and improved accessibility when open. Although bi-folding doors are available in
both aluminium and PVCu, aluminium can pro- vide increased reliability for a price that is now only a fraction more than PVCu. The longevity of aluminium outweighs the extra costs – PVCu bi-folds can suffer from discolouration or warp- ing due to exposure to sunlight and heat. This leads to the door beginning to drop and becom- ing difficult to open and shut as time goes on, a problem which is rare in aluminium bi-folds. Additional benefits of aluminium include a
sleek and modern appearance and narrower sightlines – due to increased material strength – allowing for a more visually appealing design. Aluminium bi-folds also have a smoother open- ing action and the thermal efficiency and security provided is now on a level playing field with PVCu, giving consumers a high-perfor- mance product that stands the test of time. Richard Gaunt believes the popularity of bi-
become a staple of home improvements televi- sion programmes and subsequently, the must- have luxury product for homeowners. Chiefly used as a contemporary and luxury alternative to patio doors or French doors, bi-folds can also be used indoors to separate large spaces with- out compromising on light levels. They offer a wider opening, giving you a panoramic view
folding doors is unlikely to wane as homeown- ers continue to look towards minimalistic design and large glazed areas, which has subse- quently affected the trend for sloping tiled roofs and increased the demand for doors to suit. He said: “There’s been a shift away from the
solid roof extensions that had become popular this decade – people want maximum views of the outside and natural daylight. Therefore, the market has moved towards brick-built extensions with large glazed bi-folding doors, coupled with a slim-line aluminium roof lantern overhead to allow light to flood into the room.”
Also referred to as a roof light or a sky
lantern, the lantern roof has been a fairly new phenomenon to the luxury home improvements sector that has changed the silhouette of exten- sions. Whether installed in a new build extension or added to an existing flat roof, lanterns have become a stylish and contempo- rary home improvements solution with the ability to turn a dark and gloomy room into a bright and airy space. Like bi-folding doors, lantern roofs are avail-
able in a range of materials but again it is aluminium that is leading the way. Aluminium lantern roofs can offer the same slimmer sight- lines as bi-folds due to the material’s strength. This allows more light to come through and gives clean, modern aesthetics, making alu- minium lantern roofs the perfect companion to aluminium bi-folding doors. This high-end revolution in the refurbishment
and home improvements sector is the reason that Richard chose to move his company away from domestic builds and concentrate solely on supplying quality aluminium products. He explained: “The consumers in the refur- bishment sector are extremely knowledgeable and are always looking towards cutting edge products. It’s an exciting time for an industry that is always striving to advance in technology and benefitting directly from this will be homeowners and renovators.”
Manying Siu is PR & marketing assistant at Made For Trade
Enq. 150
BE INSPIRED!
UK Manufacturer of high quality hardwood bespoke and standard bifold doors, hinged doors and casement windows
www.arborbifold.co.uk tel: 01454 270039
Enq. 151 Enq. 152 38 selfbuilder & homemaker
www.sbhonline.co.uk
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