Buyer’s Guide
Neil Ginger, CEO of Origin, an award-winning UK manufacturer of bifolding doors, provides some key points you should consider before installing bi-folding doors.
There are a number of considerations when choosing bi-fold doors but quality is key – quality of door performance, how long they last, energy efficiency and how easy they are to use. When considering the door material, Origin recommends aluminium as it offers the right combination of strength and weight, allowing for narrow, more aesthetically pleasing frames and better sight lines.
U Values
Bi-fold doors, if well made and especially aluminium, should last for years, enabling the customer to save energy for longer. The current U Value regulations are 1.8W/(m2K) when you are replacing existing doors and 2.0 W/(m2K) for new builds or extensions. Aluminium bi-folds with triple glazed units can achieve U Values of 1.3 W/(m2K). Double glazing can achieve 1.67 W/(m2K) using 24mm units. The main contributor to low U Values of aluminium folding sliding doors is the thermal break which resists thermal transfer from the outside face of the doors through to the living area inside. As aluminium is a natural conductor, rather than insulator, it is important to have a polyamide thermal break which separates the aluminium frame into interior and exterior pieces, joining them together with a less conductive material. This break acts as a thermal barrier, reducing the flow of thermal energy through the aluminium.
Lead times
Bi-fold doors are usually ordered after the aperture has been cut, to get the exact opening measurements. The standard industry lead time is six to eight weeks, which can mean the customer will have an opening in their wall for at least two months. However, Origin’s unique ‘Your lead time, not ours’ service allows you to dictate the exact delivery date, even at a few days’ notice.
Security
When installing bi-folding doors look out for Secured By Design accredited doors, which are proven to achieve a reduction of crime risk by up to 75%. Origin’s certified SDB doors exceed security recommendations by using a combination of features such as a unique eight point multi-point locking system combined with a tough Magnum lock cylinder, plus solid cast Yale security handles, making them one of the safest options available.
Privacy
Privacy can be a concern with vast expanses of glass, but with a range of bespoke blind solutions available this needn’t be a problem. Origin is the only manufacturer to create blinds specifically for bi-folding doors in its specialist design centre.
For more information please contact Origin on 0845 450 6662 or visit www.origin-global.com
