BUILDING FABRIC & EXTERIORS
All images © Solarlux
manufactured with a combination of timber and aluminium; however, this has now changed. The Bi-Fold Door by Solarlux is believed to be the first aluminium system to achieve thermal transmittance values corresponding to the guidelines for Passivhaus suitability, with a Uw value as low as 0.8 W/m2
K.
Achieving good thermal performance doesn’t mean compromising on current contemporary design trends.
BE SECURITY AWARE
With bi-folding doors featuring so much glass and making your house open for all to see, you may fear it could attract uninvited guests. Three point locking is a must, and five point is even better. Glass should be toughened and a minimum of 4 mm thick – you may even choose laminated glass as an upgraded safer option.
The optional security specification RC2 for bi-folds and RC3 for sliders is a European security upgrade which is similar to Secured by Design, the certification preferred by the British police. This means that the system will withstand a prolonged attempted break-in and it comprises additional covers for various door components, making them even less accessible for
july/august 2017
There is no substitute for seeing, operating and ‘feeling’ the product for yourself
burglars. These additional security specifications are available for selected aluminium systems only, but generally high quality bi-folds will provide good security as standard.
SLIDING VS FOLDING
The alternative to bi-folding doors is sliding doors. Subject to design and type, they are often the more expensive option. Sliding doors are usually made up of two, three or four panels with one or two panels fixed. When closed, you can enjoy uninterrupted views outside due to the fact there are less vertical profiles than with bi-folds;
however, there is always an occupied area reducing the overall usable opening width.
Martijn Venema, managing director of Solarlux generally advises: “Sliding doors work best closed, bi-folds work best open. A solution should be chosen depending on the room and the situation. For example, adult-only and pet-free families can choose either, whereas families with busy lifestyles, pets and or children can rather choose a bi- folding door.”
Where the space is often used a bi- folding door is recommended, as it is typically easier to open as one panel can serve as a traffic door. Kitchens especially are where the family and friends often gather, so a bi-fold enables maximum access to the garden. However, large houses with fantastic views might rather choose a sliding door to enjoy an almost completely uninterrupted view.
Both sliding and folding doors can create a seamless transition from house to garden and can be combined with a glass or brick extension. Consult your local dealer, compare the doors’ features and test and try the systems to find your own bespoke product solution that suits your personal needs.
www.sbhonline.co.uk 39
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