Door Industry Journal - Summer 2020

Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk Entrance & Bi-folding Doors 98 THE door industry journal summer 2020 Will they add value to my property? They’ll give it a true wow factor which often adds value both from a visual impact from the exterior of your property and the internal impact when you walk into the living space. Our systems will create a seamless interface between indoor and outdoor living, opening up your home to nature. Gardens, terraces, balconies and extensions become a perfectly natural part of your living space by means of modern design, slim frames and maximum glass. Generously dimensioned, folding sliding constructions allow light, air and sun to stream into your home throughout the year. Invest in high quality systems and profiles In many cases, window hardware is often overlooked, with a higher focus being placed on the glass itself. However, we are starting to see that built into most of the latest, innovative designs are various burglary deterrent features, with resistance class 2 tilt hardware and security corner transmission hardware becoming standard. This advancement in technology is becoming a staple with homeowners and UK architects, as the remarkable strength and durability provide a greater level of burglary deterrent, ensuring ultimate protection for the home. From a building regulations perspective, correct specifications can ensure that even an all glass structure with triple glazing can deliver the relevant SAP calculations to be compliant. Should I choose triple or quadruple glazing over double glazing? One of the main benefits of choosing triple or quadruple glazing is future proofing your home. Over the past few years, there has been a significant increase in homeowners choosing to renovate their properties, rather than relocating to a new home. With the ‘improve rather than move’ mentality, high-quality windows and doors easily enhance properties and customers can feel assured that they are investing long-term in their homes. I would advise those who are cost-savvy or who are seeking an eco-friendly option to consider triple or quadruple glazing. Windows are measured on their U-value, the lower values being more effective. Typically, generic modern, double glazed windows hold a value of <1.6 Wmk2, whilst the latest innovative triple glazed windows are remarkably lower at <0.7Wmk2. This significant improvement appeals to cost-savvy customers, as maintaining an energy efficient home is vital when trying to keep energy bills to a minimum. An increase in the environmentally conscious individual has also affected the demand for the best thermal insulation characteristics, to create an exceptional living experience for the customer, whilst remaining environmentally friendly. The advent of new innovative glass technology can quickly dispel these myths and properly specified glazing, preferably triple, will ensure high winter and summer comfort. Shading/curtains or blinds? Following a shift in interior and window designs, an increasing number of homeowners require unique styles of window covering and this is often the case with bifolds or panoramic doors. We recommend Conservatory Blinds Limited, which specialises in blinds which fit neatly onto the glazing rebate, so unlike curtains and traditional blinds, they don’t restrict the windows from opening inwards. The Vision and Visage ranges are ideal for large windows and panoramic sliders. Their fantastic design combines two layers of fabric to utilise both day and night for privacy and shading. Neat, stylish, easy to use and totally safe for children and pets, Conservatory Blinds Limited has well-made systems to suit modern windows and panoramic doors. Furthermore, they are fitted in situ so they can be installed on both new and existing windows and doors. Any other tips when thinking about buying bifolding doors? The average fitting time of bifolds or a panoramic door will be 1-2 days. For bespoke products, customers could usually expect to wait 8 weeks from the time of ordering to installation. My last piece of advice, would be that any good bifold will have a lot of adjustment room to ensure it can be properly set up and will always close perfectly. A good question to ask prospective suppliers is how large one pane can be. This indicates the strength of the product. The best bifolds would be available at 3m height if required. If there were limitations at 2.2m high, this would generally indicate a far weaker system. www.weru.uk