insulated panels provide better acoustic damping than roller shutters, helping to contain industrial noise.
- Fire Compartmentation: Fire-rated versions are available (60-240 minutes) for separating high-risk areas.
6. Retail & Garden Centres
For UK garden centres, builders' merchants, and trade counters, the Atlante can be fully glazed to create a secure, weather-tight opening that still allows customers to see the stock inside.
- Showroom Appeal: The smooth powder-coated finish and optional glazing create a more professional appearance than a corrugated shutter.
- Seasonal Operation: During the summer, the door can remain open all day; in winter, it provides a solid thermal barrier.
7. Sports Facilities & Leisure Centres
From council-run sports halls to private gyms and swimming pool plant rooms, the Atlante is frequently specified for large equipment access points.
- Low Headroom: Unlike sectional doors that need deep ceiling tracks, the sliding action suits buildings with limited roof space.
- Manual Override: Critical for public buildings where a power cut should not prevent emergency evacuation routes.
Summary: The "Occasional Use, Maximum Reliability" Solution
If your opening is used daily with hundreds of cycles, a high-speed roller door might be more appropriate. But if you need a door that will work flawlessly whether you open it today or in six months' time, the Samson Atlante is the engineering choice. It is a door that refuses to let you down.
SpecificationTechnical Specification: Samson Atlante
Construction & Materials
Panel Construction: The Atlante door uses a 52mm double-skinned galvanised steel panel filled with a high-density polyurethane foam core. This construction delivers excellent thermal insulation (approx. 0.5 W/(m²·K) panel U-value) while maintaining the structural rigidity required for large-span industrial doors.
Frame Material: The perimeter frame is manufactured from heavy-duty galvanised steel, providing long-term corrosion resistance and structural integrity. The frame is designed to accept various fixing methods depending on the building structure.
Track System: The door can be specified with a heavy-duty steel track system in three configurations: top-hung with no floor track (trackless), top-hung with floor guide track, or bottom-rolling with floor-mounted rail. The choice depends on the building's structural capacity and operational requirements.
Thermal Performance
The installed door typically achieves a U-value of between 1.3 and 1.4 W/(m²·K), varying by door size, configuration, and seal specification. This represents a significant improvement over single-skin roller shutters and provides effective thermal retention for heated warehouses, workshops, and agricultural buildings.
Dimensions & Configuration
Maximum Width: Single-track doors can span up to 15,000mm wide, subject to structural assessment. For exceptionally wide openings, a dual-track system allows multiple door leaves to be stacked, covering spans of up to 30,000mm.
Maximum Height: Doors can be manufactured up to 6,000mm high, making them suitable for loading bays, aircraft hangars, and large industrial facilities.
Opening Configuration: Available as a single-sliding door (all leaves slide to one side) or a bi-parting configuration where the door splits from the centre and folds to both sides. Bi-parting is typically faster to open and requires less side clearance.
Operating Mechanisms
The Atlante offers three distinct operating configurations, each suited to different building conditions:
Top-Hung (No Floor Track): The door is suspended entirely from the upper lintel using heavy-duty trolleys. A floor guide wedge prevents lateral movement without creating a trip hazard. This is the preferred option for facilities with forklift traffic or uneven floors.
Top-Hung (With Floor Track): For larger or heavier doors, or those in exposed locations subject to wind loading, a bottom guide track can be added. This provides extra stability while the weight remains supported from above.
Bottom Rolling: Where the lintel cannot support the door's weight, the door runs on wheels mounted to a floor rail (either cast into concrete or mechanically fixed). The top track simply acts as a guide.
Manual or Electric Operation: Manual operation is standard and surprisingly easy thanks to precision-bearing trolleys. For high-traffic applications, electric automation is available using chain-drive or geared motor systems.
Surface Finishes
The Atlante is supplied in a range of factory-applied powder-coated finishes. Standard colours include White, Anthracite Grey, Traffic Red, Moss Green, Gentian Blue, and Chocolate Brown. Custom RAL colours are available to order, allowing the door to match your existing building cladding or corporate branding.
For a more natural appearance, woodgrain effect laminate foils are available in Golden Oak or Walnut. The surface texture can be specified as Smooth (flat finish), Stucco (lightly textured), or Woodgrain (embossed timber effect).
Glazing & Access Options
The door can be supplied as a solid security barrier or fitted with vision panels for visibility. Options range from small observation windows to fully glazed sections, ideal for showrooms, garden centres, and retail applications where natural light is essential.
For facilities requiring regular pedestrian access, a wicket door can be integrated directly into the main sliding panel. This allows staff to enter and exit without opening the entire door, preserving heat and reducing wear on the main mechanism.
Safety & Compliance
Every Atlante door is CE marked and manufactured in compliance with UNI EN 13241-1 safety standards for industrial and commercial doors. Weather sealing is provided by EPDM rubber perimeter seals on all four sides, ensuring effective protection against rain, wind, and draughts.
Multiple locking options are available including heavy-duty mortice locks, padlock housings, and electric locking systems for automated installations.
Manufacturing
The Samson Atlante is manufactured in Italy by Breda Systems S.r.l., a specialist in industrial door engineering with over 40 years of experience. Every door is made to measure, custom-manufactured to your exact dimensions and specification. Please note that all dimensions are subject to structural survey and site conditions. Installation can be configured for internal or external face-mounting depending on your building layout.
Key: ● Standard | ○ Optional
Installation
Installation Guide: Samson Atlante Straight Sliding Door
The Atlante sliding door system has been engineered by Breda Systems for straightforward, logical installation. For competent tradespeople or professional door installers, this system offers a relatively simple mechanical assembly once the structural opening is correctly prepared.
Pre-Installation Requirements
Before the door arrives on site, confirm the following critical measurements and structural conditions:
- Lintel Capacity: For top-hung configurations, the lintel must be capable of supporting the full weight of the door (typically 150kg - 400kg depending on size). A structural engineer should sign off on this for larger doors.
- Level Floor: The floor should be flat to within ±10mm across the full width of the opening. For bottom-rolling configurations, the floor must be capable of accepting mechanical fixings or a cast-in concrete channel.
- Side Clearance: Ensure there is sufficient wall space for the door to slide back fully (minimum 1.2x the door width for single-sliding; 0.6x per side for bi-parting).
- Electrical Supply: If specifying electric operation, ensure a 230V supply is available at the control box location.
Step-by-Step Installation Process
1. Install the Sub-Frame (if applicable)
The Atlante can be installed directly into a structural opening or fitted to a galvanised steel sub-frame (supplied separately). The sub-frame method is recommended for brick or blockwork openings to ensure a perfectly square fixing point.
- Fix the sub-frame securely to the opening using heavy-duty masonry anchors or chemical resin fixings.
- Check the frame is perfectly square using diagonal measurements and ensure it is plumb using a spirit level.
2. Fit the Top Track
The heavy-duty steel top track is the primary load-bearing component. It must be fixed securely to the lintel or sub-frame header.
- Top-Hung (No Floor Track): Fix the top track using M10 or M12 bolts at 300mm centres. Ensure the track is perfectly level to avoid uneven door operation.
- Top-Hung (With Floor Track): Install both the top track and the floor guide channel. The floor channel should be cast into wet concrete or mechanically fixed to the slab.
- Bottom Rolling: Fix the bottom rail securely (cast-in or bolted) ensuring it is perfectly straight and level.
3. Hang the Door Panels
The door panel(s) arrive fully assembled with the perimeter steel frame, insulated core, and external finish already applied.
- Lift the door panel vertically and slide the hanging trolleys (or bottom wheels) into the track.
- For top-hung doors, attach the door to the trolleys using the supplied fixing pins.
- If installing a bi-parting system, repeat for the second panel on the opposite side.
4. Fit the Bottom Guide (Top-Hung Without Floor Track)
For the trackless top-hung version, an inverted "U" profile guide is fixed to the bottom edge of the door. A corresponding wedge or guide block is fixed to the floor to prevent the door swinging outwards.
- Position the floor guide wedge directly below the door edge and fix it using mechanical anchors or adhesive.
- Test the door movement to ensure the guide prevents lateral swing without causing friction.
5. Adjust and Align
Once the door is hanging, make fine adjustments to ensure smooth operation:
- Adjust the trolley height bolts to level the door panel and ensure the bottom seal makes good contact with the floor.
- Check that the door slides smoothly without binding or dragging.
- Ensure the vertical edges of the door align properly with the frame when closed.
6. Fit Seals, Locks, and Accessories
Install the EPDM rubber perimeter seals around the door frame to ensure weatherproofing. Fit the locking mechanism (mortice lock, padlock housing, or electric lock) according to the specification.
7. Commission Electric Operation (if specified)
If the door is automated, connect the electric motor to the door panel using the supplied drive chain or belt. Wire the control box to the mains supply and test all safety features including:
- Emergency stop button function
- Obstacle detection (if fitted)
- Manual release mechanism
Tools Required
- Spirit level (minimum 1200mm length)
- Laser level (for long spans)
- Impact driver and socket set
- Masonry drill and suitable fixings
- Measuring tape (5m minimum)
- Adjustable spanners
Installation Time
For a standard single-sliding door up to 5m wide, allow approximately 4-6 hours for a two-person team. Larger bi-parting or dual-track systems may require a full day.
Professional Installation Service
Samson Doors offers a full survey and installation service across the UK. Our experienced engineers handle every stage from initial site measure to final commissioning, ensuring your door operates perfectly from day one. Contact us for a quotation.
Measure
Measuring Guide for Samson Atlante Sliding Doors
Accurate measuring is essential for a successful Atlante installation. Because every door is manufactured to order, we build to the dimensions you provide. Take your time with these measurements—it's always worth double-checking.
What You Need to Measure
Please provide the structural opening dimensions (the clear brick-to-brick or steel-to-steel space). We will deduct the necessary tolerances for the frame and operating clearances during manufacturing.
1. Width
Measure the width of the opening in three places:
- At the top (just below the lintel)
- At the middle (approximately halfway down)
- At the bottom (floor level)
Use the smallest measurement as your ordering width. If the measurements vary by more than 10mm, the opening may be out of square and should be corrected before the door is ordered.
2. Height
Measure the height from the finished floor level to the underside of the lintel in three places:
- At the left side
- In the centre
- At the right side
Again, use the smallest measurement. If you are planning to pour a new concrete floor or lay a screed, make sure to measure from the anticipated final floor height, not the existing subfloor.
Critical: Floor Level Assessment
A level floor is absolutely essential for smooth operation of a sliding door. Unlike overhead sectional doors or roller shutters that hang from the ceiling, the Atlante slides horizontally across the floor line. Any slope or unevenness will cause the door to bind, drag, or create uneven gaps at the bottom seal.
How to Check Floor Level
- Use a Long Spirit Level: Place a 1.8m (6ft) spirit level across the floor at multiple points along the door's sliding path. The bubble should remain centred.
- Check for Slope: Pay particular attention to any slope across the width of the opening (side to side). Even a 5mm drop over 5 metres can cause operational issues.
- Look for Dips or Humps: Walk the full travel path of the door. Old concrete floors in agricultural buildings often have settled unevenly or have drainage channels that may interfere with the door track.
What is Acceptable?
- Ideal: Perfectly flat and level across the entire door width (within ±3mm).
- Acceptable: Minor variations up to ±8mm can often be accommodated by adjusting the bottom seal height or using shims under the floor guide.
- Problematic: Slopes greater than 10mm across the width, or any sudden steps/lips in the floor, will require remedial work before installation.
Correcting an Uneven Floor
If your floor is significantly out of level, you have three options:
- Grind High Spots: For concrete floors, a surface grinder can remove high areas (typically up to 10mm).
- Pour a Levelling Screed: A thin self-levelling compound can be poured across the threshold area to create a flat surface. This is the preferred method for older barn floors.
- Install a Steel Track Base: For bottom-rolling configurations, a steel channel can be concreted in perfectly level, providing a true running surface for the door wheels regardless of the floor condition around it.
Additional Measurements
Side Room (Stack Space)
Measure how much clear wall space is available for the door to slide back into:
- Single Sliding Door: You need at least 1.1x the door width available on one side.
- Bi-Parting Door: You need at least 0.6x the door width available on each side.
Example: For a 6m wide opening with a single-sliding door, you need approximately 6.6m of clear wall space to the left or right.
Headroom (For Top-Hung Installations)
For top-hung configurations, measure the distance from the top of the opening to the underside of the roof structure or any obstructions (lighting, ducts, etc.). You typically need a minimum of 200mm clear headroom above the opening for the track and trolley system.
Lintel Capacity (Structural Check)
If you are specifying a top-hung door, the lintel must be capable of supporting the full weight of the door (typically 150kg - 400kg depending on size and specification). For openings over 8m wide or in older buildings, we strongly recommend a structural engineer signs off on the lintel's load-bearing capacity before ordering.
Site Survey Service
If you are unsure about any of these measurements, or if the building has unusual structural features, Samson Doors offers a professional site survey service across the UK. Our experienced engineers will visit the site, take precise measurements, assess the floor level, check the structural capacity, and provide a detailed quotation based on the actual conditions. This removes any guesswork and ensures your door is manufactured correctly the first time.
Contact us on 01933 448 850 to book a site survey.
