Aluhaus of Nottingham manufactures Alufold bifolding doors, a re-engineered version of Warmcore.  In this article, we take a look at the differences between a standard Warmcore door and the Alufold door, marketed as one of the better bifolding doors currently available.

The Warmcore system offers a different design approach to other bifolding doors. At the heart of WarmCore is the concept of ‘warm aluminium’ brought about by a thermal core that is unlike the polyamide cores found on other bifolding doors.

Warmcore bifolding doors are available through a network of aluminium fabricators all over the UK.

How we review Warmcore and Alufold bifolding doors.

Aluhaus has re-engineered the Warmcore system to create Alufold with many unique features and advantages.

Both products use the standard Warmcore extrusions produced by Synseal Extrusions. Warmcore is available with four different profile choices.

Aluhaus take the standard Warmcore extrusions and apply different manufacturing methods and various alternative components. The technical and cosmetic changes found on Alufold are also unique amongst other aluminium bifolds, not just the Warmcore system.

Unlike the standard Warmcore product, Aluhaus only offer one profile choice, not four.

In creating this comparison between Alufold and the standard Warmcore bifolding door, we have focused on the hardware, manufacturing and technical enhancements of the two products.

Alufold Bifolding Doors Key Feature.

Aside from the technical, hardware and other features of Alufold, one of the major differences is how it is supplied. Manufacturers such as Origin, Everglade with their air sliding and folding doors, Sunfold, Sunflex and others, market their doors as only made by one company.

Aluhaus also offers the same to their installer customers. Alufold dealers can sell their doors as a bifolding door made by one company and not by many different fabricators.

For balance, it is right to mention that many different manufacturers all over the country provide a vast number of fabricated bifolding doors in the same system. This is how the supply chain for fabricated aluminium works and has done so for decades. Nonetheless, the positive message to homeowners that they know precisely who has made their bifolding doors cannot be ignored. It is a sales message that has been of immense benefit to installers and fabricators that make their own brand of doors and nobody else.

Are Warmcore and Alufold that different?

Yes. We like Warmcore bifolding doors and have always thought them a great product since we reviewed them when they first came to market. Synseal also launched their Warmcore sliding door at the FiT Show in May 2017 and this too looks well designed and executed.

While Alufold uses the same Warmcore suite of extrusions, the company does provide a Warmcore bifolding door with many different features. This does not imply that the Synseal Warmcore is in any way inferior, merely different. It is evident Aluhaus has looked at what key features consumers wanted from a bifold and incorporated them into their version of Warmcore.

From the hardware options to the exact RAL colour matching, unique partnership arrangements with some key component suppliers and even having a 1250mm wide door leaf all make Alufold markedly different from (the already good) Warmcore door.

If you have any questions about Alufold or Warmcore or require further information, please contact us.

The post Comparing Warmcore and Alufold bifolding doors appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

Origin Frames, the UK’s leading trade supplier of bifolding doors will soon be launching a brand new product, the Origin Inline Sliding Door.

Showcased at the 2017 FiT Show held at the NEC in Birmingham, the substantial and highly impressive Origin stand revealed a new slimline and very contemporary sliding door alongside their bifolding and residential doors and aluminium windows.

Introducing the New Origin Inline Sliding Door.

Origin showcase their forthcoming premium slimline sliding door.

The Origin Inline Sliding door offers Origin installers the opportunity to provide a sliding door product from the same Origin brand name.  Technical specifications and further information is not yet available, however we were able to see several great features on the product Origin had on display.

An ultra-slim sliding door.

Origin has designed their forthcoming sliding door as an ultra-slim sliding door, rather than a conventional aluminium patio door with thicker sight lines.  The first obvious feature of the Origin sliding door is the interlock.  The central mullion on the Origin sliding door comes in at just 20mm, placing it as a serious contender amongst the growing range of slimline sliding doors on the market.

Given the very high cost of many slimline sliding doors presently available, we think Origin will capture the market with a sliding door product that should be priced far more competitively.  We would envisage the Origin sliding door being very competitively priced amongst slimline sliding doors, although no prices are yet known.

A sliding door with a double or triple track.

We understand the Origin sliding door will be available with the choice of a double and triple track.  This should provide homeowners with a sliding door having a big choice of opening options and the facility for sliding panels to slide to one side as well.

One of the great features of the product seen at the FiT Show was how it had been installed with a recessed outer frame and track.  The recessed outer frame and track gave a great ‘frameless’ appearance to the sliding door.  No doubt the product will be suitable for standard installation as well.

A secure and weather tested sliding door.

The forthcoming Origin sliding door will no doubt feature very secure locking systems and great weather performance.  You can expect high security locking, several in-built safety features as well as superior weather performance.

The new Origin sliding door is coming soon.

Origin’s new sliding door features an interlock of just 20mm wide.

Origin already manufactures a premium range of aluminium products under the Origin Home range and the sliding door is a natural addition to this range.  For the residential market, few brands are as well known as Origin.  The unbeatable lead times, the 20 year warranty and the renowned after-sales service are one of many reasons Origin has grown into one of the best home improvement brands in the UK.

We will review the product fully as soon as it is launched and more details become available.  The first impression of the Origin sliding door is the ultra thin sight lines and a product that meets a big demand for slim sliding doors with large glass panels. We understand heights of 3 metres will be possible with this new door from Origin.

Sliding doors were without question, the most dominant of all aluminium products at the FiT show. Few companies know their target customers like Origin. We think with the manufacturing quality, lead-times, huge colour choices and Origin service to its dealers, this new sliding door will be a sales success.

The post The New Origin Inline Sliding Door appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

Comar Aluminium windows comprise five different systems with up to 10 different fixed or opening configurations. The different Comar window ranges are widely used and extensively specified in commercial and housing developments all over the UK.

Comar Aluminium Windows Overview.

The table below gives an overview of the full range of Comar windows giving an at-a-glance guide to their key features and where they can be fitted:

Comar’s aluminium windows meet the requirements of architects and specifiers, whatever their project requirements. They also address the needs of end users looking for a reliable, tried and tested aluminium window in a choice of styles and designs.

Window fabricators also benefit from making Comar Aluminium Windows. Window systems are designed to be easy to fabricate, utilising many standardised extrusions and components to make stockholding easy and keeping costs down.

Fabricators also benefit from the service by Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems provides as a systems company. Comar is well-known for holding vast stocks of extrusions in mill finish and standard colours as well as reliable, fast delivery of material and accessories.

Types of Comar Aluminium Windows.

Comar aluminium windows provide modern or traditional premium quality windows for the home.

Comar aluminium windows are available in different frame depths, profile styles and sight line dimensions. These flexible window choices address all types of buildings and end user needs. Comar windows are fit for purpose in residential property, for new build homes as well as a quality replacement window option. So where can you use them?

• Domestic Installations
• Commercial buildings
• Set within curtain walling or shopfronts.
• Windows with bespoke hardware for specific applications.
• Windows for secure units.
• High performance windows with low U-Values
• Passivhaus Windows.

Comar Aluminium Windows opening options.

The entire Comar window range meets the many specifications and Building Regulations for window ventilation and egress, such as Fire Escape Windows. Opening options include:

• Fixed light windows.
• Side hung opening casements
• Top hung opening casements
• Horizontal and Vertical pivot windows.
• Horizontal and Vertical sliding windows.
• Reversible Windows
• Tilt and Turn windows
• Bottom hung opening in windows.

All opening window configurations are independently tested to ensure Comar aluminium windows meet or exceed current requirements for security and weather performance.

The post Comar Aluminium Windows Overview and Guide appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

The Comar lift and slide door is part of the overall Comar 7P.i range of bifolding doors, entrance doors and commercial doors.

What you may not know about Comar sliding doors is that they are extensively specified in developments of new build residential property all over the UK. Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems has an extensive portfolio of residential work carried out by their network of fabricators and installers.

Comar lift and slide doors are widely specified.

Comar sliding doors are also available as inline and tilt and slide.

Over recent years the number of residential installers choosing to supply Comar domestic products directly to homeowners is also on the rise. By volume, the Comar lift and slide door, is already enjoyed by a substantial number of homeowners living in new houses, flats and apartments.

Anyone who fabricates aluminium doors we would also point towards the Comar system. Existing fabricators report how reliable Comar’s service is as a systems company, their extensive stockholding, availability of standard colours, how easy their products are to make and the clever use of many integrated profiles across their systems. Integrated profiles help fabricator stockholding and of course, keeps product prices competitive.

With so much activity in the construction sector for residential property, Comar sliding doors have proved themselves as meeting the client or architect specifications as well as being a highly reliable sliding door.

Comar lift and slide door, key features.

Just like all the other Comar doors, the 7P.i lift and slide door is designed for installation into new openings and also perfectly suitable as a replacement door product. Commercially the sliding door also integrates with existing systems such as Comar’s curtain walling, shopfront systems or as part of a combination screen.

• Lift and slide doors available with two, three or four panels.
• Comar sliding doors achieve impressive sash sizes up to 3000mm wide and 3000mm high. Doors can accept a 400kg maximum sash weight.
• Highly impressive glazing range from 6mm single glazed internal room dividers to external doors with 49mm standard or high specification sealed units. Doors are internally beaded.
• Meets good exposure categories for air, wind and water resistance.
• PAS 24 2012 independently tested.

Comar Lift and Slide Door, construction and assembly.

In line with other quality sliding door systems, Comar lift and slide doors have profiles with polyamide thermal breaks for improved insulation and good U Values. Doors and frames have a mechanical construction with a square cut frame and mitred door sashes.

The glazing of Comar bifolding doors is by the conventional dry-glazed method using quality EPDM glazing gaskets and internal glazing beads. Comar is amongst only a few sliding door systems that can achieve glass thicknesses of up to 49mm. Some may consider this glazing range excessive. We say it demonstrates the suitability of Comar’s sliding doors not just for a residential property needing standard glass, but commercial installations where a high specification glazing is often required.

Comar lift and slide doors therefore suit double or triple glazing, specialist acoustic or security glass, solar control glass and units with integral blinds in the home or office.

You can also specify the Comar lift and slide door with an improved insulation option. A 13x15mm foam can be inserted into the gap between the two polyamide thermal breaks. Comar doors are also available as an inline and a tilt and slide option.

Comar sliding doors key profiles.

The first noticeable feature about this particular Comar sliding door is not just the key outer frame, track, sash and standardised profiles. There are also transom and mullion sections.

Impressively, there is also a choice of 10 different sub-cill profiles. These range from 52mm stub cill right up to a 195mm thermally broken cill section.

Comar bifolding door sizes and sight lines.

As you would expect from a modern lift and slide aluminium door, Comar doors offer impressive aesthetics with little bulk or chunky sections.

Having seen the doors, they are flatline in appearance with a modern look. Interlocks are unobtrusive, and the combination of the sash within the outer frame is in line with other well-known lift and slide doors on the market.

• Head 151.5mm
• Cill 151.5mm
• Interlock 123mm.

On four panel doors where the meeting stiles butt up to each other, each stile is 109.5mm with a 10mm sealed clearance gap between them.

With so much focus on sliding door interlocks, here is how the Comar interlock compares with the standard product of other well-known systems.

• Comar 7P.i 123mm
• AluK BSC94 120mm
• Schuco ASS70 HI 108mm
• Reynaers CP130 98mm
• Senior PURe 96.5mm
• Smarts Visoglide 83mm (not lift and slide)
• Air 600LS sliding door 69mm

What we think of the Comar 7P.i lift and slide door.

There are many good sliding doors on the market with Comar sliding doors having equal or better specifications than other well-known systems. Comar say that when they had their lift and slide door tested, feedback from the UKAS Accredited Test House was “it is the best they’d ever seen”.  This door passed all three parts of BS6375 at 1050 Pascals with no water leakage.

With so much focus lately by systems companies on slimming down sliding door interlocks, the Comar sliding door is not the thinnest. However, any sliding door should be looked at relative to the size of the overall structural opening. A big sliding door with interlocks spaced far apart really won’t look that different. On narrower doors, the thicker interlock is down to personal preference.

Comar sliding doors are worthy of consideration. For residential installations, the Comar sliding door range has already proved itself with the vast numbers installed for builders. This website receives hundreds of enquiries every month with frequent questions from homeowners about repair or replacement parts for their existing doors. We can tell you we have yet to receive any enquiries asking for help with replacement parts for Comar sliding doors or any other Comar product for that matter.

Our review of the Comar 7P.i lift and slide door is written following close examination of their section drawings, fabrication and installation manuals.

So while you will not find a Comar sliding door in your typical window showroom, they are available and fabricated all over the UK.

Contact us if you would like more information about the Comar 7P.i Folding Sliding Door.

The post Comar Lift and Slide door Review appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

Origin bifolding doors, aluminium windows and Origin Front doors are all sold through a network of Accredited agents who specialise in home improvements, door and window installations. Some also specialise in building work and generation renovation projects. When it comes to Selling Origin doors and windows, Origin work on building strong partnerships with their Dealers.

The Benefits of selling Origin doors and windows.

Origin as a business was established because of frustrations with trade suppliers. Over the years, Origin has become renowned for pioneering the supply of bifolding doors, aluminium windows and residential front doors. The Your Lead Time Not Ours service pioneered by Origin (and still without competition) can be credited with ending the long lead times associated with coloured aluminium windows and doors.

Origin Services to Bifolding Door Installers.

Origin understands the importance of supporting their dealer network with all the tools needed to sell their range of windows and doors. Door and Window installation companies, interested in selling Origin doors and windows benefit from dealing with one manufacturer and the systems company directly. This has proven to help both installers and homeowners. Where traditionally the systems company does not get too involved in the customer process, Origin like to be actively involved. For the homeowner, it helps to know exactly who makes their doors.

The support services offered by Origin to their network of installers are designed to do away with the traditional frustrations of buying fabricated aluminium products. Examples include waiting for prices, long lead times and after-sales.

Flexible Lead times by Origin.

Origin pioneered the Your Lead Time Not Ours service on standard colour bifolding doors. Origin bifolding doors are available virtually when required, whether this is for 48 hours or longer. Installers benefit from:

• The positive sales message of being able to provide bifolding doors fast.
• The improved cashflow through reduced lead times.
• Origin aluminium windows are available in one week.
• Special colour orders are available in three weeks.

Origin’s Online Quotation and Ordering System

Origin has helped improve the speed at which aluminium quotations are obtained with their Online Quotation and Ordering Systems. For Origin Installers the online ordering and pricing system has several advantages.

• Free to use with no software subscriptions or licenses required.
• Build fast and accurate quotations with a few minutes.
• Use the software for pricing or ordering of Origin products.
• No more waiting for aluminium quotations.

Marketing Support by Origin.

Origin helps their retailers sell more by helping create impressive showrooms and giving all the materials and tools required to sell their products.

Substantial investment in door and window handle boards, colour boards, literature, point of sale materials and more, ensures a consistent Origin brand. Best of all Origin do not charge for their literature.

As well as the point of sale materials, Origin all give their installers access to technical information, image libraries, even help with a website. As well as Marketing Support, a full Technical support service is available as well.

The Origin Fitter Fitter Training Days

Origin provides interested installers with complete training days across their entire range of doors and windows. These are the ideal for new members of staff, those that want to keep up to date with changes to products and even to sales staff.

The Origin Fitter Fitter Training days are an ideal opportunity for installers to ensure they install Origin products correctly, reducing call-backs to site and providing a better service to homeowners.

Three training levels are available including a full day at Origin HQ, a factory tour and the opportunity to ask questions.

Becoming an Origin installer has proven to be beneficial to the hundreds of partners already selling Origin bifolding doors, windows and entrance doors all over the UK. If you would like further information about selling Origin doors and windows and partnering with a leading trade manufacturer, contact us.

The post Selling Origin doors and windows. appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

Many homeowners contact this website asking for help and information to change their old steel windows with a credible aluminium alternative. The steel window replacement market is growing, with the majority of aluminium systems companies providing a steel replacement version of their aluminium window systems. When it comes to comparing aluminium vs. steel windows, which is best?

The history of The Crittall Window Company Limited and the Crittall® range of windows is well documented. Not only are Crittall the oldest window company in the world, but their range of steel windows and doors is also still widely used in residential and commercial property.

If you are thinking about replacing your old steel windows, we take a look at the key differences between a steel window such as those made by Crittall and the aluminium alternatives.

Aluminium vs. steel windows.  Why compare the two materials?

Many homeowners love the look of steel windows and want to recreate the metal window look in their home. We have worked with clients that have replaced their windows and doors and even provided New York style screens inside their homes. All of these products were made of aluminium. However, there is a strong argument that nothing beats the look, feel and manufacturing expertise of an authentic steel window. The reality is, as good as aluminium steel replacement windows can be, they will not possess some of the features found in a steel window. It makes sense therefore to compare aluminium vs steel windows and see what each can offer the customer.

For homeowners looking to change their steel windows with a suitable alternative, it is worth researching what both materials can offer so they can come to an informed decision.

How much do aluminium steel replacement windows cost?

Aluminium steel replacement windows will be cheaper than their steel counterparts. On price alone, aluminium as a steel window replacement is cheaper and within the budget of most homeowners. However, it is important to understand why steel windows are much more expensive. Much of this comes down to the entire manufacturing process that is very different to aluminium. Steel as a raw material is also more costly.

Comparing aluminium vs. steel casement windows.

Taking a typical steel and aluminium casement window there are several differences between the two. However, let us first dispel some of the myths about modern steel windows. Today’s steel windows are:

• Incredibly secure utilising a variety of locking methods and passing current security tests with excellent results.
• Thermally efficient to meet current Building Regulations.
• Available as double glazed and fully weather-stripped windows with insulation.
• Available in the full range of RAL, Syntha Pulvin and BS colours as well as other special finishes you cannot get in aluminium.

Aluminium Steel Replacement Windows Key Features.

• The more cost effective option.
• Can be triple glazed.
• Offers better acoustics if required.
• More widely available.

Steel Windows Key Features.

• Steel is stronger than aluminium.
• Steel is slimmer and enables bigger opening doors and windows.
• Fully welded construction.
• Longer Lifespan
• Available through specialist installation companies.

Both Steel and Aluminium windows deserve their place in the market.

Many people have a negative perception of steel windows, and it is important to present steel in a positive light. Study our table, and you will see they are just as good as aluminium.

It is up to the homeowner to make the best decision on aluminium vs. steel windows, based on their budget and requirements. However, the old perception of steel windows being single glazed, draughty and unsuitable for residential use is no longer valid with the current range of products. Aluminium is an excellent alternative, but steel provides some useful features as well.

Main image courtesy of www.jennyfields.co.uk steel window replacement specialists.

Crittall® is a registered trademark of Crittall Windows Limited which is unconnected to the Aluminium Trade Supply Website.

The post Comparing Aluminium vs. steel windows appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

What defines the best aluminium sliding patio doors?

Even though bifolding doors have been the dominant and most desirable product for the home, sliding doors are back and better than ever. Today’s aluminium sliding doors offer the best aesthetics, superb long-term performance, premium security and weather resistance. They are also thinner, better and, in the case of the latest minimalist sliding doors, technically excellent.

There is plenty of content on this website about bifolding doors vs sliding doors giving you valid reasons to consider both. If your view through the glass matter most, choose a sliding door. If opening up your home to the outside in the summer is important, choose a bifolding door.

The Sliding Door Systems.

There can be much confusion around who makes your sliding doors as door suppliers fall into several categories. These are:

• The manufacturer and installer offering one or more systems.
• The exclusive manufacturer with a dealer network of installers. Nobody else makes their doors.
• The manufacturer that takes a widely available system and re-brands them as their own with or without enhancements.
• The local door installers that buy in their doors from the producers.

In many cases, it does not matter who makes your doors or where they have come from. There is a benefit in buying doors from manufacturers that have taken the time and significant investment to bring out their own brand of door. These doors are installed by a quality network of Accredited Installers that receive a tremendous amount of training and support from their manufacturer.

Origin is a great example of such a manufacturer and has introduced their new Inline Sliding Door. Everglade Windows is another with their air 500 inline and air 600 lift and slide doors.

Express Bifolding Doors, KAT UK, Dekko Windows, CWG choices, Sliders UK and many others are examples of great aluminium manufacturers that use standard systems with minor or major enhancements sold under different brand names. Other specialist manufacturers work in close collaboration with well-respected European systems and have adapted them for the UK market with great success.

Our advice is, be satisfied with the product, the price and the company providing it.

Sliding Door design, security and weather performance.

Virtually all sliding door manufacturers and installers demonstrate safety and weather performance of their doors through published test reports. Ask to see these to establish the security and performance credentials of sliding doors.

So who makes the best aluminium sliding patio door?

There is no ‘bad’ system on the market. All aluminium sliding doors sold in the UK today share four common characteristics.

• The aluminium extrusions are produced to recognised British and European Standards for conformity and type.
• The powder paint finish is applied by approved applicators to recognised British and European Standards.
• Gaskets, seals and components also meet recognised industry standards.
• Sliding doors are tested to established security and weather tests and standards.

Beyond the paint and materials, doors are designed and engineered differently, hence the various price points. Sliding doors will vary in their technical characteristics, quality of the running gear, components, handles and locking systems. Some doors enable you to customise them to meet your needs. Others are standard doors with only colour choices available.

The Sliding Door Brands

The is no best sliding door on the market because of their design, configuration, the method of opening and intended use.

Available are sliding doors to meet a simple door requirement, right up to specialist doors with structurally bonded glass, supreme strength and sliding door panels nearly 30 square metres each.

What we can tell you is who has the ‘best’ sliding doors by brand perception, reputation and their perception in the door industry. Some sliding doors are very much the choice of builders thanks to their price point. Other systems architects and discerning clients favour for their technical ability and overall quality. Above all the best sliding door is the one that meets the needs of the customer.

This website considers the following Sliding Door Brands to be the market leaders for design, build, quality and service levels. Obviously, this is reflected in the pricing.

• Schuco Panorama and ASS70 Systems
• Visione by Fusion Glazing Systems
• Infinity Sliding doors by Reynaers Aluminium Systems
• Centor Sliding Doors
• Panoramah! Sliding Doors.
• IQ Glass Minimal Windows System
• Sieger Sliding Doors
• Sliding doors by Luxal Glazing.
• Air sliding doors by Everglade Windows.
• Origin’s new Inline Sliding Door

The other main sliding door systems companies and suppliers, also providing fine doors, include:

• Infinium, Lumina and Optio Sliding Doors by AluK Systems
• Crown Sliding Doors from SAPA Building Systems.
• Smart Systems Visoglide Sliding Doors
• Comar 7P.i Sliding Doors
• Dutemann Sliding Doors based on the Alumil System
• Express Sliding Doors based on Schuco and Smart Systems.
• Kawneer Sliding Doors.
• Origin Sliding Doors.
• Senior Systems Sliding Doors.
• Kloeber sliding doors based on Schuco.
• KAT UK Sliding doors based on AluK or Schuco.
• Raum Sliding doors based on Reynaers Systems.

Any of the above doors as well as the many others not mentioned will give you peace of mind in being well made and installed. If you have been quoted the above or an alternative brand and need further information on it, contact us.

The above systems include both standard sliding doors and the latest slimline, panoramic and minimalist sliding doors.

Some installers will tell you their sliding door is their own system. We would treat this statement with caution. To produce your own sliding door system requires vast sums of money in design, tooling and aluminium die production. Products have to be tested and technical/installation manuals created. Bringing out a new sliding door is a long and expensive process reserved for the aluminium systems companies with Group or Parent Company backing.

Guarantees on aluminium sliding patio doors.

The guarantees on sliding doors vary depending on the system and the manufacturer. Typically you can expect to get ten years on the entire installation, although so manufacturers will only offer five years on the glass.

Origin offers a 20-year guarantee with their doors, and Everglade Windows provides a 25-year guarantee with their air sliding doors when purchased through an authorised retailer.

The fact that some doors do not have the guarantee offered on Origin and Air doors does not make them inferior. The companies that are the sole manufacturers of their product have more control over their processes. Every door is made the same. The availability of their doors through a dealer network also means they have trained their dealers to fit them correctly. On this basis, a longer warranty can be provided.

If who makes and who is behind your new sliding doors matters in your buying decisions you may want to do your research. Ask your supplier where the extrusions come from, what is the name of the system and who extrudes the profiles.

Your sliding door guarantee will also depend on who fits them. Many homeowners choose to leave the sourcing and fitting of a sliding door to their builder. If the door has come from a trade supplier, a limited warranty only is available. If you plan on having your builder fit your doors find out what guarantee you will get when the installation and build project is complete. You may find it better to get the doors installed by the door company instead.

Service levels influence the best sliding door.

As an independent and impartial aluminium website, we can tell you that the best sliding door depends on who makes it and who installs it.

We often hear from homeowners concerned that we have suggested a particular system to them, only for them to be told it is not good elsewhere.

At the systems company level, much work is done in designing a sliding door. It is extensively tested and improved before it is launched. Then the network of fabricators has to be trained by the systems company. Most installers buy sliding door systems from this network of manufacturers. If there is a fault with the product and they are not getting the support in putting it right, the perception exists that this is a bad door.

Maximum and minimum sizes of sliding doors

A sliding door enables bigger door leaves than any hinged or folding door. With most quality systems you can expect each sliding panel to accommodate 3 metres on the width and the height easily. For most houses, the extra height will not matter, but you have peace of mind that your sliding doors are engineered to go to these impressive spans.

Other sliding door systems are standardised at 1200mm modules on the width and 2500mm on the height. These are again great doors and should not be perceived as inferior because they are not possible as tall.

The Sliding Door Interlock.

As you do your research around sliding doors, you may come across the interlock. When sliding doors meet when closed, the back of the inside door meets the front of the outside panel, creating a vertical mullion. This is the interlock.

Sliding doors have slimmed down substantially compared to previous generations, now providing you with interlocks from 35mm right up to 110mm or more.

The latest generation of slimline and minimalist sliding doors offers interlocks from 20mm. The compromise with these thin interlocks is that they need to go very deep to offer the structural integrity to the door. Visually a narrow interlock on a sliding door offers an aesthetic advantage. Our point of view is that it may matter on a narrow sliding door having two panels but is not so important the wider the doors, because the interlocks are spaced farther apart are overshadowed by the entire door set.

Sliding door hardware and quality.

One of the first signs of quality on a sliding door is the sliding action. Even large and heavy doors owing to size should be easy to open. A positive feel to the door is your first clue that it is fitted with quality components.

No door is a fit and forget product and routine adjustment of the rollers may be required.

The door handles, especially on a lift and slide door are designed to lift the doors away from the frame ready to slide. These should feel precise and with a premium look and feel.

The function of the door handle on some sliding doors may mean that colour choices are limited.

Summary

We have created this article to help you understand the many facets of the door industry, the products available and what to consider. The sliding door section of our website also offers product and general information. Should you have any questions about sliding doors, please contact us using the form provided or speak to your local installer.

Every year this website helps thousands of consumers and those in the trade with answers to their aluminium door and window questions. We help people find the right product and the best suppliers. Our service is free.

The post Who makes the best aluminium sliding patio doors? appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

What is the best way of achieving flush or low thresholds on sliding patio doors?

Unlike a bifolding door, sliding doors do not normally protrude over the threshold or frame on the inside or outside of the doors. This is because sliding doors do not hinge like folding doors and clearance (to enable the doors to fold to the inside or the outside) is usually not required.

Therefore it is entirely possible to achieve a flush floor finish with a sliding door. However, you will need to consider the threshold detail at the design stage.

What is the next generation of aluminium doors that will capture the imagination of the customer?

Low thresholds on sliding patio doors for new extensions.

For new extensions knowing the sliding door system you are using, the internal and external levels you wish to achieve and communicating this information to your builder is a must.

Having the right information at the design stage will ensure you not only get the floor level you require but avoid having to make adjustments and compromises after the sliding doors are fitted.

Low thresholds on sliding patio doors in existing openings.

If you intend to have new sliding doors in an existing structural opening, it is still possible to achieve a low and flush threshold. In many cases work needs to be done to the existing floor levels so they can collaborate with the depth and height of the sliding door track profile.

A sliding patio door will usually have a deeper frame than a French door. Typically the depth of an existing door frame is between 70mm and 80mm. Sliding doors with a triple track can be more than double this depth. Your builder will therefore need to make suitable provision that the existing floors and walls can accommodate this deeper door profile.

Your sliding door installer is there to help you.

A reputable and knowledgeable company supplying a range of sliding doors should be able to help you achieve the desired floor level. They can work with you and your builder to ensure all details are covered and checked before any doors are ordered.

If you need a sample of the sliding door track or cill profile, there is no reason why this cannot be provided. Even if this is difficult, all sliding door systems come with detailed technical manuals, providing full-size section drawings and dimensions of typical sections allowing for a variety of site conditions.

Drainage to the outside is very important with low thresholds on sliding patio doors.

All sliding doors are designed and made with drainage holes and slots to enable any water to drain to the outside. Whether your sliding door needs to sit on an aluminium cill is established at the time of the survey. All aluminium systems are designed so that any water that does get in drains away to the outside.

Your builder and sliding door installer should be well aware of this drainage requirement, advising you that paving slabs, floor tiles or decking can meet the front face of your doors or door cill but not obstruct the drainage facility.

For existing structural openings knowing the depth and height of the sliding door track and cill can help your builder position the doors correctly in the aperture to allow for the position of the new DPC (Damp Proof Course) and the position of the sliding door in the aperture.

Our top tips for achieving a flush sliding door threshold.

• Make sure your builder is aware of what sliding door product you intend to use.
• Ensure your floor can accommodate the deeper sliding doors having three or more tracks.
• Your builder needs to know the depth and height of the sliding door track being used.
• Know in advance the final finish you want on the inside and outside and communicate this to your builder.
• Talk to your local sliding door installer and ask questions.
• Ensure you receive a copy of the final survey before any sliding doors are ordered for manufacture.
• If you change any aspect of your build, let your builder and door installer know.

The post Tips and Advice for low thresholds on sliding patio doors appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

If you are thinking about having sliding doors, several factors need to be considered in order to fit aluminium sliding patio doors easily and without disruption in the home.  Sliding doors are different in how they are installed compared to bifolding doors, French Doors or a new front door.  They also pose an entirely new set of challenges for an installer.

How to fit aluminium sliding patio doors.

There are many different sliding door systems.  There are simple two panel doors that are easy to fit, right up to six panel door sets and sophisticated minimalist and frameless sliding doors.  Every product is different in its construction and how it is gets delivered ready to fit.

Most door systems are designed to be supplied unglazed with the glass supplied loose. Unglazed doors are fitted first and glazed after. Larger doors may be structured around the glass arriving at your home as glazed panels in the aluminium.

A trained installer will be familiar with the different site conditions and what will be involved in fitting your new large sliding doors perfectly.  We take a look at some of the installation issues you are likely to encounter.

Fitting sliding patio doors above ground floor level.

With many of us living in flats and apartments, older properties lend themselves well to having new sliding doors fitted.  However, installing a sliding door above ground floor level can require careful planning.  Sliding doors are bigger than regular doors and windows.

If your building has a lift, this will provide your installer convenience for taking tools, accessories, loose aluminium profiles and smaller items to your property.

The glass panels on sliding doors can be double the width of a French door or a bifolding door.  This glass may have to be taken using the stairs and will need careful handling. Your installer may have to allow for additional people just to offload and move the glass.

Some installers will prefer to use the services of a specialist glass handling and transport company.  Cranes or cherry pickers are available that lift the glass up to your property. Extra costs will be incurred, and the necessary Health and Safety procedures for safe handling and working will need to be strictly adhered to.

If your property is in a new development and away from the main parking areas, in a city centre with no-parking zones or other restrictions, special arrangements will need to be made.

You may require local authority consent for company vans to be given time to offload in no stopping zones or be given designated parking permits.  In some cases, your street may be temporarily closed off to accept delivery of your sliding doors and glass if they are to be taken to your top floor apartment.

Assembling aluminium sliding patio doors.

If your new sliding doors are the type that requires site assembly and glazing your installers will need an area of your home to work in and correctly assemble the frame and the track.   If your doors are in excess of five metres wide, most window company vans cannot accommodate these.  Therefore specialist transport companies will need to be employed.

If you live in a high-level property, assembling the doors can pose an even bigger challenge for the installer if there is a small balcony.  Understandably your installer may need to use the inside of your home as site conditions dictate.

A new aluminium sliding door will transform your home and is a very good investment. However, sliding doors are bigger, use heavier glass and require a different method of transportation, assembly and fitting. Your installer will want to work closely with you to ensure minimal disruption to you and a simplified installation for them. A good installer should have all the knowledge and tools needed to fit aluminium sliding patio doors.

The post How to fit aluminium sliding patio doors appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

Slimline sliding doors are the latest generation of thin sliding doors with minimal sight lines, a frameless appearance and high-tech design. If you have seen or heard about the latest generation of minimalist sliding doors, we have put together answers to some of the most common questions asked about slimline sliding doors.

What are slimline sliding doors?

Slimline sliding doors are high-end aluminium doors.  They are ideal for where homeowners are looking for an entirely different type of sliding door to the standard aluminium inline or lift-and-slide patio doors on the market.  Slimline sliding doors are intended to create a floor-to-ceiling minimalist door with the bare minimum of visible aluminium. You can expect a visible sight line between the glass panels starting at just 20mm.

The best conventional aluminium sliding patio doors can accommodate glass panels of about nine square metres.  Slimline sliding doors can easily accept glass panels of above twelve square metres with the high-end systems.

The stand-out feature of slimline sliding doors is their aesthetic appeal.

Why are slimline sliding doors different to regular aluminium patio doors?

The sophisticated sliding door systems on the market do not work like traditional windows and doors.  In a conventional door, the aluminium frame performs the most important function.  In these types of doors, it is the glass.  The glass is self-supporting and the primary component.  In a standard door, glass is placed in the frame and simply beaded secure with beads and gaskets.  In a slimline sliding door it is structurally bonded to the frame, like high rise facade glazing.

Finally, because most systems are embedded in the walls, an extra layer of protection exists.  This concealed method of fixing also creates something regular sliding doors cannot achieve.  That is huge panes of glass. Products such as the Panoramah! sliding door can be made as one sliding door panel of up to 27 square metres.

How much do slimline sliding doors cost?

These doors are more expensive than conventional sliding doors. You can expect to pay approximately £10000 for a two panel sliding door set, double the price of a standard door. We have seen quotations for corner door assemblies having two, five-metre wide sliding doors at 2.5 metres high, meeting in the corner at more than £30000 supplied and fitted.

As expensive as these doors are, it’s important to understand why they cost more.  Configuring, making, transporting, fitting, glass handling and after-sales all add to the price.  What you get for this price is one of the most beautiful sliding doors on the market with top-end engineering. This is architectural glazing, not double glazing.

Are slimline sliding doors secure?

Yes. All components used in these doors are the best of their kind, giving superior locking and security.  The glass is also safety glass either toughened or laminated.

Why do many slimline sliding doors have a full height handle?

Any large door must be designed to resist wind loading and deflection.  They must also provide structural integrity. While many systems market the very thin interlock, this profile needs to be thin but strong and provide protection for the door. The best way to achieve this is to have it minimalist when viewed from the front but deeper for strength.

You will frequently see these doors with deep sections that are also designed to act as a convenient method of pulling the doors open and closed. This is the full height handle that is also the interlock section.

How are slimline sliding doors fitted?

There are several methods of installing these doors depending on their design. You can choose two panel doors right up to choosing systems with virtually no limit on the number of sliding panels possible. Open corner sliding doors are available that can even disappear into a wall.

One of the most popular methods is recessing the outer frame into the wall creating the frameless sliding wall that makes these doors so popular.

Can slimline sliding doors have a low threshold?

A conventional sliding door has a higher track than a bifold meaning you don’t always achieve the low threshold.  Slimline sliding doors can achieve a completely flush floor level between inside and out.

How important is the glass on slimline sliding doors?

With so much glass in a sliding door, you will need to consider your glass specification.  As standard, you can expect toughened or laminated glass with warm edge spacer bars, argon or krypton gas, low-emissivity coatings and a quality construction.

There are options to upgrade the glass to units with integral blinds, solar control glass, reflective glass or acoustic glazing.

Where can I buy slimline sliding doors?

Contact us and we can help.  The providers of these doors are highly specialised companies with extensive training in making, fitting and handling these specialist doors.  Ensure you work with an installer that has the training, equipment, track record and after-sales service.

The installation of thse doors is more complicated than regular doors and windows.

Are slimline sliding doors weather resistant?

Installers of quality sliding doors will happily demonstrate the air, wind and water resistance of their products, as well as thermal test reports.  With so much glass used in these products, low U-Values come as standard.  Ask to see test reports for the product.

What colours are available with sliding doors?

Like all aluminium products, you can choose from over 150 RAL colours, different colours inside and out as well as metallic finishes.

Because the providers of slimline sliding doors are more specialised companies, other finishes are also available.  One of these is anodised colours that are by far, the best choice for these types of doors.

The post Frequently asked questions about slimline sliding doors appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

Panoramic Sliding Doors, Slimline Sliding Doors, Minimalist Windows, Ultra-thin sliding doors, frameless sliding doors are just some of the expressions used for the latest generation of aluminium sliding patio doors with a minimal visible amount of aluminium and the maximum amount of glass. When compared to conventional patio doors, the features of slimline sliding doors stand out.

The key features of slimline sliding doors.

Slimline sliding doors still slide in the same way as the familiar aluminium patio door. The inline design enables the doors to move within a single, double or triple track. The number of tracks is usually determined by the number of sliding panels and the door configuration.

Slimline sliding doors differ substantially from conventional aluminium sliding patio doors.

There are a six significant differences between a conventional aluminium sliding patio door and this new generation of slimline patio doors.

• Cost
• Aesthetics
• Operation
• Manufacturing
• Transportation
• Installation

How much do slimline sliding doors cost?

A standard sliding patio door from the main aluminium systems companies in the UK, fitted into a standard 3metre x 2500mm high can start from £3500. Slimline sliding doors at a similar size can start from £10000. As a result of the unexpectedly high cost, we receive many enquiries on this website asking for a more cost-effective solution that offers the same features and aesthetics.

If you are looking to fit one of the current generation slim sliding doors in your home, you should expect a high price although there are comparable products. Contact us for further information and advice.

Aesthetics.

The aesthetic advantage of slimline sliding doors is one of the main advantages. Every element of this kind of sliding door is thinner, less intrusive and maximising the glass area.

Slimline sliding doors are frequently seen in building openings that are taller and wider than a conventional door aperture. It is slimline doors that frequently have the aesthetics and sight lines to create a sliding glass wall. Some door products are possible at 5 metres high or more.

The interlock is the vertical mullion where the sliding panels meet. Many conventional sliding doors offer interlocks of between 35mm and 110mm. Slimline sliding doors are available with interlocks as narrow as 17mm. This significant reduction in one of the key structural and visual profiles of a sliding door is a big part of their appeal.

Operation.

Slimline sliding doors utilise the very latest rollers, gearing, components, locking systems and even motors. Many homeowners putting large and heavy doors in their home also take up the option to automate them. You wil find most of the current slimline sliding doors on the market are available with an automatic opening and closing action.

Even when slimline sliding doors are manually operated, the gearing and rollers is so sophisticated they are effortless to open and close. Individual panels can weigh more than 400kg yet can be slid open with one hand.

Automatic operation is usually not available with conventional aluminium sliding doors.

Manufacturing.

Slimline sliding doors appeal because of their quality, high performance and top-end engineering. With the high cost of these doors, customers expect a flawless product. These doors must meet the exacting and demanding requirements of architects and discerning end-user clients and are manufactured to meet these demands.

Some products are manufactured around the glass; others are intended to be glazed once installed. Whichever method or product is used, the manufacturing methods in these types of doors differ from traditional sliding doors that are so simple to make some even come as cut to size kits.

Transportation

Slimline sliding doors are frequently much bigger than regular patio doors. Even the best and longest-established window and door installers only have standard size vans and will not own the equipment needed to transport the doors and handle the glass.  Moving, glazing and installing slimline sliding doors often calls for specialist plant and machinery as well as trained installers. We would regard the installation of these doors as ‘high-end’ glazing.

The professional installers of slimline sliding doors should explain what is involved in delivering, fitting and glazing these doors. They are different to standard sliding doors.

Installation.

Precision manufacturing and a flawless installation are paramount to ensure the reliability and long-term performance of slimline sliding doors.

Often the outer frame and track are hidden within the building structure to create the frameless and all glass appearance. With the frames concealed, what happens should a sliding door require maintenance or repair? The professional installers of these doors have to consider all the scenarios post installation and into the future.

Expect the installation of slimline sliding doors to be far more complicated and involved than with a conventional patio door. You can expect this to be reflected in the overall price as well.

Contact us if you would like further information about slimline sliding doors.

The post Six important features of slimline sliding doors appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

The development of aluminium windows has been significant over recent years. You can now buy aluminium windows for contemporary windows, minimalist windows and even steel replacement windows. Origin was the first company to pioneer the flush casement window. Origin was quickly followed by the Warmcore aluminium window. Smart Systems have now followed suit with their new Alitherm 500 flush casement window.

What is the Smart Systems Alitherm 500 Flush Casement Window?

The Smart Systems Alitherm 500 Flush Casement Window is intended to be an aluminium alternative for those that want to replicate the outgoing flush casement windows and looks great as a stand-alone aluminium window.

Just like the PVCu and timber equivalents, the Alitherm 500 has its sashes sitting within the frame for a flush appearance on the outside.

As you would expect from a modern aluminium window, Smart Systems Alitherm 500 Flush Casement Windows offer domestic-friendly B Window Energy Rating, An A+BRE Green Guide Rating and are tested to the latest security and weather performance standards.

What is a flush casement window?

Traditional windows, both PVCu and aluminium that have opening elements use a sash or vent that overlaps the outer frame and mullions. Flush casement windows replicate the look of traditional timber windows where the opening sash sits within the frame.

PVCu windows were the first to adopt the flush sash arrangement with Residence 9, Liniar and Evolution windows all offering a very credible alternative to traditional timber windows. The introduction of the Origin Flush Casement window was the first time flush sashes were seen in an aluminium window. The first generation Origin aluminium window gave us the flush casement on the one side. The next version brought the flush detail to the inside as well.

What are the benefits of flush casement windows?

Even though replacement aluminium windows are popular, there are still situations where the aesthetics of the original window need to be retained. Planning constraints or purely personal choice are other reasons. The fenestration sector understands this need and has responded accordingly with latest generation materials.

For flush casement windows, the distinct advantage is replicating the appearance of traditional timber or steel windows as well as simply fitting them because they suit the property. It also gives the customer even more choice.

Features of the Smarts Alitherm 500 Flush Casement Window

• Quality aluminium extrusions with a polyamide thermal break for insulation.
• Available as a side hung or top hung opening sash.
• Internally beaded system.
• Available in the full range of RAL Colours.
• Also comes in Smart System’s exclusive Naturals, Sensations, Alchemy and Cotswold colour ranges.
• Dummy Sash option is available.

Smart Systems has looked at the proportions of the existing windows the Alitherm 500 is intended to replace. With this in mind side hung sashes are possible at 700mm and heights of 1400mm. These dimensions are often found in old timber windows.  Top hung windows are possible at 1400mm widths and heights.

The window comes with the option of 24mm or 28mm double glazed units and offers a fitter-friendly frame depth of 59.5mm. This falls nearly 15mm short of the traditional 75mm front to back dimension of most other systems but still enables the window to be suitable for new build or replacement window applications.

In line with traditional timber windows and their PVCu flush sash counterparts. Smart Systems is offering a feature transom. This is something unavailable with Warmcore and Origin aluminium windows.

To meet the requirements of most site conditions, Smart Systems offer five different cill options as well as the ETC655 corner post section to create bay windows.

Finally, Smart Systems are catering for period windows with multi-panel designs. You can choose from the ETC 580 features astragal bar that is 20mm on the face with chamfered edges and 12.5mm deep. There is also the option of the ETC582 flat Astragal Bar also with a 20mm face dimension and just 3.5mm deep.

As you would expect from a Smart Systems window, there are options of frame couplers, frame extensions, variable cill angle brackets and many other accessories.

Aluminium Flush Casement Windows with period hardware.

The Smart Systems Alitherm 500 flush casement window also comes with a choice of period hardware. You can specify the window with the ACW20100 Monkey Tail Espagnolette Handle or the ACS20101 Bulb End Espagnolette Handle. Both options are available with 8-inch or 10-inch Monkey Tail or Bulb End peg stays and come in Black or Pewter finishes. A further flat stainless steel peg stay is also available.

You can also choose the Art Deco Espagnolette Handle in Stainless Steel, Antique Brass or Satin Nickel plate. The antique range of hardware can be finished off with either standard friction stays or traditional butt hinges.

Proportions of the Smart Systems Alitherm 500 Flush Casement Window.

A typical window with standard outer frame and sash has 63.5mm sight lines at the head or 83.5mm using the 20mm frame extension. Smarts also recommend the use of ETC572 weather bar above top hung opening sashes to improve the weather resistance and deflect water away from the window.

The same 63.5mm dimension is carried over to the dummy sash fixed light ensuring the window has consistent sight lines all round.

For the transoms and mullions, you get a 103.5mm overall dimension where two fixed lights or two sashes meet the horizontal section. The feature transom is created with ETC 572 weather bar as well.

What we think of the Alitherm 500 Flush Casement Window.

The Smart Systems Alitherm 500 Flush Casement Window is a great addition to the Alitherm range that boasts modern windows for new builds and the replacement of window.  Alitherm already has a great range of window types in its range, including the excellent Alitherm Heritage 47 used more and more as a credible aluminium system for steel window replacements.

You will not find the internal flush casement detail that Origin has pioneered but what you will find is an attractive window that is easy to install and comes with an excellent range of options.

The choice of colours offered by Smart Systems with their sensations and alchemy ranges, gives a unique dimension to this product as well.

Contact us if you would like more information about the Smart Systems Alitherm 500 Flush Casement Window.

The post Alitherm 500 Flush Casement Window from Smart Systems appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

Dutemann is one of the UK’s premier manufacturers of bifolding doors, sliding doors and aluminium front doors. Within their range is an advanced range of aluminium doors based on successful aluminium systems, enhanced by the company as premium doors for the home. Their latest product, introduced at the 2017 FiT Show is the Dutemann FD85 bifolding door.

What is the Dutemann FD85 bifolding door?

The Dutemann FD85 bifolding door is a collaboration between Dutemann and Alumil, one of the biggest Greek aluminium systems companies with a host of innovative products throughout Europe and the world.

In creating the FD85, we understand Dutemann wanted to bring out a door that brings innovation and a latest generation bifold. With the bifolding door market now mature and established, anyone wanting to put out a new bifolding door has to make it different. Having seen the Dutemann door, we think they have achieved it. It is a very good looking door, slim, with the manufacturing quality Dutemann is well-known for and comes with high quality door furniture and components.

Features of the Dutemann FD85 Bifolding Door

Security, slim sight lines, low U Values, wide door panels and a new locking system are the main features of Dutemann’s new bifolding door.

Dutemann says, their new bifolding door promises 1.5Wm2 U-Values based on a standard specification double glazed unit. For customers interested in a thermally efficient bifold door, it is worthy of consideration. The door profiles are aluminium with a polyamide thermal break as well as additional insulation within the thermal break.

Very slim sight lines are another feature with the Dutemann FD85 bifolding door having a 105mm sight line where the door panels meet in the closed position.  This does make the FD85 one of the thinnest bifolding doors on the market outside of the specialist systems or frameless slide and fold doors.

The FD85’s thin door mullions are beaten by only by the 94mm sight line of the new Smart Systems Visofold 6000. Solarlux SL80 doors offer 104mm, Schuco and Comar bifolding doors at 120mm and air bifolding doors at 122mm.

The Quadbolt ™ locking system is exclusive to the Dutemann FD85 bifolding door with four-way shoot bolts.  Finally, for those wanting matching single or French doors to match their bifolds, it is possible with the FD85.

Bifolding doors with door leaves at 1.35m

The Dutemann FD85 features very attractive and contemporary handles.

Recent years has seen installers look to push the boundaries of bifolding doors. Alongside the push towards thinner door mullions, wider door panels are the other innovation.

Several door systems can comfortably achieve 1200mm bifolding door leaves. The excellent Alufold Warmcore Bifolding door goes up to 1250mm. Dutemann has delivered door panels of 1350mm.

There are positives and negatives to wide door leaves. The consideration for homeowners is how much space wide door panels take when folded back. The more door leaves, the bigger the stack and possible loss of space. If the bifolding door opens inwards or out onto a smaller patio, this can take up valuable room.

However, the one big advantage of wider door panels on a door like the FD85 is a three panel door design where many other systems would need four doors. Dutemann says that openings up to 4050mm are now possible with only three panels. We would assume this would make for a cheaper bifolding door as the fewer door leaves, the cheaper the bifold. The other obvious advantage is less visible mullions, bigger glass areas, better view and more light. This we think is a great feature of the FD85.

How to buy the Dutemann FD85 Bifolding Door.

Dutemann is a highly experienced trade manufacturer, and their new bifolding door is available through their network of installer partners all over the UK. The Dutemann Glide-S is the quality sliding door offering from the company and they also offer very good aluminium front doors based on the Schuco system. If you would like further information on the Dutemann FD85 bifolding door and where to see it, contact us.  The Dutemann FD85 bifolding door is available now.

The post Dutemann FD85 Bifolding Door appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

Sliding patio doors are available in many different brands, systems, types and styles meaning different types of sliding doors are now available. With renewed interest in sliding doors, we take a look at some of the different products available and give some guidance and information on what the different styles mean, terminology and other information about the different types of sliding doors.

If your perception of sliding doors is that they are white or silver, with wooden handles and a wooden subframe, the different types of sliding doors you can buy today are vastly different.

Previous generations of sliding patio doors were largely limited by their sliding action, their size limitations and suitability. Old patio sliding doors were ideal for new build properties or flats in simple two pane design with one fixed and one sliding leaf. It was common for doors to be available either as a direct fix or within a hardwood subframe. Normally only two, three or four-panel doors were possible, with a single track with heights rarely exceeding 2.4 metres high.

Features of modern aluminium patio sliding doors.

There are several different types of sliding doors you can now buy providing a great modern door to suit any type of property and customer requirement. A modern aluminium sliding patio door will give you many great features.

• Bigger sliding door sizes at more than 9 square metres with most products.
• Flexible opening with half or two-thirds clear opening or more, depending on the design of the product.
• Slimmer door profiles thanks to the latest generation of thin sliding doors.
• A very contemporary appearance
• Exceptional design, quality, security and weather resistance.
• An extensive choice of colours.

Understanding the different types of sliding doors available.

Two areas will quite likely determine the sliding door that will be suitable for your home. The first is sliding doors to replace existing doors; the second is a sliding door into new extensions or renovations.

When replacing old doors with sliding doors, the size of the opening will primarily govern the type of sliding door you can have. With most openings, inline or lift and slide doors are possible as well as the new generation of slimline sliding doors.

New structural openings give far more flexibility. This then enables you to look at the different types of sliding doors and how they can work in your home.

Inline Sliding Doors.

Inline sliding doors work on the conventional method of the door panel sliding within its frame. Inline sliding doors are now excellent. The Dutemann Glide-S can go to more than 6 metres with just two panels. The new Alumen Cor-Slide Plus can go to 8 metres with just a 25mm mullion in the middle. Such is the engineering behind inline sliding doors.

Inline sliding doors are available in two, three and four panel designs in various sizes. You can also have inline doors with single, double or triple tracks to enable all panels to slide to the left or right. For those looking for multi-panel doors, Reynaers doors are one example available with multiple tracks that stack together to create up to 8 sliding door panels, all on separate tracks.

Lift and Slide Doors.

Lift and Slide doors operate just like the description suggests. Inline sliding doors slide by pulling on the handle. On Lift and Slide doors, it is the handle that controls a complex set of gearing around the door sash.

A turn of the handle operates the lift and slide gearing to move the door away from the frame and then ready to slide to the desired position. Lift and slide doors can be used in place of inline doors where a two panel door is required and right up to six panels.

Tilt and Slide Doors

Tilt and slide patio doors work on the principle of a slide door and a tilt and turn window combined. When ventilation only is required, the tilt facility of the door enables the panel to lean back opening the top portion and the sliding door panel hinged along the bottom. The tilt and slide facility is controlled from the patio door handle. Comar sliding doors, Schuco as well as other well-designed systems are available as a tilt and slide option.

Slimline sliding patio doors.

There are now different types of sliding doors designed to provide a minimalist appearance, maximum glass area and the least amount of visible aluminium. Many unique features of slimline sliding doors set them apart from conventional sliding doors.

Slimline sliding doors are available in sizes covering standard domestic openings right up to impressive 27m2 sliding panels such as those on the Panoramah! system.

Pocket aluminium sliding doors.

If you are thinking of building a new extension, why not consider sliding doors that slide into the wall pocket, disappearing from view.

Pocket sliding doors should be designed from the outset as part of the new extension and building work, but they can create a dramatic door opening in the modern home. The big advantage of pocket aluminium sliding doors is their ability to open up the opening better than a bifolding door can.

Open Corner sliding doors.

Just like bifolding door systems, sliding doors can now be designed to meet in the corner on two elevations. Slide the doors back to reveal an open corner arrangement with no visible corner post (although you can choose a static corner post as well). You can even design open corner sliding doors to slide into a wall as a pocket aluminium sliding door system.

Automatic sliding patio doors.

Reynaers, Schuco, Luxal Glazing, Panoramah! and other systems offer automatic sliding doors opening and closing at the touch of a button.

The fitting of automatic sliding doors will require a specialist installer as well as the installation and commissioning of the powered operator.

Who makes the different types of aluminium sliding doors?

There is an enormous amount of choice in sliding doors, but it need not be complicated to find the right product. Our sliding door section illustrates just some of the many sliding door providers on the market. We can simplify the huge amount of choice by offering a few tips and insight into the sliding door market.

• It is the aluminium systems companies that mostly offer their own brands of sliding doors. Others take these names and sell them either under the same name or rebrand them to suit their business.
• There are no substandard or bad sliding doors on the market. Where they differ is in engineering, capability, aesthetics, warranties and quality of hardware.
• It is poor installation and manufacturing that is primarily responsible for problems, rarely is it the design of the product.
• Ask to see the security and weather performance testing of the product. A good installer will provide this information.
• Sliding doors will require a more complicated installation owing to their large size and glass panels. Here’s what you should know about how sliding doors are fitted.

If you would like help in choosing your next sliding door or need further information on where to buy, contact us.

The post Understanding the different types of sliding doors appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

Schuco, Origin and Reynaers bifolding doors are three premium brands for homeowners looking for a better than the average bifolding door.

Origin and Schuco Doors are frequently compared. The Reynaers CF68 and CF77 bifolding doors are two high quality doors from a global brand with an excellent reputation and strong customer perception. So which is best?

Overview of Origin, Schuco & Reynaers Bifolding Doors

Schuco, Origin and Reynaers Bifolding door sight lines.

How a bifolding door looks is important to a buyer. The handles, hardware, overall aesthetic and visible sight lines are the main features to be looked at.

The Schuco door is by far the thinnest. With bifolding doors closed most of the year, multiple door panels can appear bulky with PVCu systems. Aluminium bifolds offer much-improved aesthetics compared to PVCu. The Schuco, Origin and Reynaers bifolding doors are no exception.

Schuco and Reynaers offer the flatline appearance to their doors. Origin goes for a chamfered softer aesthetic. Whether a flatline or profiled door looks better is purely down to personal choice.

Schuco, Origin and Reynaers colour choices.

With all three systems made of thermally insulated aluminium, colour choice is extensive. However, this is where the similarities end.

Origin is relatively unique in the marketplace in making their own doors and offering the biggest range of colours from stock. Including woodgrain and dual colours, Origin gives you a choice of 11 different colours meaning the doors can be fabricated faster from stock coloured aluminium material. From stock means no waiting for material to be painted.

Schuco and Reynaers also provide stock colours. However, their doors are made by many different manufacturers. Some of these manufacturers may choose to offer their own range of colours instead of the standard. Some may even outsource the powder coating of their material. Therefore the choice of standard stock colours may vary from one Schuco or Reynaers supplier to another. If you are comparing prices from several different Schuco or Reynaers suppliers, do not assume you can buy the same colour.

Installers of Schuco and Reynaers doors do not all buy from the same manufacturer. Origin installers do. For stock standard colours on bifolding doors, Origin is the most consistent in the colours available.

Outside of stock colours, Schuco, Origin and Reynaers all offer the entire range of colours for those wanting something outside of what is in stock, but lead times will be longer.

Schuco and Reynaers can provide anodised finishes as well. Origin offers woodgrain colours that the others do not.

Schuco, Origin and Reynaers handle and hardware choices.

A Schuco bifolding door will give you contemporary Schuco hardware available in white, black, silver or satin steel.

Origin doors come in a choice of standard handles in white, black or colour matched. There is also the HAFI handle upgrades that are beautiful high quality handles that we recommend on an Origin door.

Reynaers offer the most luxurious range of door furniture with the exclusive Purity range of handles that are contemporary, visually appealing and come in some outstanding and distinctive colours.

Only Origin doors give you the option of Q-Lon gaskets (the others using the more standardised EPDM black rubber) that can be colour matched to the bifolding doors.

Schuco, Origin and Reynaers frame and door choices.

The Origin door is only available as one variant with no frame or door options. Schuco and Reynaers come in two models offering thinner sight lines and improved thermal insulation for those environments that demand it.

Origin and Schuco give you the least amount of threshold options with a standard or low version. Reynaers provide a standard threshold, a low threshold, a double weather sealed model and a high-performance threshold.

Which is best? Schuco, Origin or Reynaers bifolding doors?

For doors with the transparency of where they are made, extensive colour choice and a peace of mind 20-year warranty, Origin can be considered.  Origin is also the strongest contender where doors are required as quickly as possible and at the best lead times.

Schuco doors are excellent and come with the kudos of a German brand and the associated engineering and design that comes with it. They are the slimmest of the three as well.

Reynaers as a systems company produces fine bifolding doors, designed by one of the worlds best-known aluminium door and window systems companies.  The overall Reynaers product range is extensive and meets pretty much every design and visual requirement in their windows, doors, screens and specialist products.  The choice of door has to depend on the product that aesthetically and technically meets your requirements.  Importantly the provider of all three doors has to be right for you as well.  We hope we have given some scope for thought by providing some information about all three brands together, so you can compare.  If we were to summarise Reynaers windows and doors, they’re very contemporary.

There are, of course, other brands to compare Schuco, Origin and Reynaers doors with. Air bifolding doors can justifiably be compared with Origin for also offering a long, 25-year warranty and the benefit of just one manufacturer. Air doors also share visual and technical similarities with Reynaers doors and come with the Purity luxury handle offering, advanced colour choices and very good design. Our main bifolding door page lists many different bifolding door brands as well.

If you would like more information about the bifolding doors mentioned, contact us. We can help you with where to view them and where to buy.

The post Comparing Schuco, Origin and Reynaers bifolding doors appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

Who makes the slimmest sliding doors? If you are in the market for one of the latest generation aluminium sliding patio doors, there has never been more choice.  Bigger glass, better views, light and smooth sliding even automatic opening and closing are just some of the features you will find in a modern aluminium sliding door.

One of some features found in the current generation of aluminium sliding patio doors is the option of aesthetics.  Sliding doors are available as standard products, the possibility of a thinner section and the new breed of minimalist or ultra-thin sliding doors.

Aluminium patio doors have many facets in their design, and some can be more complicated than a bifolding door for their specification, fabrication, glazing and installation.  Many sliding patio doors achieve panel sizes of up to 9m2 with some systems exceeding this area by a long margin.  One consistent message with the latest breed of sliding doors is how slim you can have them.  This trend for ultra-thin doors is all to do with the sliding door interlock.

What is a sliding door interlock?

The interlock is the central mullion where the front edge of one sliding panel interlocks or overlaps with the back edge of the other.  The interlock is designed to be rigid, protect from wind loadings and deflection.  With many modern ultra-slim sliding systems, the interlock also acts as a door handle.

Whether you choose an inline, lift and slide, automatic or tilt and slide aluminium sliding door, all doors from two panel up to six or more have an interlock. With the interlocks being the most prominent feature of a current sliding door, we can help you navigate the many different doors on the market and help you find out who makes the slimmest sliding doors.

Who makes the slimmest sliding doors?

Through extensive research, product knowledge and detailed study of the fabrication and technical manuals, we have compiled a list of the majority of sliding door systems sold in the UK today.  We have included all the top brands you may have heard of as well as many other products that are less well known. Included are both standard and minimalist slimline sliding doors in the below table of who makes the slimmest sliding doors.

Our data is taken from research, product knowledge and examination of the technical and fabrication manuals.

If you are wondering why some well-known big retail brands are missing, this is because many use the above systems or variations of them. This includes well known retail companies such as:

• Express Bifolding Doors
• Bifold Direct
• Everest Home Improvements
• Anglian Home Improvements
• Kloeber
• Duration Windows

Some choose to re-engineer them, rebrand them or carry out modifications and improvements.

Is a slimline sliding door better than the regular sliding door?

The construction of the ultra-slim sliding doors is quite different from the systems on our listing with standard size interlocks.  In most cases, the ultra-slim sliding doors are inline versions only. Regular size doors offer inline, lift and slide or tilt and slide opening options.  Glass choices tend to be greater with the thicker set doors as well as having more handle style options.

Slimline sliding doors come with caveats and restrictions.

Despite the trend towards thinner sliding doors, it remains their overall size, especially the height, that determines whether the slimline section is available.   Many of the sliding doors at the top of our chart with interlocks less than 50mm rely on the glass providing the structural integrity, not the aluminium sections, that are secondary.

Subject to the size, exposure and location, a professional installer will carry out wind load and deflection calculations to determine whether the slim interlock can be used or whether it needs additional reinforcement.  The other area that differs from all types of other doors is the factors that affect the installation of sliding doors.  To fit a large sliding door can involve specialist skills, equipment and extra costs. 

What to consider when buying sliding doors.

The interlock sight line is just one consideration when purchasing a new sliding door. Here is what else is more important.

• A slimmer door may not be the best for your property. Talk to a professional installer for the best advice.
• If you are looking for doors that slide into a wall or open corner doors, not all systems offer this facility.
• The overall product appearance should also be considered. Look at the perimeter frame sight lines too.
• Always view a full-size sample of the product in a showroom or at an actual installation.
• Examine the quality of the sliding action and the door handles.
• Ensure you are happy and comfortable to purchase from the company in question.

If you would like more information about the sliding door systems mentioned or have any questions about who makes the slimmest sliding doors, please contact us.

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The aluminium bifolding door offers a host of benefits in the home.  With more bifolding door systems available than ever before, if you are a homeowner looking for a quality bifolding door there is a huge amount of choice. One area you may be considering is the appearance and aesthetics.  So who makes the slimmest bifolding doors?

Who makes the slimmest bifolding doors?

One of the promoted features of the bifolding door is the ‘door sight line’. The door sight line is the visible aluminium you see on a closed set of bifolding doors, where the door panels meet. This is also referred to as the door mullion.  Here is our table illustrating the sight line of virtually every aluminium bifolding door system you can buy in the UK today.

See how they compare in order of slimness at the door mullion and the sight line dimension you can expect to see.

Our table of over thirty bifolding door systems uses data taken from the system company websites or their technical and fabrication manuals.  The above sight lines indicate the typical dimension where two intermediate panels meet.  Dimensions with some systems increase when a folding panel meets the traffic door if one is specified.  We excluded frameless and slide and fold doors operating on an individual moving and folding panel basis as well.

The System 48 bifolding door by Fineline Aluminium.

For balance, we must mention one bifolding door, not on the list that takes the top spot as the thinnest bifolding door.  That door is the System 48 Bifolding Door by Fineline Aluminium of Weston Super Mare. The System 48 Bifolding door looks impressive offering a remarkable 48mm sight line and beating the Smart Systems Visofold 6000 by quite a margin.

We did not include Fineline’s System 48 because it is a structurally glazed bifolding door, made around the glass. The aluminium sections are not, strictly speaking, door sash sections either and it uses different hardware for the slide and fold operation.  The locking systems are located on the rails rather than the door stiles as well.  This is because, with such narrow sections, most lock cases cannot fit in such thin sections.  While very much a bifolidng door, for these reasons, we considered the System 48 bifold as being far too different in its design to be included in our table of ‘conventional’ bifolds, that largely share the same construction. But it is a fantastic looking bifolding door with impressive thin proportions.

If you are wondering why some well-known big retail brands are missing, this is because many use the above systems or variations of them. This includes well known retail companies such as:

• Express Bifolding Doors
• Bifold Direct
• Everest Home Improvements
• Anglian Home Improvements
• Kloeber
• Duration Windows

Is the slimmer bifolding door better?

AluK, Smart Systems and Origin are three of the top selling aluminium bifolding door brands in the UK given the size of the systems companies by turnover and the volume of bifolding doors sold. This is despite their doors not being the slimmest on the market.

Ultimately a buyer and a manufacturer of bifolding doors takes many different factors into account and not just the bifolding door sight line.  However, with the bifolding door market established and with more than 30 systems available, customers have never had more choice.

Recent new ultra slim bifolding door products include the air 800, the Dutemann FD85, the Exlabesa Xlafold and the Smart Systems Visofold 6000.  The Comar bifolding door is also as thin as the better known Schuco door.  All these products have been designed with a narrow bifolding door sight line as an ultra slim door is perceived as being more desirable.

What to consider when buying bifolding doors.

The sight line is just one consideration when buying a bifolding door.  Here is what else is more important.

• The overall product aesthetic and how it looks as a complete door not just in one area.
• The more door panels the less intrusive the mullion can appear.
• The quality of the hardware, locks and bifolding door handles.
• The colour, handle, configurations available and other personalisation options.
• The security and weather performance of the product.
• The U-Values provided if energy efficiency is important.
• The guarantee available with the product.
• Your confidence in dealing with the company providing you the doors.

If you would like more information about the system mentioned or have any questions about bifolding doors, contact us.

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Ask bifolding door professionals who are three of the most familiar names in bifolding doors and three names likely to be mentioned are Origin, Schuco and Reynaers. Origin, Schuco and Reynaers bifolding doors are also frequently compared with each other.

The companies behind Origin, Schuco and Reynaers bifolding doors.

For most homeowners embarking on the substantial investment in renovating their home and buying new doors, some information about the company is important in their buying decision, Origin, Schuco and Reynaers are all successful businesses with an excellent track record and stable trading history.

Schuco and Reynaers are the longest established systems companies with Reynaers serving the global market for over fifty years. Schuco was set up in 1951. Origin is the newest of the three but was set up in 2002 wanting to fix the many headaches associated with buying bifolding doors nearly 15 years ago. And they have certainly succeeded with their industry leading guarantee, unbeatable lead times and excellent brand quality perception.

Unlike Schuco and Reynaers, Origin caters strictly for the residential market offering bifolding doors, aluminium windows, residential doors, garage doors and blinds. Shortly to be released by Origin will be a minimalist sliding door that we have already previewed. Schuco and Reynaers are the more innovative businesses with a vast portfolio of commercial and residential installations. Architects frequently specify Schuco and Reynears.

Schuco and Reynears. Widely available, sometimes rebranded.

The bifolding door sector in the UK can be confusing for homeowners when it comes to who makes their doors and what is the actual system. Reynaers and Schuco, like other aluminium systems companies, provide their products in the following way.

• The systems companies ship their aluminium bars and accessories to their network of manufacturers.
• These manufacturers service the trade and retail sector.
• A local installer of Schuco and Reynaers can buy the doors from any of these manufacturers.
• Builders can also buy Schuco and Reynaers doors from these manufacturers or trade counters.

What you may find with Schuco and Reynaers products is that both installers and manufacturers can rebrand their doors under an entirely different name. Mostly it remains a Schuco or Reynaers door.

The reasons why a bifolding door manufacturer chooses to rebrand two already successful brand names are based on how they wish to run their business, to avoid competition with others offering the same product and acquire a competitive advantage. Some manufacturers may even choose to take a Reynaers or Schuco product and re-engineer it. Examples of re-engineered bifold doors include modified profile dimensions, an alternative range of handles or even investing heavily in a unique extrusion that nobody else can access. So why would Schuco or Reynaers allow this?

• Schuco and Reynaers do not make their products. Their manufacturers do.
• Systems companies are in the business of selling aluminium extrusions.
• Schuco and Reynaers rarely offer exclusivity. The more manufacturers, the more sales.
• Successful rebrands of their products also mean more sales.
• Systems companies have the resources to extrude variations of their products to meet the specifications needs of their manufacturing customers.
• There is no risk to buying a rebranded bifolding door. Rebranded or re-engineered systems are a partnership resulting in doors sometimes better than the standard product.

Schuco and Reynears do sterling work in setting up and training their manufacturers to make their products. However, the reality is that these fabricators also make more than one brand of door and window. Express Bifolding doors, KAT, Kloeber, Raum, Vuelite are just some examples of expert aluminium fabricators or brands that use either Schuco or Reynaers systems.

Origin bifolding doors. One manufacturer. One brand.

Origin, on the other hand, is one of a few systems companies that exclusively make their doors and nobody else. Origin making their own doors means a retail-facing website and 20-year warranty. Origin can do what Schuco and Reynaers cannot in having control over their manufacturing and their unbeatable lead times. Schuco and Reynaers do not influence the operations of their approved manufacturers or lead times. Their manufacturers also make other brands of windows and doors.

Origin is focused on making their doors and windows, sold directly to their network of approved installers. This can bring perceived benefits to those choosing between an Origin, Schuco and Reynaers bifolding door.

• Homeowners know exactly who makes their doors.
• The support offered by Origin to their retailers is first class.
• Origin actively engages with the homeowner. Systems companies will usually refer you to who made the doors.
• Origin installers are transparent where their doors come from. Suppliers of other systems may not share this information.
• Origin rarely offers exclusivity. Their products are widely available.

How to buy Origin, Schuco and Reynaers bifolding doors.

Origin, Schuco and Reynaers bifolding doors are widely available in the UK from reputable installers and manufacturers. We have examined and listed the individual features of these great bifolding door brands to help you make an informed decision.

Contact us if you would like more information about Origin, Schuco or Reynears doors, where to buy and where you can view them.

The post Who makes Origin, Schuco and Reynaers bifolding doors? appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems has enhanced its suite of thermally efficient casement and tilt & turn products with their new Comar 5P.i Advanced Aluminium Windows.   The improved aluminium window system provides better integration across the broader Comar range and especially with their leading framing and curtain walling, the Comar 9P.i framing system.

New Comar 5P.i Advanced Aluminium Windows.

Architects and specifiers can now enjoy even more thermal performance, security and weather resistance across the range of Comar aluminium framing systems, windows and doors.

The Comar 5P.i Aluminium Windows provide specifiers, architects and end-user clients all the benefits of cost saving, easier fabrication and better specification with their integrated frame profiles now working with the Comar 9P.i framing system.

The Comar 9P.i framing system is widely used in commercial buildings thanks to its mitre or ladder frame construction.  It is highly weather resistant with excellent Pascal ratings.  Comar 9P.i already integrates with other Comar aluminium windows and doors and now it accepts the new Comar 5P.i Advanced aluminium windows.

Integration with systems such as the Comar 9P.i means that the sashes, whether casement or tilt and tun can now hang directly from the framing system rather than requiring their own outer frame, such as a fully inset window.  This provides cost savings especially as fewer aluminium profiles are required.

Features of the New Comar 5P.i Advanced Aluminium Windows.

• Uses the latest thermal break technology to meet lower U-Values.
• Available as a casement or tilt and turn system.
• Glazing rebate will accept 17mm – 62mm units as well as insulated panels.
• Testing to BS 6375,  750Pa Water Tightness, 600Pa Air Tightness  and 2000Pa Wind Resistance.
• PAS 24:2012

The thermal break technology in the New Comar 5P.io Advanced Aluminium Windows enables future-proofing to meet future Building Regulations and thermal performance requirements.  Comar’s incorporation of the 9P.i technology into their new window suite allows the creation of curtain walling, ribbon windows or stand-alone aluminium windows.

Why create a new suite of aluminium windows.

To meet the requirements of more demanding and energy-saving buildings, aluminium windows must now have even better thermal performance and meet the requirements of more complex designs.  Any new aluminium window must also be capable of accepting higher performance glass as well as offer slim sight lines.

The New Comar 5P.i Advanced Aluminium Windows range offers a deep glazing rebate up to 62mm allowing triple glazing, acoustic glass and high performance panels to be easily glazed within the system. Added to this is the familiar way Comar designs all its products to be fabricator and installer friendly.

Look out for more new products from Comar.

Comar is celebrating 50 years as one of the UK’s leading aluminium systems companies.  The new Comar aluminium window is one of several new products we can expect to see from this independent and service-led systems company.

We have seen the launch of Comar’s Comar 6EFT Curtain Walling suite offering big glazing ranges and a big choice of mullions and transoms. as well as the highest Ixx and Iyy values in the industry.  There is also a new Comar 6EFT Unitised system as well.  The Comar 10 Passivhaus Window is another new product offering U‐values as low as 0.66 Wm2K.

Contact us if you would like to know more information or where to buy Comar aluminium windows and doors.

The post New Comar 5P.i Advanced Aluminium Windows. appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

When it comes to bifolding doors, there are very few bifolding door brands that are manufactured by the company behind them.  Three well-known brands that do are Origin, Sunfold and Sunflex bifolding doors.

We are comparing Origin, Sunfold and Sunflex bifolding doors to help you decide which is best and what you need to know if you are considering these doors for your home.

Comparing Origin, Sunfold and Sunflex Bifolding Doors.

Origin, Sunfold and Sunflex bifolding doors are marketed for their premium quality.  When it comes to quality perception these three bifolding door brands enjoy an enviable reputation. Origin, Sunfold and Sunflex along with Schuco are arguably the four bifolds on the market that are likely to be known by homeowners researching the purchase of new bifolding doors.

With over forty bifolding door brands or systems widely available in the UK, for these three companies to have successfully marketed themselves directly to the end-user buyer (so they ask for the product by name)  is an impressive achievement.  But which is the better bifolding door?

Origin Bifolding Doors.

Origin has transformed the bifolding door market through their consumer-direct marketing, unbeatable lead times and customer service.  As well as their market-leading bifolding door product, Origin also provides flush casement aluminium windows and a minimalist aluminium inline sliding door with a thin 20mm interlock.  Origin doors are made in the UK.

Sunfold Systems.

Sunfold Systems was established in 1989 and is credited with being the first company to bring bifolding doors into the UK.  Sunfold is very much regarded as the prestige bifolding door and differs from Origin and Sunflex in dealing directly with the end user, managing the project from start to finish. Sunfold offers a complete home improvement range of products including lantern roofs, interior doors, commercial sliding and folding doors balustrades and canopies.  Sunfold Systems are made in Germany.

Sunflex UK

Like Origin, Sunflex UK offers their premium range of folding doors through a network of Dealers.  Sunfold is perceived as the high-end home improvement company, offering not just bifolding doors, but sliding doors and slide and turn doors.  Sunflex UK will also create roofs, Wintergarden constructions and frameless doors. Sunflex doors are made in Germany.

Is the directly made bifolding door the better door?

The marketing message of companies like Origin, Sunfold and Sunflex is that you know exactly who makes their doors.  Some homeowners will base their buying decision on the fact that the company behind the brand makes their doors.

The reality is that there are bigger aluminium systems companies such as AluK, Smart Systems, Schuco, SAPA Building Systems, Senior Architectural and Reynaers Systems. All these and more operate successfully using the approved manufacturer route to market rather than the direct supply method, and it remains the preferred route for many.  Origin, Sunfold and Sunflex just do it differently.

Can a premium product like the Schuco ASS70 bifolding door have the same level of quality when so many different factories make the door?  The reality is that no two doors will be identical in quality, but this is not an issue for any of the major aluminium systems companies.  All these substantial aluminium businesses invest huge sums and resources to ensure their network of fabricators are trained, updated and monitored. But what they can’t control is what happens further down the supply route.

Fabricators ensure that they make their doors by the technical manuals and training they have received from their systems companies.  To do otherwise would result in problems throughout the entire supply chain.  Problems with any properly-made and installed bifolding door remain rare, whatever factory it has come from.

However, there are advantages to buying a bifolding door system from a company that also makes it.

• Greater control over who can supply their doors.
• Longer or manufacturer-direct guarantees.
• The overall perception of a better made, higher quality door.
• Better lead times.
• More accountability
• Customer confidence in dealing direct.
• A unique selling proposition for many.

In the case of Origin, they invest substantially in training their dealers and giving them all the marketing support, installer training and one-on-one service.  This is of huge benefit to both Origin dealers and the homeowner. One only needs to visit an Origin showroom to see how well the company supports its quality dealer network.

Your at-a-glance guide to Origin, Sunfold and Sunflex doors.

Origin has for a long time demonstrated itself as being the innovator for service.  No other company offers the impressive lead time, bifolding door colour options and the range of dealers nationwide.  On this basis,  the Sunfold and Sunflex door can be perceived as more exclusive owing to their more limited availability.

Sunfold and Sunflex offer a broader range of bifolding door products catering for not just the standard installation but also the bespoke doors and one-off designs. Their doors are designed with the architect in mind with faceted and curved doors available.  With Sunfold and Sunflex, you get much slimmer doors, a bigger choice of thresholds and the choice of ‘true’ internal bifolding doors available as slimmer and non-thermally broken.

The other advantage of Sunfold and Sunflex is their much bigger home improvement offering allowing customers to have a one-stop shop with windows, internal doors, lantern roofs, glazed extensions and hybrid windows and doors all available.

Top Five Features of Origin Bifolding Doors

• The Best Lead Times anywhere.
• Woodgrain Aluminium Bifolds Available
• 20 Year Warranty
• Widely Available in the UK
• Made in the UK

Top Five Features of Sunfold Bifolding Doors

• One of the thinnest bifolds on the market with 100mm door sight lines.
• Three different threshold options.
• Curved or faceted bifolding doors are possible.
• Sunfold unique high security locks.
• Full home improvement range available.

Top Five Features of Sunflex Bifolding Doors.

• 3500mm door heights are possible.
• Matching slimline window suite available.
• Impressive inline door handles.
• Mitred outer frame
• Can incorporate an opening window in a bifold door.

Choosing between Origin, Sunflex and Sunfold bifolding doors.

The Origin bifolding door is the door to choose if you are looking for doors quickly thanks to the unbeatable and enviable lead times provided by Origin.  With many renovation projects having structural openings ready to receive new doors, closing the aperture fast enables the rest of the project to proceed and get completed. The 20-year warranty, colour matched gaskets, woodgrain door options and most areas of the UK now have an Origin dealer are all great reasons to choose Origin doors. Origin doors are also cheaper to buy.

On a technical level, Sunfold and Sunflex doors can be considered for being substantially slimmer than Origin, having the greater range of threshold options, the availability of different bifolding door versions, and the creation of curved or faceted doors.  For anyone wanting to keep an entire project within one company, both offer a bigger range of home improvement products as well.

The fact that Sunfold and Sunflex doors are made outside the UK affects their lead times, but anyone wanting these fine doors will be happy to wait.  Despite being made in Germany, we have never heard of issues with service work or spare parts where they may be required.  Both companies offer excellent customer service in the UK.

What you are getting with all of these products are high quality bifolding doors with an excellent business behind them.  What you need to decide is how the individual features of these doors can benefit you and your home improvement project.

It is also worth pointing out that while these three companies make their doors, contractually you are dealing with Origin and Sunflex dealers as independent businesses and not directly with the manufacturers.  The usual buyer beware considerations apply. With Sunflex bifolds you are dealing directly.

If you would like further information about these bifolding doors or where to buy them, please contact us.

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