System
Surme — sliding systems
Sliding panels on rails — local tradition, wide opening, easy upkeep.
When surme
If you want wide opening (>50% of the front), frequent ventilation, simple visible mechanics. The traditional Batumi style for older buildings.
Best for
Best for
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Heritage facades
Old Town facades with wooden decorative balconies — surme matches the historic aesthetic; other systems don't.
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Maximum ventilation
Batumi summer humidity is 89% in August. Surme opens 50-75% of the front. Real airflow, not just a small vent.
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Standard+ budget
Surme cold version: $150-200/m². Wider function than basic Standard PVC, at similar price.
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Owners who like to see how things work
Sliding mechanism is visible and intuitive. No hidden hardware to mystify.
Specs
Technical specs
- Tracks
- 2-4 tracks (multi-track)
- Panel
- Aluminum + 4-6mm glass
- Max panel
- 1500mm × 2400mm
- Opening
- 50-75% of front (depending on track count)
- Hardware
- Stainless steel rails + components
Tradeoffs
Strengths & honest limits
+ Pros
- ✓ Wide opening (50-75% of front)
- ✓ Lower cost than frameless or panoramic
- ✓ Simple visible mechanism
- ✓ Local tradition — heritage-friendly
- ✓ Replaceable individual panels (~$30 each)
— Cons
- ⚠ Cold system — no thermal version
- ⚠ Mechanical noise on 3-4 tracks
- ⚠ Tracks require regular cleaning
- ⚠ Open vertical gap between panels
Scope
Included in price
- · Multi-track aluminum frame (2-4 tracks)
- · Sliding panels with 4-6mm glass
- · Stainless steel rails + rollers
- · Anti-lift catches (security)
- · On-site measurement
- · Installation + cleanup
Care
Maintenance
Track dust cleaning — once a month with a sliding motion. Silicone grease on rollers — every 6 months. Panel replacement is economical if a panel ever breaks. Expected lifecycle: 15-20 years with proper maintenance.
FAQ
Frequently asked
- Drafty?
- Surme is a cold system — panel gaps are open, not sealed. Wind and rain protection, yes. Thermal insulation, no.
- Noisy?
- Sliding mechanism makes some sound — particularly with 3-4 tracks. Minimized by stainless rails and regular maintenance (cleaning + silicone grease).
- Common in Batumi?
- Yes — the traditional local solution. Many older facades are sourced with surme. Old facade + surme = authentic Batumi style.
- Can I add insect nets?
- Yes — gaps between panels mean insect nets are essential in summer. We add silicone seals for partial mosquito protection, but full netting is recommended.
- Warm version?
- Physically — no. Surme's open vertical gaps make it fundamentally a cold system. If you need warm, use aluminum tilt-and-turn instead.
- If a single panel breaks?
- Economical replacement — ~$30-50 per panel + labor. Local repair, not full system replacement.