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Aluminium Bi Fold Doors
Can't find what your looking for? Our 'Ask the Expert' Q&A archive has hundreds of questions, all answered by our in-house experts, so click here to see if your question has already been answered.
Hi
I am refurbishing a 40 year old house and want to install some feature aluminium doors so that (within reasonable cost) there is little window frame obstructing the view. The doors will span about 4m.
I understand that aluminium will conduct more heat than say timber, but is aluminium very inefficient for doors?
I was told that UPVC will not be as strong / thin as aluminium
I understand that I will need low U glass (1.2).
I live near Rickmansworth
Thank you for any help
Hello there
I am also looking at installing bi fold doors but by the sound of things am further away to installing them than you are (I am about to commence building a house in Chorleywood). Would be curious to know what your enquiries reveal and what you decide to settle on.
Regards
Simon
If you want thin frames and maximum efficiency then aluminium is your best bet. Expect to pay around £1,000/m (linear) for a bi-fold system as you describe. Most of the major suppliers would be able to let you know their relative U-values but these are all used in new build and renovation projects so would be efficient, I'd imagine.
We used timber (because it was cheaper) - Jeld-Wen's hardwood Canberra range. Heavier frames, but good value IMO. I'd personally avoid uPVC.
We've had an aluminium bi-fold door fitted in our new garden room which is almost 5m wide. We went throught the same process as you looking into UPVC but we're happy with the doors which were fitted last Christmas. The UFH was not switched on until well into the new year and we heated the whole room with a small electric radiator! There are definetely no problems with heat loss! our window chap got our door from Sunflex.co.uk, I know they have installers nationally because I looked on their website when he said what kind of door he was supplying.
We did look at some UPVC doors in conservatory show rooms and they did seem rather chunky by comparison.
Hope this helps.
Please can you tell me if you have any problems now with your bi fold doors? We installed them in our new build 3 years ago. It is a large room and the UFH struggles to heat it as there is air coming in around the doors. The company that installed them is gone bust! We are not sure what to do.
Thank you
Hi All - It would be our understanding that you would lose less heat using timber rather than aluminium. Why not take a look at our sliding/folding patio doors which are Part L compliant with Low E glass. http://www.todd-doors.co.uk/FE/product/270/?t=4p&c=47 Also our showrooms are not far from Rickmansworth/Chalfont in Northolt. Many thanks Todd Doors
I would agree with Todd Doors regarding the thermal efficiency of Timber against Aluminium and UPVC. We are able to offer hardwood or softwood with a 30 year warranty against insect or fungal attack, 6-10 years for the stain/paint finish, glass units and ironmongery and all down to 1.1 centre pane U value. We use microporous stains/paints. To re-paint, just wash down, a light rub with a "scotchbrite" pad and recoat with micropourous stains/paint. We can manufacture to fit your openings and you can choose for the doors to stack either side, internally or externally opening. See www.oracletimberwindows.com We are based in Nottinghamshire but we can supply and install anywhere.email me martin@oraclewindowsolutions.com and I will forward photos of jobs.
I really like your post you done a great jobs . Thanks for sharing valuable information.
We use a company called LaCoya, the specialise in bi-fold doors I would recommend contacting them.
James Brown
Tel:0800 8576873
Green Architects
Hello there! You should try finding contractors that are giving quotations before any job. This is very advantageous for you will be able to see the materials or the parts of the windows, doors and other parts of the house you are willing to buy.
Hi,
All decent aluminium exterior doors are thermally broken, which means an insulating material is inserted in between the aluminium profiles to minimise heat transfer. Aluminium is also a very low maintenance option.
If you are still interested in aluminium bifold doors, please visit cantifixdirect.co.uk - where you can get an immediate quote online for your measurements!
Hi
We manufacture upvc bi folding doors and have installed thousands of sets right throughout the uk,dont beleive that all upvc bi folds are terrible and cause no end of trouble etc etc its simply not true,its down to the way they are manufactured and installed our fastfold bi folding door product is very high end and we have many satisfied customers.
Take a look for yourself www.windoorcareuk.com and on you tube.
I am an expert in this field and ill answer any of your questions
Best regards
Alan
Centaur Special Interest Media, Ascent Publishing Ltd, 2 Sugar Brook Court, Aston Road, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, B60 3EX. Tel: 01527 834435