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.