Clear Fold is a select distributor for Richards-Wilcox hardware. Since 1880, Richards-Wilcox has been the leading manufacturer of specialty hardware and door accessories for slide, swing, and slide-fold doors used in zoos, aquariums, barns, stables, contemporary buildings and historic buildings. Commercial, industrial, and residential settings nationwide feature Richards-Wilcox hardware products. For over 30 years, Clear Fold has been a leading distributor and solutions integrator of Richards Wilcox hardware.
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- 10 Year Warranty
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A Brief History of Sliding Doors
Richards Wilcox - since 1880.
Open track and flat track were the earliest styles of sliding door systems first used for barn and stable door operation, and later for garage door application. These rudimentary track systems were dirty, dangerous, and prone to having the trolleys unseat from the track, taking the heavy doors with them.
Enclosed box track was invented in the 1930s. The new style track brought many advantages, the foremost of which was greater safety. Enclosed track reduced the incidents of trolleys and the attached doors jumping the track.
Today, there are several types of open and enclosed track systems available, but the basic functionality is the same. The track is mounted over an opening. Door sections are outfitted with hanger assemblies that ride in the enclosed track, or on the open track, allowing doors to smoothly open and close. Preference for the style of track is usually based on price, aesthetics, or environmental considerations.
Modern Track Systems
Smooth sliding track systems for every application and budget.
Box Track
Flat Track
Heavy Duty Track
Available Options:
- Curved Track
- Galvanized
- Stainless Steel
- Large Sizes
- Manual and Powered Operation
- Supporting from 200lbs – 5,000lbs
- Sidewall and Overhead Mounting
- Double Track
- Door Hangers/Trolleys/Trucks
- Tandem Trolley Hangers
- Slide-Fold (Combined Sliding & Folding)
- Roller or Ball Bearing Hangers
Benefits
Multiple advantages over traditional door systems.
Space
Conveniently placed on tracks, sliding doors take up far less space than conventional swinging doors. Space saved can help increase a facility’s capacity for storage and operations. Also, because doors are not swinging to open or close, there’s less opportunity for personnel or equipment to be damaged by being hit by the door.
Ease-of-access
Conventional doors may be too heavy for your facility or may prove too difficult to open and close. Doors that slide on a track are easier to quickly open and close, providing convenient access for users. Quick entry and exit can be a key safety concern, so having a convenient means of entrance and egress can be helpful to facilities managers.
Energy Efficiency
Sliding doors help facilities avoid drafts or air loss that can run up heating and cooling costs. Sliding doors fitted with seals can help ensure facilities stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Also, when weather and circumstances permit, sliding doors can be opened to provide ventilation.
Sound Insulation
Sliding doors can help muffle outdoor and indoor sound, preventing what’s going on outside from being a distraction to operations within your facility, and conversely preventing noise generated by your activities from disturbing neighbors.
Application Spotlight
Residential
Commercial
Industrial
Barns, Stables & Equine
Zoos & Aquariums
Veterinary
Museums
Specialty
