Patio doors first came onto the scene in the 70’s when the then modern aluminium sliding doors became fashionable. These doors have lasted fairly well, and there are still a few residential properties that have them in place today. However, the one draw back to this style of door is the reduced opening due to their parallel sliding action, which results in only 50% of the available space giving ventilation at any one time. This older style of patio door was also extremely metallic looking, and almost always silver.

The only other option to the modern patio door in those days was traditional French doors, which are still very popular today, especially in period properties. French doors usually open outwards (although not exclusively), and if they’re hung on parliament hinges will fold back a full 180 degrees against the property wall, and open up the entire space out onto the patio or garden area. The only draw-back with French doors is they have a limit to their size. For people with above average sized houses that also have of an open aspect of anything greater than 2 metres in width, French doors have to be placed into a large frame with glazing panels to each side. Although this is fine for light penetration, it doesn’t take full advantage of the available space.

Bi fold doors or folding sliding doors as they’re also referred to are designed from the same concept as concertina doors that usually separate two rooms. Concertina doors are not suitable for exterior use, and can often be problematic as room dividers because of their feeble construction. Bi folding doors have dealt with both the interior and exterior aspects that we want to fully open or use for dual purposes. Their sturdy construction, high level of security and ease of operation make them appealing, especially as you also get full light penetration into the area they occupy. The folding sliding doors are ideal for homes and businesses who want the option of a greater feeling of space.

Even though bi fold doors cover a huge range of sizes, once we advance to extremely large spaces that are commonly seen on modern extensions spanning the full width of a property it may be time to look again at the original sliding patio door. Rather than having ten to twelve doors covering an equal amount of metres and perhaps looking a little repetitive, the new sliding patio doors can cover huge distances and still be extremely aesthetically pleasing. Gone are the days of sliding patio doors only being available in a two door system. Three, four, even six door systems are now readily available, and are constructed from much sturdier materials than the originals. The new lift and slide patio door systems are available for openings as small as 2 metres, right up to the biggest opening spaces on a private swimming pool, entertainment room or wine bar. The doors are available in either powder coated aluminium or a range of hardwood timbers from specialist manufacturers.

If you ask the majority of homeowners what they would like most from their current, or next property, the most likely answer will be; “More space”. The first hurdle to gaining more space is that there’s generally a considerable cost that comes with it. So as a result, most of us are looking to maximise the space we have by removing walls, adding extensions, loft conversions and conservatories. Obviously there’s always a limit to the amount we can add to any property, which means we have to be creative.

Removing walls between reception rooms has been popular for years. But this can often be a compromise when you want more space, yet would still like the usability of separate rooms. The original solution to this home crisis was either French or concertina doors. Both work well but also have their drawbacks. French doors when opened will often protrude too far into one of the rooms, and end up being more of a hindrance than a help. Concertina doors on the other hand, slide and fold away neatly, but are generally thin, rickety and lack class.

Modern sliding doors are becoming extremely popular for dividing rooms, and for opening large aspects of houses to the garden. The sliding doors of today are available twofold. The first of these are similar to aluminium sliding doors that were very popular some years ago, otherwise known as “patio doors”. Although today’s sliding doors are much more elegant and smooth, and are also available in natural wood thanks to great advances in mechanisms. In new build properties it’s even possible to design the building so that the doors slide into the wall cavity, allowing the maximum of open space. However, for most of us this just isn’t a viable option, and we can only open one sliding door or the other, resulting in only half the clear space. Fortunately there is another kind of sliding door available which will allow you to take advantage of the full opening. These are more commonly known as bi fold doors, and basically work on exactly the same principle as concertina doors by sliding and folding to one side. The mechanisms for these have also improved enormously which has allowed for their use on external aspects. These are also available in wood, aluminium and upvc plastic.

The massive advantages of more natural light, ease of use and high security locking systems of modern sliding doors are encouraging people to replace their old French windows and even remove normal windows and brickwork to accommodate them.

Sliding doors are very much a “Lifestyle” product of today.

For more information on sliding and bi fold doors go to http://www.ehjoinery.com/products/doors/timberbi-foldingdoors.phuse or www.bespokebifolddoors.co.uk  

BI-FOLD DOORS

Bi-fold or folding/sliding doors have been around for quite a while now, and are extremely popular in countries where the climate encourages outdoor living. Here in the UK we can’t exactly say that our climate is favourable, rather “Unpredictable” would be a much closer assessment. However, this doesn’t seem to have discouraged us from embracing the concept and bi-fold doors are certainly one of the products set to be a growth item as we pull away from the recession. 

Gone are the days of having as many different rooms as possible. Open plan living is what we’re all now seeking in both renovations and new-build projects. Architects and interior designers are actively using products that are environmentally friendly, multi purpose and afford as much usable space as possible. Turn on any house build or home improvement show and you will likely find a bi-folding system being installed. The same can be said for cafes, trendy bars and restaurants that you may visit. 

So what are the considerations when thinking of having a bi-fold door system installed? First of all you need to choose the material. The doors and frame can be constructed in upvc, wood or aluminium with a choice of finishes from each. Timber doors give the greatest choice as they can be spray finished in any colour or lacquered to enhance the character of your species choice. Upvc will either be finished white or with some sort of timber imitation, and aluminium can be powder coated to any colour. The next consideration is what mechanism? It’s advisable to use a simple mechanism with proven strength and durability, as the more complex the system, the more can go wrong with it. Different suppliers will use different mechanisms, so make sure you pay as much attention to the hardware that moves your doors as you do to the doors themselves. Finally, are you buying an off-the-shelf package or one that’s made to measure? If it’s off the shelf then your opening will need to be able to accommodate what your buying or you’ll have to make structural changes so that it does. Made to measure will be a little more expensive but at least a portion of this cost will be offset by removing the structural changes and you can also have more choice on design. 

So what are the advantages?...... Well, there are quite a few; Bi-folding doors are a modern product that will enhance the value of any property and certainly be a selling point for the foreseeable future. They are multi purpose and can open as little or as much space as you require. The majority of doors are “full glass” so the natural light penetration into any area is greatly increased. The span of area they can cover is almost limitless and there are systems that can cover up to 16metres or 53ft without the need for supporting columns. Most importantly, the level of security is of no concern as all good mechanisms have numerous locking points at the top and bottom of each door.  

Who can have a bi-folding door system? Absolutely anyone who wants one can have a system installed. They can be designed into your build or renovation project, fitted in place of your old patio or French doors, or you can remove a window and the brickwork below to floor level and accommodate the system. 

Time and stress saving hints 1)      Cost effective/self assembly systems may cost you more in the long run2)      Pay as much attention to the mechanism as you do to the doors themselves3)      Make sure your installer is experienced with the materials he’s fitting4)      All of your glazing “Must” be toughened or other compliant safety glass 5)      Try to get one company to do the whole job or at least pre assemble your system6)      The opening for your system has to be square and the supporting joist perfectly level   

For further information on quality bi-folding timber doors go to www.bespokebifolddoors.co.uk