Magnetic Sliding Doors Explained: Jada and Bertrand

What is a magnetic sliding door?

A magnetic sliding door is a sliding door whose track system uses magnets so very heavy glass panels move with little effort. Two makers Honey Rock works with, Jada and Bertrand, each offer one. Jada calls its version the Zero Gravity slider. Bertrand calls its version the Hifinity Magnetic Slider.

Neither maker explains the internal design on the pages we read. So this post sticks to what they publish and tells you what to ask for the rest.

What does Jada say about its Zero Gravity slider?

Jada says its Zero Gravity slider is a unique sliding door system that “allows for larger openings with heavy doors.” It adds: “Through magnetic levitation we make it possible for easier operation and a unique user experience.”

Jada is a maker of thermally broken steel windows and doors. Its slide category sits beside swing, fold and pivot. The page we read gives no panel weight, no maximum size and no test data for the Zero Gravity slider. Jada’s page describes the benefit, not the limits. Ask Jada, through us, for drawings and limits before you plan a wall of glass.

For the steel background, see our pillar on steel windows and doors and our page on Jada. The glossary entry on thermally broken steel explains the frame.

What does Bertrand say about the Hifinity Magnetic Slider?

Bertrand says the system uses “innovative magnetic rail technology” that enables effortless manual operation of triple-glazed door panels weighing up to 600 kg. That is the one weight figure it publishes for this system. We give the number in the unit Bertrand uses.

Bertrand lists these options and features:

• A glass corner that joins two glass panels without visible structural elements.
• Access control that integrates with smart home systems.
• An automatic drive, including remote control operation.
• A built-in drainage system, and a hidden drainage option.
• An optional mosquito screen.
• Designed to work with existing Hifinity triple-glazed structures.

Bertrand’s separate Hifinity sliding door page lists a burglar resistance rating of “PAS 24; RC2.” That is for the Hifinity sliding door, not necessarily for the magnetic version. Ask Bertrand to confirm what applies to the system you pick.

See our page on Bertrand for the wider range.

How do the two systems compare?

Jada gives the idea, and Bertrand gives a weight. Here is what each publishes, next to a plain bottom-roll slider from Jada for contrast.

System	How Jada or Bertrand describes it	Published limit
Jada Zero Gravity	Magnetic levitation for easier operation; larger openings with heavy doors	None on the page we read
Bertrand Hifinity Magnetic Slider	Magnetic rail technology; manual operation of triple-glazed panels	Panels weighing up to 600 kg
Jada bottom roll slider	Takes weight off the header and transfers it to rollers in the bottom of the panels	None on the page we read

The table compares published statements only. It does not rank the products. Panel weight, glass build and hardware change with the order.

Why does panel weight matter?

Heavier glass lets you build bigger openings, but it asks more of the floor, the header and the track. Triple glazing adds weight. Large panels need a stiff frame and careful handling on site. A magnetic system changes how the panel feels to the hand. It does not remove the weight from the building.

So plan the structure with the weight in mind. Ask the maker to give you the panel weight for your exact size and glass. Ask the structural engineer to confirm the load path. Our guide to glass options explains glass builds, and the glossary entry for IGU defines the insulating unit.

What are the trade-offs to ask about?

Ask about service, power, drainage and cost. These questions apply to any large slider, and more so to magnetic ones:

1. How is the track serviced, and by whom?
2. Does the door work if power fails, when you choose an automatic drive?
3. How does water drain from the track, and where does it go?
4. What is the sill detail, and is it flush with the floor?
5. What is the lead time from approved drawings to delivery? Ask the maker, since we do not publish one.
6. What does the warranty cover for this specific system? Ask for the terms in writing.

Our guide on lift-and-slide vs sliding doors and the one on multi-slide and pocket doors compare the options. The glossary has entries for lift-and-slide door and multi-slide door.

Where does a magnetic slider fit in a home?

It fits wide openings with big, heavy glass panels, such as a living room wall that meets a patio. Jada says the point of its Zero Gravity system is larger openings with heavy doors. Bertrand pairs its slider with triple glazing, which suits homes that want a low heat gain through the glass.

It fits less well where the wall is too narrow for a panel to stack, or where the budget is tight. A simpler slider or a swing door may serve you better. We would rather help you compare than sell one system. Bring the wall plan, and we will map the options with the makers.

Next step

If you plan a wide wall of glass, bring the opening width, the wall height and the floor plan. Tell us about the project at /contact-us or call (214) 484-9982. Honey Rock describes its work as running “From the initial design process to the final installation.” For options, start with our pillar on sliding and lift-slide doors.