What to consider before choosing Bi-folding Doors

There’s a lot more to consider than you’d have thought! Here’s a useful list of things you should be thinking about and looking into when buying folding sliding doors (bi-fold doors):

• The architecture of the building and the type of project will have a large influence on the doors you choose

• Take into account what available ie materials, colour and finishes

• Think about opening sizes including height, width and depth. New build projects, renovations and extensions, for example, will allow for the homeowner and architect to draw up plans to incorporate the exact opening size at planning stage. However replacement doors would be influenced by an already established opening size

Bi-folding doors as a complete sliding corner system
- possible because of the building structure

• Building support and whether top or bottom running tracks are best. Bottom running tracks are usually best for standard heights (ie up to 2350mm) as they do not require such a hefty lintel at the top of the opening (this is a cheaper option). Top hung are usually recommended where doors are needed to be much taller ie up to 3000mm

• The surrounding area ie is it a conservation area or is the building listed. Your choice of material could be required to fit with the surrounding area for example

• Choosing the right type of doors is also important, for example in some instances folding sliding doors wouldn’t be an option if folding stacking space was limited or could be obstructed. Sliding doors are always an alternative as allow for wider panel widths minimising frame sightlines however these will only allow for half of the opening width. Folding sliding doors stack to leave a full and complete opening

• Which way does the property face? If you want to make the most of the open living experience then your doors are best to be south facing

• Where is the property? Do you need added protection against bad weather. Sunfold Systems offers marine treatments to protect against coastal environments along with severe weather rated seals and gaskets

• What sort of home are you creating? Are the doors more for aesthetics or does the home need to be super sustainable. Quality doors will always meet the required government standards but options to enhance U-values will be available

• Will the door system need to be straight, cornered or curved (faceted) to accommodate the building design

Faceted bi-folding doors used for curved buildings

• Time scales are important. To ensure delivery of bespoke doors to meet with project deadlines it is advisable to order at an early stage. If they are ready before the project is ready the doors should be able to be held in the supplier’s warehouse, however, if they are not given the required time frame the project could be held up

• Check to see if the doors will require any upkeep or maintenance. The material chosen will play a large part.

Modern & Traditional Front Doors - Which Material is Best?

When choosing your own style front door there are a number of options available and criteria to consider. You’ll need to be looking not only for the best design to suit your house exterior but also at the door’s durability. In particular how it will stand up against changing weather conditions, how it provides the required level of security for your home and how will it also save on those all-important energy bills?

Typical front doors tend to be made from either wood, uPVC, metal (steel or aluminium) or made from composite materials, all of which have their plus points and negatives.

Aluminium panel front door with high insulating core

 Metal doors will tend to be either steel or aluminium doors. The main benefits of both types are that they are incredibly durable, weather resistant, high security and fire rated. Both will be made with a metal panel exterior with a high insulating wooded core; the main disadvantage would be that the metal can dent, but this would be under extreme pressure and fairly easy to fix - there are also kick plates which protect the lower section of the doors if concerned. Specialist coatings are available for both although aluminium will hold up best against weather conditions as steel has been known to rust overtime. In coastal areas in particular where the air has a heavier salt content, specialist marine treatments can be applied to aluminium front doors to ensure longevity. Steel also can’t be combined with a storm door, however, aluminium can without fear of the hazards of heat build-up.

Traditional front door example

 The more traditional option would be wood, usually in oak, cherry, walnut, mahogany or maple etc. Wood doors can prove to be expensive and also risk warping, cracking and deteriorating over time as temperatures and weather conditions change so frequently the wood can swell and move creating problems opening and closing the door and damage the exterior. There are ways round such issues by, for example, opting for durable stains and in particular high gloss screens for painted wood.

Thickness of the wood door will also impact as well as the way the wood is cut; thicker doors will not be affected so easily but this will inevitably push the price up. Wood doors will, however, always require regular maintenance in comparison to the other options on the market. For a cheaper alternative with similar overall look, you could opt for wood veneer. Wood veneer doors will still have a wood core but will minimise warping depending on the quality and thickness of the veneer. Insulating cores will also be available.

uPVC is a very common alternative and maintains a number of advantages as the doors remain rigid no matter the weather conditions. They are classically weather proof and damp proof and also require little maintenance other than cleaning, however, these doors have been known to discolour over time and in some cases direct sunlight has been known to breakdown the material and create cracks. This can be avoided by ensuring the supplier is reputable and that product is of a high quality. The most attractive element to uPVC is that the doors can be very reasonably priced for what you get for your money, but uPVC doesn’t necessarily suit all styles of home, especially if the home-owner wants something a little more traditional or contemporary.

In summary, all front doors whether modern doors or traditional doors have their pros and cons, but the same underlying rule will always apply. Choose quality and you’re much less likely to be looking to replace your front door in a few years.

Quality Folding Sliding Doors - how can you tell they're genuine?

Folding sliding doors (bi-folding doors) can use up a chunk of your door and window budget so you’ll want to make sure that the system and material you choose will pay for itself over the years. But with so many suppliers out there how can you tell if the folding sliding door system you’re looking at lives up to the quality you’ll require?

Best starting point is to do your research by visiting exhibitions such as the National Homebuilding& Renovating Show and Grand Designs. This is a good starting point and a convenient way to see a range of suppliers in one place. However if there isn’t an exhibition near you or doesn’t fit with your time frame you’ll need to visit showrooms yourself so that you can see and test the doors first hand. Look at the quality of the finish and feel how smoothly and easy they open and close. Quality doors won’t jolt, they should glide. Also check the tight fit of the doors when closed to ensure there are no gaps in the door system and that seals are flush.

Quality aluminium bi-folding doors

Special features included within the price such as finger safe gaskets, and security features will help show the quality systems from the basic. In quality systems these should include shoot bolts top and bottom, ideally these should be lockable for added security. Ask what locking systems are included? For example, hinges can be an easy way to break into doors so opt for a system where the hinge pins (which hold the hinges together) are actually locked into their casings. Hinge material is also important as castings can easily smash if attacked with a hammer, Sunfold Systems for example, use an extrusion which is the strongest material. Also look at what upgrades can be incorporated into the system to improve security and thermal efficiency. The more add-ons the higher the performance.

There should also be ranging options in configuration and track types to suit different circumstances. Flexibility in the products on offer will mean specialist attention to detail. This is often the case with bespoke made-to-measure doors.

Bespoke made-to-measure folding sliding doors

Check what the guarantee is on the doors. This should cover frames and mechanisms. The last thing you want is for something to go wrong in the first few years and to not be covered.

Finally the reputation of the supplier will always be a tell-tale sign. Recommendations are always a good way to go. Look at the company’s track record, the longevity of the business is a good tell as to its overall success. Most importantly listen to your contractor for their personal experience and for their advice on who to use and also on which professional bodies the supplier should be a member of. A reputable supplier will always be happy for you to contact past customers (as long as the customer agrees) for first-hand experience to give you more confidence in your choice.

Glass Doors - Options & What to Consider

When looking for external glass doors for a property whether for an extension, renovation or new build there are numerous options on the market to suit a variety of needs. So what are the things that a homeowner needs to consider when thinking of installing glass doors?

Firstly it’s important to decide on the top criteria you want to meet. So for example are you looking for the wow factor, something which will truly make the architecture of your property come to life? Are you looking to save on energy bills and need the top ways to make savings? Or do you have to meet set building regulations to stay in keeping with your area? There are lots of questions to consider.

Firstly, I’d recommend you decide on the overall look you want to achieve and the space which is available. The opening widths and heights will play a large part in the external glass doors or systems you opt for and depending on space, you could choose anything from folding sliding doors (also know as bi-folding doors), patio doors such as sliding doors, sliding stacking doors or through to stand alone single doors or French style double doors.

Aluminium bi-folding doors

There are companies out there which provide standard size door panels whereby you will need to ensure the space caters for these sizes, however, if you’re truly wanting to gain the ultimate wow factor and be the envy of the neighbours, made-to-measure bespoke doors, from for example Sunfold Systems, will fit with your exact needs and requirements. You can then choose the colour, finish and your preferred configuration, opening mechanisms and glazing options for your own tastes.

You can then look at what will best suit your situation. It’s important to discuss with your contractor what is possible to ensure that your external door requirements will meet with building regulations. Building regulations can change depending on your location and in particular in conservation areas. So consider structural support and your choice of frame material as this will impact on the suitability of the system and the door energy efficiency levels which can be achieved. 

A U-value which is the measurement of the rate of heat loss through a material, is a key consideration as this will impact on the energy ratings of the doors. Legislation states that external doors have to comply to a U-value rating of 1.8W/m²K to meet building regulations. Achievable U-values will depend on the size of the door panel, the type of frame, sealants used and also glazing and glazing coatings, so by choosing bespoke doors in particular you could potentially lower the rating and save further on long-term energy bills.

Specialist marine treatments for bi-folding doors on the coast

There are other ways to maintain heat transfer and protect against the elements through your choice of doors. If choosing folding sliding doors, for example, track choices are important to make the system watertight and airtight along with allowing drainage to flow away from the doors. Frames should be designed to ensure a barrier between the outside and inner frame to alleviate condensation between glazed panels. There are special marine coatings for external aluminium frames to protect against harsh saline environments, this is usually recommended for coastal properties to help prevent quick corrosion of frames and components.

Once you’ve chosen your frame, track options and configuration you’ll want to look into glazing options. Standard systems will usually incorporate double glazing filled with gas (argon gas is typical) in the cavity this helps to reduce heat loss in double glazing by slowing down convection inside the air space. It is extremely cost-efficient, and works well with low-e coated glazing. Triple glazing will work in the same way, however, by adding an extra layer, heat loss is lowered even further and can help achieve lower U-values as a result. Depending on your requirements you might also be interested in either solar, tinted or laminated security glazing. Tinted glass will usually be used as a privacy measure and solar glass will also help with heat transfer by protecting against the sun’s rays and the heat being reflected from the inside.

Your home’s security is another key consideration. Make sure that the door locks you choose meet with insurance company approval and that you consider not only making it difficult for intruders to enter the property but also how they exist. Burglars often have a planned escape route in case they become interrupted, shoot bolt locking on folding sliding doors will help disable easy opening from the inside and hinder escape. Laminated security glazing will also help against break-ins for any glass door system.

You'll also want to make sure you find a quality supplier rather than a cowboy, but how do you tell the difference? Recommendations are always a good way to go. In fact a large proportion of our own business does in fact come from recommendations from past customers. I’d always look to the internet for unbiased reviews along with a company’s own testimonials. Look at the company’s track record, the longevity of the business is a good tell as to its overall success. Most importantly listen to your contractor for their personal experience and for their advice on who to use and also on which professional bodies the supplier should be a member of. A reputable supplier will always be happy for you to contact past customers (as long as the customer agrees) for first-hand experience to give you more confidence in your choice.

Sliding doors for larger glazed panel widths

So what types of external glass doors are available? Folding sliding doors will offer the ultimate wow factor to any property. They ooze quality and are designed especially to open up areas with no interrupted view. This makes them perfect for the summer months when accessing outside spaces and enhancing the light into a property when the doors are closed all year round. Sliding doors are another option. Sliding doors allow for larger panes of glass and are used when full opening isn't required. Both these systems are framed to comply to building regulations whereby main external doors require structural stability and energy ratings, however, there is an alternative for when making use of external areas throughout the year when these concerns aren't an issue. Sliding stacking doors are perfect for covered patio/decking areas and balconies to protect against wind and rain but without the thermal benefits.

Finally, what about installation of the actual product? Simply, it’s best to leave this to the professionals. Either your supplier will offer this service or your building contractor will be able to arrange this.

Energy Efficient Front Doors - What to Look for?

We’re much more energy conscious nowadays than ever before so it’s a big consideration when making changes to our homes to assess what will save on those all-important energy bills. Front doors in particular can be classic culprits and if the door in particular is old and the material hasn’t worn well then maybe it’s time for a new one.

Energy efficient aluminium panel front door

 Good quality front doors are now built with efficiency in mind, but older style doors are likely to be drafty and show light through gaps between the frame and the actual door. You need to therefore look for the perfect fit and a material whereby the weather doesn’t impact on door swell; made-to-measure front doors are often a good solution as they won’t require further work to ensure a perfect fit and will also mean no air or water infiltration dependent on the material.

Weather-stripping is also important along with the way the door is actually installed. Bad fitted doors are likely to have gaps between the bottom sweep and the floor along with gaps at the edges possibly as a result of badly fitted components such as hinges. Screws therefore need to be snug and it’s best to use high-quality components in brushed steel or brass to achieve the best results.

Building regulations now state that external doors have to comply to U-value ratings (the measurement of heat loss through a material) of 1.8W/m²K. Achievable U-values will depend on the size of the door, the type of frame, sealants used and also glazing and glazing coatings; so by choosing the right supplier and installer in particular you could potentially lower the rating and save further.

For added insulation to achieve even better U-values, consider a high insulating core – there are specialist materials on the market which go the extra mile, Sunfold Systems offers such materials. Flush front doors with a smooth one level finish will limit gaps and flaws and glazing options will also help such as opting for triple glazing with a low-e coating. These extras will help not only achieve the required 1.8W/m²K U-value, but in fact push the rating even lower. There are some aluminium doors on the market, for example, which can achieve U-values between 1.4W/m²K and 1.3W/m²K.

Front doors tend to be made from either wood, metal (steel or aluminium), uPVC or made from composite materials, all of which have their plus points and negatives when considering thermal efficiency and overall aesthetics.

Solid wood doors risk warping and deteriorating over time as temperatures and weather conditions change so frequently the wood can swell, this general movement can create extra air gaps and change the overall fit. Wood veneer doors are an alternative as they will still have a wood core but will minimise warping depending on the quality and thickness of the veneer. uPVC on the other hand will remain rigid for a period of time although uPVC does have the tendency to expand with heat and can therefore warp a little making the door difficult to close overtime.

Metal doors, however, are classically weather proof no matter the temperature and also require little maintenance to maintain their exteriors. When it comes to durability, steel and aluminium is incredibly tough, secure and weather resistant. So if it’s longevity you’re looking for these are often considered the best choice. These doors will be bespoke made, which can cost more initially, but also means extra savings in the future through energy efficiency and the endurance of the systems. Both will be made with a metal panel exterior with a high insulating wooden core; aluminium doors, however, will hold up best against weather conditions as steel has been known to rust overtime. With such bespoke door systems it’s even easier to surpass the standard 1.8W/m²K U-value and in fact with some aluminium single door sets (with no glazing options) it’s possible to achieve as low as 1.0W/m²K.

Security and the energy efficiency of your front door go hand in hand. By ensuring quality locks you’ll not only secure your home but also help alleviate drafts, and by choosing strong materials for your front door you can also help protect against forced entry. Metal doors such as aluminium provide extra strength along with ensuring the protection of lock points by being concealed within the frame which makes it harder for a burglar to break in.

High security front door

 Three point locking systems are preferable for front doors as they enable the top and bottom of the door to be simultaneously secured unlike single point locking which lock only at the point where the key is turned. There are also options for anti-drill and anti-bump locks which can cost a little more but also make it much harder for unlawful entry. Look specifically for locks where a key is required from outside even when the door is unlocked and for anti-pick shaped pins. As the main entry point for your home, it’s important to take the time to research your options and install the highest quality systems to make sure your home is protected.

Internal doors... what you should consider when choosing

Everyone’s tastes and needs are different and there are numerous interior door designs and styles out there to suit whatever requirements you may have. For instance, you could be looking for something more traditional such as panel doors for say an old farm house; a clean modern look flush door set for a new-build property or even something completely unique such as your own personal designed motif or printed graphic.

Traditional panel white doors

So what are the typical interior door materials and finishes on the market? In short, there are lots. These typically include solid timber, timber veneer, glass, laminate, painted, metal (usually stainless steel for added security), or honeycomb core – a cheaper alternative to solid door sets, however these don’t have the same feel or durability. In some cases timber veneer doors can cost slightly more than full timber doors, it’s important to bear in mind that solid timber can warp but veneer allows for a stable core with the benefit of a natural wood look and feel. Then there are options for European rebated door styles, different glazing options, numerous paint and coating colours and door furniture options to choose from, so it’s important to do your homework. Lots of the home improvement magazines and websites out there will give good guides and advice

Your door requirements may differ throughout your property. So as well as the more typical hinged internal doors, there will also be options on the market for when space is limited, for instance on small landings or hallways. Sliding doors (usually available in timber or glass) are an ideal solution as either sliding in-front of the wall or into a wall cavity. Narrow panel widths or folding doors are another option taking up half the opening space of a typical door along with sloped doors for awkward areas such as under stair cupboards. It is preferable in such cases to opt for a bespoke door supplier to ensure quality in both appearance and use.

Folding sliding doors used as an internal divide

Another typical requirement could be where light is limited within specific areas of the house. This can quickly be aided with either full glass doors which are available completely clear or with frosted design features or etched motifs, dependent on your own style. Or through glazed door inserts where light is required but complete glazing isn’t practical, for example, a bathroom door where a frosted glass panel could provide enough light but without the embarrassment factor. It’s important to take into account, however, that all glass and some glazed doors will not be available as fire doors.

On the subject of fire doors, usually for standard two storey homes, fire doors will not be required. These only tend to come into play when building or extending to the third storey so for loft conversions or apartments, but it’s important to confirm this with your building inspector to ensure compliance with building regulations.

When choosing your door ironmongery or door furniture there will be lots to choose from. I’d recommend that as well as looking at the design, also take into account the proportions of the door; how the handle feels for comfort and usability along with the situation the door is used in. Quality also should play an important factor in your decision. Cheaper lever handles, for example, often use a plastic inner rose structure to screw onto the door with a metal press on cover; unfortunately using the plastic fixing will not be as durable as a complete metal rose with screw fixing. This would ensure that the handle doesn’t work loose from the door.

But there are lots of handles to do the job  as well as lever handles, such as door knobs (fixed or twist); shell handles for cavity sliders in particular; push/pull handles with push plates for swing doors, and return to door handles where usability for disabled or elderly is required. Available in a range of materials including stainless steel, brass/gold and chrome, when choosing make sure that these will be available with matching escutcheons (lock plate covers), WC thumb turn locks, hinges and door stops.

Once you’ve chosen you doors and ironmongery, it’s time to place that order. When ordering your doors, it’s important to get your door measurements spot on. You’ll need to ensure that you or your builder/carpenter measures the width and height from the finished flooring as well as the depth/thickness of the wall whilst also accounting for additional wall coverings such as tiles. Floor heights are vital especially where frames will need to be cut into to allow for changes in floor coverings.

Veneer door set example

Take into account light switches and layout of the room when making decisions on which side your doors will hang; most doors will open inwards, however, in some small areas such as cloakrooms you’ll likely need to opt for the door to open outwards, unless opting for a space saving sliding door. With said sliding doors, take into account the space available for sliding. If you’re not comfortable measuring the door openings yourselves, your carpenter should know exactly what is required. If he doesn’t, I’d hire someone else.

Once you’ve received your order, installation should be relatively simple dependant on the door option you’ve chosen. Some suppliers, Sunfold Systems for example, supply all doors as complete pre-finished door sets complete with architraves, and pre-fixed ironmongery which means that they are bespoke to your needs with no tweaks required. Standard internal doors will usually require a bit more work as they will often need to be made to fit the opening there and then rather than being manufactured to the exact opening size. Any reputable door supplier whether bespoke made or standard door suppliers like, Wickes for example,  should supply you with paper-based instructions, video demonstrations and the option to opt for a member of their own installation team (usually at an additional cost) to install the doors for you.

Any local carpenter or competent DIYer should have no problem installing bespoke manufactured doors themselves and on average for a complete bespoke door set you’ll be looking at between 45 mins to an hour for a trained carpenter, but anything up to two hours for an average DIY boffin. I’d recommend not to take on a standard non-bespoke door installation and employ a professional. This would on average take three to four hours but not necessarily taking into account additional painting or staining.