The Origin sliding door is one of the latest products from one of the UK’s best known brands in aluminium home improvement products. The Origin sliding door made its preview at the 2017 FiT Show.  Over the last year, Origin has rolled out the product to selected dealers.  This new slimline sliding door is now in several showrooms and, of course, customer homes.  The door is finally live on the Origin website as well.  In this review, we take a look at the product, its features and what you get compared to other similar sliding doors.

The Origin Sliding Door joins other slimline brands.

There are companies in the UK that the public associate with windows and doors.  Everest, Safestyle and Anglian will usually be top of people’s minds.  However, when it comes to aluminium bifolding doors and aluminium windows, Origin is one of the best known brands.

The Origin Sliding Door is the natural progression for Origin, that started out as a bifolding door company.  Their innovative flush casement aluminium window was next, followed by their range of single and double aluminium residential front doors.  Origin provides the complete range of home improvement products (apart from lantern roofs and skylights).  It is a logical progression, therefore, for Origin to bring out a new sliding door as their next new product.

The rise of the sliding door in the last two to three years has been significant.  It is worth remembering that not everyone wants a bifold.  Some properties lend themselves better to sliding doors.  All of the major systems companies offer one or more sliding door products.  Many now provide slimline, panoramic or minimal sliding doors.

Origin has not followed the mainstream systems with their new Inline Sliding door.  Instead of adopting the traditional aluminium patio door approach with an inline or a lift a slide system, Origin has gone for slimline. Slimline also extends to the impressively thin interlock, again responding to the growing range of aluminium sliding patio doors that are getting thinner.

What is the Origin Sliding Door?

Origin’s new slimline sliding door follows the trend of other similar doors as a structurally bonded system.  A structurally bonded sliding door has advantages and disadvantages for both the installer and the homeowner.  These doors are unlike conventional patio sliding doors.

If you are thinking about a new patio sliding door, there is a big choice of quality sliding door types to choose from. Examples include the Smarts Visoglide and Visoglide Plus, Reynaers CP130 and CP155, AluK sliding doors, Schuco ASS70 Sliding Doors and SAPA Crown.   Then there is the option of the more expensive structurally bonded sliding door products.

It is important to mention that Origin’s current door range bases itself on the aesthetic of their bifolding door.  If anyone was expecting to find a similar aesthetic on this particular door, then they have to understand the different nature of a sliding door versus a folding door.  Tracks are more visible when the doors are closed.  There are many more inside faces of the frame and track seen as well.

Features of the new Origin Sliding Door.

• Double (116mm) track or triple (182mm) track to suit the number of panels.
• 159mm central meeting stiles on four panel bi-parting doors.
• 44mm track height

Comparing the Origin sliding door with other brands.

The aïr 20SL and the Infiniglide 3, based on the same system you can compare to the Origin Sliding Door.  Origin, Everglade making Air and Arkay Windows making Infiniglide 3 all offer a slightly different version.

Understanding slim-interlock sliding doors like Origin.

The Origin sliding door, while having a very slim interlock also extends this profile backwards to create a section with quite a bit of depth.  We spoke to some people about the door with some commenting they did not like this particular detail.   We would argue that critics of this characteristic of the Origin sliding door are missing the point.  Many other slimline sliding doors also offer a similarly designed interlock for some sound and logical reasons.

1.  The 20mm interlock has to be deep because it also provides structural integrity and works with the whole product for deflection and wind loadings.
2. The most publicised slimline sliding doors seen on Grand Designs and similar programmes usually have a very similar product that is structural silicone glazed and uses the thin but deep interlock also acting as a door pull.

Therefore the Origin sliding door is no different for aesthetic and technical reasons than other similar doors. This product addresses two requirements.

First of all, it provides the latest slimline door to those replacing old doors or building a new extension. Secondly, this door provides a near frameless appearance when you conceal the frame in the structure. This frameless appearance is typical of very high end sliding doors from Panoramah!, IQ Glass, Fusion Glazing Systems and others.

These are the types of doors that have their outer frames hidden in the structure.  Origin is no different to these high-end systems that also possess the thin but deep interlock. If you want a 20mm interlock, it is logical that it will be compensated elsewhere to have strength.

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

Origin, the UK’s biggest bifolding door company now has an e-shop.  Meaning that consumers can configure and buy bifolding doors online. We take a look at what this means for consumers as well as the trade.

You can now buy Origin bifold doors online and have them installed.

Using an online store to work out what Origin bifold doors cost.

First of all, it is worth looking at how customers wanting to work out what Origin bifold doors cost, get from Origin’s new e-shop. The new e-shop is easy to use, providing the homeowner with the information they need to order a bifolding door online.

Origin’s e-shop enables you to choose what bifolding door configurations come with each of the standard aperture sizes.  It is not possible with the online store to put specific survey dimensions, for example, 2694 x 2107mm. You then choose the colour, the door opening direction, the handle upgrade and whether you want double or triple glazing.

Further down the buying process, you get to choose a survey and installation service as well as a faster delivery to site.  The speedier delivery option does away with 14 days cooling off period.

Origin’s online store also helps the buyer with a downloadable survey guide. You also get a detailed specification on the purchased door and complete terms and conditions.

Is buying directly from Origin cheaper than buying from an Origin Dealer?

No. Our research indicates that you can probably buy Origin doors cheaper from some of their dealers than you can directly from Origin.

Here is how a very standard Origin bifold door compares on price, including VAT, supplied and fitted. We examine a Grey 2700x2100mm 3-Panel open out bifold door, including a cill, trickle vent, Hafi handle upgrade and 28mm double glazed units.

What to get the best out of your home improvement project?  There is more to a successful project than how much Origin bifold doors cost.

Consequently, Origin is not out to undercut their dealers and lose them business. Similarly, a homeowner gets a significantly enhanced experience dealing with a dealer than they do online.  They also get a better Origin bifolding door. Here is how buying Origin bifold doors online vs buying from a dealer compares.

Benefits of buying from an Origin Dealer

	Origin e-shop	Origin Dealer
Sizes	Restricted sizes only	Made-to-measure
Colours	White and One Grey Colour Only	Full range of Origin colour Pallette
Delivery	Between 14-28 Days	Origin dealers enjoy faster delivery
Handles	Just two handle options	Full Range of Origin handles and colours
Colour coded hardware	Not available	Available
Colour coded gaskets	Not available	Available
Glass	Standard Glass	Choice of glass upgrades and options
Integral blinds	Not available	Available
Guarantee	One year	20 years
Other Origin Products	Not available	Available including non-Origin products
Guidance and Advice	Standard advice	Personal service

Why is Origin selling directly to the consumer with a nationwide network of dealers?

It is very likely some Origin dealers are unhappy about Origin selling online directly because they think they will lose sales. There is no doubt some customers will buy from Origin.  Similarly, Origin setting up an e-shop helps their dealers.  Here is how.

Origin as a growing business, online sales is clearly part of their future growth strategy.

Origin is certainly reacting to the dominance of online purchases and wanting to be a part of this market.  There are many websites selling windows, composite doors, soffits and fascias already.  Origin selling online is supporting their many dealers well aware of bifolding doors available to buy online.  Setting up an e-shop is expensive and complicated for any small-medium Origin dealer.  Origin has absorbed this significant cost.

We understand Gold Origin Dealers carry out the survey and installation.  As a result, Origin provides their dealers with a sale. Even if this sale is just a survey and installation, it remains a sale they would arguably never have secured without Origin.

The customer pays £870.00 for survey and installation added to the Origin bifolding doors cost.  Therefore the Origin dealer has substantially improved margins as they would never charge this much themselves.

Above all we know many Origin dealers benefit from selling this strong brand of bifolding doors as well as the industry leading marketing, training and support Origin excels at.  Many dealers continue to credit Origin for their support and contributing to the growth of their business.

Origin doors can be sold directly to commercial installers to enhance shopfronts and commercial doors.

Advantages to homeowners buying online from Origin.

For homeowners with a set size and basic bifold door requirements, Origin’s online store has advantages.

• Ideal for homeowners to interact with Origin and would not usually look to go to a showroom.
• An instant price on how much Origin bifold doors cost without going to a dealer. Good if at the early stages of costing a project.
• A facility to buy a standard bi-fold door where no site complexities or special requirements exist.
• Good for customers wanting a bifolding door without the bells and whistles.
• Good for those customers wanting to buy directly from the manufacturer.

Therefore homeowners have more choice where to buy Origin bifolding doors.

Advantages to Origin and Origin Dealers

Origin and their dealers will benefit if Origin’s e-shop is a success.

• The Origin e-shop implies a Manufacturer Retail Price which is not necessarily a negative. Transparency is a positive.
• Origin gets to capture potential customers.
• Most bifold door projects are more complicated than ‘standard’. Origin dealers benefit from an Origin enquiry they may not usually get.
• Origin installers enjoy higher margins on survey and installation.
• We do not see a negative impact on sales.
• Potential for other Origin dealers to develop online sales.

Contact us if you would like more information about Origin bifolding doors.

The post How much do Origin Bifold Doors Cost? appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

The Kawneer AA®190 TB Commercial Door is a new commercial door product, offering an improved heavy duty door for high-traffic buildings.  Kawneer is so confident with this door; it comes with a lifetime guarantee. We take a look at the door and see if it is indeed better than the many doors on the market.

Information about the Kawneer AA®190 TB Commercial Door.

Kawneer already has two very trusted commercial door variants with their existing AA190 and the AA350 commercial doors.  Both these doors come with a lifetime guarantee already.

The Kawneer AA®190 TB Commercial Door is improved but provides the same welded construction and guarantee.  The improvements to this new door over the AA190 and the AA350 is improved weather resistance and thermal performance.

Features Kawneer’s new commercial door.

Every commercial door on the market is intended to offer reliability in high-use buildings like shopping centres, schools, offices, transport hubs and retail parks.  Commercial door design means hundreds, even thousands of people use the door on a daily basis and reliability is essential.  Commercial doors such as those by Comar, Senior Systems, Jack Aluminium, and Kawneer serve commercial buildings very well. Their design and adaptability to work with all types of hardware are what makes them work.

The Kawneer AA 190 TB door has a welded construction.  We have worked with commercial doors since the late 1980’s and these products remain mostly unchanged.  Most commercial doors use corner brackets.  Other doors use tie rods, bolting the door stiles to the rails.  Then we have Kawneer’s welded door.  We have never seen a non-welded door come apart at the joints.  However, just like any door, Kawneer provides a choice of an enhanced door in its construction.  Whether this is ultimately superior is down to specification and intended use.

Security and weather performance.

The door meets BS 6375-2: 2009. This is the standard for BS EN 14351. It covers the performance for pedestrial doorsets in the UK.  BS 6375-2 sets how a finished door is expected to perform.

The Kawneer AA®190 TB Commercial Door is also weather tested.  This puts the new door ahead of many other commercial doors on the market. This is because there remain few industry standards for weather performance on commercial doors.  The rationale behind this is that a door that is consistently in use (such as in a shop) is hard to keep weather tight and more so when a low threshold is mandatory.

In the case of the Kawneer door, the test involves an open-in double door with butt hinges and rebated threshold. The reality is a public door would not have a rebated threshold.  It would be interesting to see test results for an opening out door with a low threshold; regarded as less weather resistant.

That said, Kawneer doors are perfect for commercial applications as internal or external doors. When specified with the correct hardware it meets Secured by Design as well.

Key Features of the AA®190 TB Commercial Door.

• Accepts glass units up to 43mm thick. Ideal for security glazing.
• Leaf weight of 120kg with a concealed closer or 200kg with a floor spring.
• Door leaf sizes of up to 1320 mm wide and 3000 mm high. Large size is a benefit of welded doors.
• U Values of 1.7 W/m2K when using a centre pane value of 1.0 W/m2K.

Commercial door security is excellent with the current crop of commercial doors.  Like Comar’s new commercial door, Kawneer also has PAS 24: 2016 – the latest standard. The testing covers both single and double doors with standard locks or panic bars.

Finally, like other commercial doors, the Kawneer AA®190 TB Commercial Door is suitable for automation as an open out or open in swing door. It also suits automatic sliding operation.  For shopfronts and screens, the thermally broken  Kawneer 451PT systems work with the door.

Kawneer Commercial doors for commercial buildings.

Kawneer enjoys a great reputation for its glazing systems in the UK and worldwide.  The company is relatively unique in extruding, painting and fabricating in one factory. If you want a high-tech commercial door, specified by leading architects such as Foster and Partners, it remains the only welded commercial door and with a lifetime guarantee.

Contact us for more information and where to buy the Kawneer AA®190 TB Commercial Door.

The post The New Kawneer AA®190 TB Commercial Door appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

The Smart Systems Visofold 1000 bifold door is arguably one of the best selling, established bifolding doors in the UK.  Smart Systems is the biggest aluminium systems company, based in Yatton, Bristol.  Smarts’ Visofold 1000 door is widely sold to builders, via trade counters and direct to the public.

While one of the older bifolding doors on the market, it remains a great seller and an ideal bifold door solution for many.  Here we review the product and provide some comparisons with other brands.

Why we are reviewing the Smart Systems Visofold 1000 bifold door.

First of all, the market share of the Visofold 1000 is substantial. It, therefore, makes sense to include this best-selling door with our many reviews of other systems on the market. Smart Systems designs, extrudes and even paints the Visofold, which forms part of a bigger suite of bifolding doors from Smart Systems. The current Visofold bifolding door range from Smart Systems comprises:

• Best for residential applications is the Visofold 1000
• A square profile bifold door for retail outlets or commercial buildings is the Visofold 2000
• Visofold 3000 offers rounded profiles for residential, commercial and retail use.
• The heavy-duty bifold door from Smarts is the Visofold 4000.
• Visofold 6000 – the latest and newest slimline bifolding door.

Most installers choose the Visofold 1000 rather than the others.  The newest product is the Visofold 6000, one of the slimmest bifolding doors you can buy. 

From the many thousands of consumer enquiries coming into this website every year, few ask about Smart Systems products.  Given the dominance of Smart Systems in the marketplace, we would expect more people to ask questions about their products.  Consequently, Aluk is another of the best-selling systems few ask us about.

It seems like  Smart Systems do not actively target the end user like other systems companies. They leave their (substantial) trade fabricator base to do the selling for them.  Some systems companies see their growth pattern in getting their brand to the end user.  Others like Smarts want to sell metal to fabricators, and this they do in substantial quantities. Therefore this could explain why we get constantly asked about consumer-focused brands like Origin, Schuco, Reynaers, Sunflex, Air or Centor.

How good is the Smart Systems Visofold Bifolding Door?

The Visofold 1000 bifold door has cemented its place in the market as the staple bifold.  There is nothing wrong whatsoever with this door. Some perceive it (like Aluk’s Optio BSF70) as the ‘builders favourite’. The Visofold 1000 is widely available everywhere including trade counters, most retail installers, trade suppliers and online. It is also available at unbelievably low prices for the trade to buy.  Consequently, Smarts doors are for sale well below what other brands sell for on an unglazed fabricated basis.

What we also know about Smarts’ leading bifold door is how installers choose to sell it.  For many, it is their ‘basic’ bifolding door, perfect for those who want a quality door at a good price. The entry-level bifold.

The Visofold many installers use to upsell other brands with a higher quality perception. Similarly, for many, it remains their only bifold door offering, and they do very well with it.

Features and Benefits of the Visofold 1000.

For us, there are a few stand-out features of the Visofold 1000. They are:

• Its trade and retail prices are generally very good.  It is widely available.
• You get a woodgrain option.
• Choice of profiles including a deep bottom rail option and transoms.
• You even get the excellent Smarts Sensations and Alchemy range of colours.
• Colour matched hardware thanks to their own paint plant.
• Fixed or removable corner post option, cheaper than Schuco, Reynaers or Origin.

What the Visofold 1000 provides installers is a very flexible bifold.  For example, you can have a single hinged door, with a midrail that even has the option of fitting a letter plate in it.  There are other features such as optionally hidden door restrictor stays. These are intended to hold open traffic doors or single/double doors.

We have to mention the wood effect and individual colours available though Smarts’ Sensations and Alchemy range.  These provide textured and other shades which give a different dimension to this product.

Finally, the Visofold meets industry standards for powder coating, quality of extrusions, weather performance and security.

Smart Systems Visofold 1000 bifold door compared to other brands.

If you are thinking about buying the Visofold 1000, then we suggest three other brands to compare with it. The first one is the Aluk Optio BSF 70 purely on the basis of it also being a huge seller alongside the Visofold. Aluk’s BSF70 is as widely available as the Visofold and equally popular with the trade.

The second is Liniar’s Alumina bifold door. We suggest you check out the many good features of Alumina such as woodgrain foil colours, the superb Modlock and the aesthetics and overall finish of the product.

Finally Senior AliFold.  Senior Architectural Systems design some great doors and window but little known residentially.  We think the Senior AliFold door gives you a contemporary door also with good design and aesthetics.

Be aware of businesses rebranding the Visofold 1000 for homeowners – by and large, it is the same door as you will find anywhere.

Summary. Should you buy the Visofold 1000 bifold door?

Above all, the Visofold 1000 bifold door is an affordable, reliable, tried-and-tested bifolding door.  As a result, Visofold is easy to buy, easy to fit and it works.  Probably why so many builders love it.

In contrast, if you want a bifolding door with more premium brand perception, top quality door furniture and more engineering behind the product, there are other options available.

If you are a consumer, we suggest comparing the obvious Aluk alternative.  We recommend hunting down bifolding doors such as Liniar’s Alumina Bifold Door or the Senior Systems Alifold range.  Both Alumina bifold doors and Senior Alifold are newer, come with latest technology hardware and other features.  We think they’re much better-looking doors too.  You may even find very well priced Reynaers folding doors at similar prices to the Visofold.   Another product from independent manufacturer Aluhaus is their Alufold Bifolding Door.  Alufold is based on the Warmcore System. It’s welded, has premium door furniture found on Origin and Schuco doors, colour matched seals and gaskets even a mitred outer frame.

Contact us for more information or where to buy the Visofold 1000 and other bifolding door products.

The post The Visofold 1000 bifold door review appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

When it comes to good brands of aluminium windows, Origin’s OW-80 Premium flush casement has been an excellent seller. There is now a new window, the Origin OW-70 Slimline. In this Origin aluminium windows review, we take a look at both types of windows, explain their features and how you can use them.

Origin aluminium windows review. What are Origin windows?

First of all, it is important to know the background of Origin aluminium windows.   The vast majority of other aluminium windows come from the Systems company, supplied as bars of aluminium and accessories. These window components go to several manufacturers all over the UK.  Only Origin makes their range of aluminium windows and nobody else.  Origin supplies their ready-made products to a nationwide network of approved Origin installers.

Therefore, when buying an Origin window you benefit from only one supplier with the obvious reassurance of a consistent quality and manufacturing processes.

Origin aluminium windows also form part of the complete Origin Home range of products. If you care about having one brand of windows and doors, the Origin Home range now comprises, windows, bifolding doors, front doors, entrance doors, French Doors, sliding doors and even garage doors.

Features and Benefits of Origin aluminium windows.

Whichever of the two types of Origin aluminium windows you choose, you get the same features and benefits. These include:

• Premium quality insulated aluminium extrusions.
• Top-of-the-line paint quality in a big choice of colours.
• Woodgrain aluminium, replicating Walnut, Oak and other woods
• 20-year guarantee.
• Made-to-order aluminium windows from one of the best UK brands.

When buying any Origin product, homeowners get the peace of mind of one brand in their home, from a leading UK brand. Best of all there is the same guarantee applicable to virtually every product Origin makes.

Finally, it is worth mentioning that Origin Dealers are extensively trained by Origin ensuring a professional installation.

Origin OW-80 Premium and Origin OW-70 Slimline Windows. What is the difference?

In this Origin aluminium windows review, we compare the OW-80 Premium and the new OW-70 Slimline window.  Your buying decision with these two windows comes down to aesthetics.  It is how these windows look and some of the extras available that help you decide which is the better Origin window for your home.

The existing Origin OW-80 Premium comes with a flush casement detail on the inside and the outside.  This flush look creates not only a very modern looking window but also a traditional looking one as well.   As a result, you get a window that looks symmetrical, elegant and sits neatly in-line with the frame. Importantly, no other aluminium window brand offers the twin flush casement arrangement found in the Origin OW-80 Premium aluminium window.

Consequently, there is no reason why you cannot use the Origin OW-80 Premium window in a new modern extension, to replace old upvc windows and even to replace old wood windows.  In our view, the OW-80 Premium is ideal as a modern window.

The new Origin OW-70 Slimline Window.

The new Origin OW-70 Slimline Window offers a much slimmer alternative to the OW-80. Therefore this makes OW-70 ideal as a cheaper window, with less complexity and of course, thinner sight lines.  It is important to bear in mind that the Origin OW-70 Slimline comes with a choice of standard and extended outer frame. The standard and slimmer outer frame will be fine for newly built openings.  However, for replacement window projects it is quite likely you will need the extended leg frame.  The slimline frame is 65mm when used with an opening light and 85mm on the extended leg version.

Oddly with the OW-70 version, Origin does not offer a bay or gable window version.  The omission of a bay window we imagine is down to no bay poles and couplers designed for the system. The absence of gable windows is a strange omission. We see no reason with a crimped aluminium window (mechanical corners) why a gable is excluded.

Aluminium windows with good window energy ratings.

Origin windows are not unique in their thermal performance.  In fact they meet similar U-Values to other brands on the market. All windows feature insulated aluminium sections, with a thermal break. The overall U-Value you get depends on the glass specification. Therefore, bear in mind that many of the publicised figures are ‘best case’ scenarios with triple glazing or high specification glazing.

Your local Origin installer will advice approximate U-Values based upon the glass they use.  As standard you should expect:

• A soft-coat low-emissivity coating
• Warm edge spacer bars
• Argon gas fill.
• Toughened glass in doors and low-level glazing.

The Origin OW-80 comes with the Aerogel upgrade that fills the internal window chambers with an insulating material. Aerogel boosts the energy saving performance of the window even more.  However, it is not available with the new slimline window.

Comparing Origin aluminium windows.

Our Origin aluminium windows review explains the uses for these windows. The convenient front to back frame dimensions makes either Origin window suitable for virtually all kinds of new or renovation projects.  Don’t forget Origin windows as fixed glazing create impressive floor-to-ceiling glazing. Many also use the Origin window already as a gable, apex or fixed panel above bifolding or sliding doors. able windows above bifolding doors.

Our at-a-glance guide summarises the key features of both types of Origin aluminium windows.

The post Origin Aluminium Windows Review appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

Epwin Window Systems has a new aluminium product, the Integral bifolding door.  If you don’t know of The Epwin Group, they are one of the biggest PVCu manufacturing companies in the UK. Founded in 1976, The Epwin Group is listed on the London Stock Exchange. Epwin predominantly serves the trade, retail, social housing and construction sector.

What is the Integral Bifolding door by The Epwin Group?

The Integral bifolding door is an aluminium bifold targeted at a relatively new niche in the market. That is the aluminium bifolding door with similar aesthetics to PVCu windows.  The excellent Alumina bifolding door by Liniar is already selling well as a premium aluminium bifold with the woodgrain foils and aesthetics to match PVCu windows.

What Epwin do not say with their Integral product is whether, like Liniar, it matches any of their window suites.  Our research presently indicates it does not and it’s very much a stand-alone bifold in the overall range of Epwin products.

Epwin windows say in their press releases:

“Bifold doors are a booming sector but to date there has always been a problem in that aluminium doors simply don’t suite with existing PVCU windows – our new Integral bifold door solves this problem. The doors have the strength and performance of an aluminium bifold but with PVCU detailing.”

The external frame and sash upstand are available in a bevelled or sculptured finish as is the beading, to complement the style of a property’s windows. There’s also the option of a square aluminium bead.”

To say aluminium bifolding doors do not suite with existing PVCu windows is not exactly correct.  Many systems on the market already offer a rounded aesthetic so typical of PVCu windows and doors.  However where aluminium bifolding doors do differ is they don’t come with a PVCu foil. Origin bifolding doors come with a woodgrain sublimated aluminium finish as do Smart Systems Visofold doors with their woodstructure range. That said, a substantial number of houses have great PVCu windows installed not needing replacement.  The Integral bifold door by Epwin and a door like Liniar’s Alumina offer a PVCu aesthetic and the benefits of an aluminium bifolding door.

Key Features of Epwin Group’s Integral bifolding door.

Epwin says the Integral bifold is developed for appearance and design flexibility. You get a bevelled frame and sash upstand as well as an optional square. You also get a PVCu glazing bead. There are some advantages to having PVCu beads on a door like this. First of all, you get a choice of sculptured or bevelled, as well as square aluminium versions.  One benefit of PVCu glazing beads is their greater ‘give’ over aluminium beads.  They are more flexible, therefore making the doors easier to glaze.  Also, they reduce the risk of marking the paint finish with the exposed edges sometimes found in aluminium glazing beads cut a little oversize. Careful glazing and the right size cut beads usually don’t pose a problem. However, it is useful for the harsher or inexperienced glazier.

Just like any aluminium bifolding door, Integral uses polyamide thermal breaks. At the moment little information is available on the choice of door profiles, cills and ancillaries available. We envisage a range of cill sections, add-on for trickle vents and the usual frame extension pieces. The door should also come with a standard and low threshold.

Bifolding door configurations and options.

Integral comes as a two-panel to seven panel arrangement.  Door leaves come in sizes of 750mm up to 1000mm wide with a maximum sash height of 2100mm. As with any other bifold, doors open in or out, come with an access leaf and flexible folding sliding options. You also get a single or double door option as a basic hinged door.

The door is suitable to replace old bifolding doors thanks to a 70mm deep profile. This dimension is also good for the majority of other PVCu systems, mostly with the same dimension.

Performance Specifications.

• PAS24 security tested as well as Secured by Design and Document Q Compliant, only when correctly specified.
• Multi-point locks with anti-lift system and shoot bolts to the slave leaves.
• The standard 40-micron powder coated finish.
• Typical U-Values of 1.7Wm2K, available with double or triple glazing.

Colour options with Integral folding doors.

As with any other bifold, you get a choice of colour.  Epwin offers a choice of Black, white or grey standard colours.  Then you get a selection of foiled finishes.  All in all, there are 28 foil colours and woodgrain finishes

Integral vs Alumina bifolding doors.

Our at a glance table shows the key features of the new Integral bifolding door against the Alumina product – its obvious competitor. Here is how they compare. You can also read our in-depth review of the Alumina bifolding door.

Summary. What we think of the Integral Bifolding Door.

When as a business, your core focus for more than forty years is PVCu products, designing an aluminium bifold requires a different approach.  In designing the Integral door, we think Epwin missed out on a big opportunity to offer a bifolding door with at least the expected features found in many aluminium doors already.

For instance, the door leaves don’t go large or tall enough compared to even ‘builders favourite’ cheaper systems like Visofold.  This means the door will have to have four leaves where other doors accommodate three.  Furthermore, there is no ramp-type threshold, and the handle colour options are too limited if their brochure is anything to go by.

By comparison, the Alumina bifold seems a better designed and thought out proposition compared to the Epwin Group offering. It comes with bigger door sizes, more hardware colour options and a far more flexible choice of thresholds. Alumina also offers a one system solution for many homeowners, even down to matching trims and accessories.

Finally, we think there is too much emphasis on the door as a door to match PVCu window. Given the sheer number of aluminium bifolds (and in a contrasting colour) in houses with existing PVCu windows, we would question whether this is even an issue for homeowners? And we certainly don’t agree with the ‘aluminium can be clinical’ message in Epwin’s press releases for the product.  The Epwin Group is a stand-out company in the fenestration sector. However, they appear to have missed the point of a new aluminium bifold introduced in a very mature market.

Nonetheless, you get a product from an established and excellent company, meeting the latest industry standards and specifications.

The post The Integral Bifolding Door Review appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

Thermotec roof panels are replacement conservatory roof panels designed to improve old conservatories.

Made of aluminium, our Thermotec roof panels review takes a look at this product improving the insulation on both aluminium and PVCu conservatory roofs.  We also compare it to some of the other conservatory roof refurbishment products on the market.

What is Thermotec?

The conservatory refurbishment market is a growing sector.  There are over 9000 conservatory installers in the UK (Source: Insight Data) with a widely reported 3 million conservatories installed in the UK.  Many first generations and older conservatories came with poorly insulated polycarbonate or basic glass units.

In 2010, a relaxation of planning laws meant these types of products are ideal for conservatory refurbishment without planning permission. For many homeowners not wanting to deal with local authorities or planning applications, products such as these do help improve a conservatory.

Today there are specialist conservatory refurbishment companies operating in the UK.  These businesses offer products designed to turn an old conservatory into a useable room.  Many offer to change virtually the entire conservatory structure also using the existing base work. Others offer several types of new conservatory roof systems.  Then there are companies offering to fit an internal insulated ceiling to an existing conservatory.  As a result, homeowners have several options to improve an old plastic or aluminium conservatory.

What all of these conservatory roof companies do identify is why your old conservatories are too hot or too cold.  The conservatory roof is where most of the heat loss occurs on the one hand, with the solar gain in summer on the other hand.  Consequently, when you improve the internal temperature and regulation, you instantly improve the comfort.  Therefore, Themotec conservatory roof panels also offer another product option designed to refurbish a conservatory.

What are Thermotec conservatory roof panels made of?

First of all, Thermotec roof panels are insulated aluminium conservatory roof panels.  They come with internal and external 2mm thick aluminium faces with dense insulation between the two.  At the same time, Thermotec panels fit in any aluminium as well as a PVCu conservatory. For us, this is one of their best features. They fit quickly and easily, using the existing roof bars and overall conservatory roof structure.

• Thermotec roof panels are typically 75mm thick, although any thickness is possible.
• The panels come as a tray with welded edges.
• You benefit from a durable powder coated finish in a choice of over 150 colours.
• They use the existing conservatory roof structure without any modification.
• You do not need planning permission or Building Regulation compliance.
• Thermotec panels are cheaper than virtually all the other refurbishment products on the market.

It is worth pointing out in this Thermotec roof panels review that these panels are so easy to fit, a typical installation takes just one day with most conservatories.  Fitting these panels is quick, easy and with instant benefits to your old conservatory.

How are Thermotec replacement conservatory roof panels supplied?

To get a quote for Thermotec roof panels, you can complete a form with some basic information if you know a little about your existing conservatory. However, in most cases a home survey is necessary.  The benefit of a survey is establishing your requirements correctly.  The process is generally as follows:

•  A survey on your existing conservatory measuring the existing panels and roof angles.
• Confirmation of your requirements.
• The manufacture of the Thermotec roof panels.
• The powder coating of the panels.
• Hand finishing and final inspection.
• Installation of the panels in the existing conservatory.

In line with other quality home improvement products you also get a 10-year guarantee.

Features and Benefits of Thermotec conservatory roof panels.

In this Thermotec roof panels review, it helps to illustrate some of the features and what they mean. Above all, the entire process is much easier than other products on the market.

• Thermotec panels are longer lasting and more effective than insulated conservatory blinds.
• They are more insulated than the latest conservatory glass with integral blinds.
• Better insulated and quieter than even latest generation polycarbonate with solar coatings.
• Better insulation than the latest blue or solar control double. Triple glass won’t fit in an existing roof.
• Virtually no disruption compared to the latest tiled insulated conservatory roofs.
• No condensation concerns often associated with fibreglass or plasterboard internal false ceiling products.

The first benefit is light weight.  As a result, Thermotec replacement conservatory roof panels need no additional reinforcement to the overall conservatory or the entire structure.  These panels are light enough to go directly into the existing roof.  The benefit is less cost and no risk of the conservatory falling under the extra weight.

The installation is simple because the panel corners are pressed and cut to suit your roof exactly. The panel edges even fit under your existing conservatory roof rafter. Even better is the panels not affecting your existing lead flashings or gutters.  As a result, there is no risk of affecting the existing weather tightness of the conservatory.

The insulation is so dense, Thermotec claims a 75mm panel thickness offers the same insulation as 300mm of loft insulation. You benefit from a panel with U-Values right down to 0.29Wm2K. This is a very low U-Value with excellent thermal properties. Therefore these panels should substantially reduce heat loss and help lower energy bills.

Thermotec Works with most aluminium or PVCu conservatory brands.

If your existing conservatory has 24mm double glazed units, 4mm up to 35mm polycarbonate sheet or any other material on the roof, Thermotec conservatory roof panels should fit. Additionally, they work with all styles of conservatory. We have compiled a list of some well-known aluminium and upvc brands. Thermotec replacement conservatory roof panels will improve these brands, subject to survey.

Thermotec advantages over glass or polycarbonate.

• A substantially quieter conservatory when it rains compared to polycarbonate or glass.
• Instantly more comfortable inside allowing the old conservatory to be enjoyed all year round.
• The obvious advantage of powder coated aluminium.  Over 150 colours to choose from including a different colour inside and out.

Disadvantages to Thermotec replacement conservatory roof panels.

If Thermotec roof panels replace your existing polycarbonate or glass, then some loss of light from above is expected.  However, with most conservatories having three or more glazed sides, you should not notice a significant loss of light.  However, when you consider the benefits of a better insulated roof, this is a small trade-off.

Furthermore, it is worth talking to your supplier to get the best colour match.  Many upvc conservatories in a woodgrain finish will need a plain powder coated brown colour. Options include RAL 8080, BS08B29 Satin, RAL 8040 as a possible colour match to woodgrain, albeit without the grain effect. There is no Thermotec panel with a woodgrain finish.

Get a quote for your replacement conservatory roof panels.

These replacement conservatory roof panels are easy to fit, simple to survey and provide a lot of benefits.  Other than these two points, there is little to criticise the product. Above all, these are quality aluminium panels which offer a cheaper, easier solution than an entire tiled roof. We must stress the weight considerations on an existing structure with other types of roof systems. Please ensure your installer goes through all the options and the work involved with solid conservatory roofs.

If after reading this Thermotec roof panels review you would like to find out more, contact us using our form.  We assure you that your details go to just one installer of Thermotec panels, in accordance with their own privacy policy.

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HL Plastics is one of the best-known PVCu systems companies. Under the HL Plastics brand is Liniar.  The Alumina bifold door and suite of aluminium residential doors, therefore, places HL Plastics as an aluminium systems company as well as PVCu.  HL Plastics operates in the UK since 1974.

The range of Liniar windows and doors, as well as the Alumina bifold door, reaches homeowners through a quality network of fabricators and installers. In addition to the Alumina aluminium range, Liniar provides:

• A complete suite of PVCu fenestration products.
• The Liniar decking and fencing range for holiday homes, gardens or outdoor areas.
• Liniar plastic piling products for construction
• Liniar PVCu building products, finishing trims and accessories.

The Alumina bifold door offers a unique proposition to homeowners and bifolding door installers. 

The Alumina single and french door range also allows matching residential single and double doors in the home.

For both the Alumina bifold door as well as the residential door range, there are the unique aesthetics of foiled aluminium products. Furthermore, there is support from one of the best-known systems companies for innovation, quality, service and high specifications.

Contact us for further information about Alumina bifold doors and where to buy.

The post HL Plastics Liniar Alumina appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

Like a lot of engineered products, patio doors made or designed by German systems companies enjoy a reputation for quality and reliability.  German bifold patio doors are no exception. Brand perception is important from a marketing perspective, but these German made products are also popular with fabricators and installers because their superior design means that they are easier to manufacture and more reliable once installed; meaning fewer service calls.

In this article we explain which German Bifold Patio Doors are available in the UK and give some detail about each product.

What German Bifolding Patio doors are available in the UK?

To begin with, there are four residential bifolding door products sold in the UK as German systems. Some of these are made in Germany, others are German designed and made in the UK. There are also other brands of German doors mainly available for the commercial markets.

We focus in particular on the four most popular brands of doors for the home.

Sunflex bifolding doors.

There are seven premium SUNFLEX bifolding doors available in the UK.  These range from full aluminium, to hybrid bifolding doors as well as timber. There are also internal bifold doors. And SUNFLEX provides one of the most comprehensive ranges for general patio doors for the home.

SUNFLEX bifolding doors come to the UK only made in Germany, delivered to a nationwide network of approved SUNFLEX dealers.

The benefit of a SUNFLEX product is big door sizes, one of the slimmest bifolds on the market as well as some of the best hardware and operation of any bifolding door.  We recommend you consider SUNFLEX alongside any of the best bifolding doors available in the UK.  The award-winning SF55 and SF75 SUNFLEX doors are also unique as a German made product with a BSI Kitemark certificate too.

Schuco bifolding doors.

One of the best known brands of bifolding doors in the UK. A Schuco bifold offers excellent engineering, slim slight lines as well as an excellent range of contemporary colours.  Also, Schuco bifolding doors come in several different variants, such as the well-known ASS70FD, the higher insulation ASS80FD.

In spite of their massive German perception, Schuco doors are not made in Germany. Many different manufacturers all over the UK either make or supply these German bi folding doors but make in the UK. Schuco as a business is based in Milton Keynes where the aluminium profiles and extrusions go to their nationwide network of fabricators.

Some bifolding door suppliers such as Kloeber and Express Bifolding doors offer Schuco products, rebranded under their own names as well.

One of the most compared products to Schuco is the Origin bifolding door with many installers offering both brands.

Solarlux bifolding doors.

Another premium product amongst German bi folding doors is Solarlux. Solarux offers 1o different bifolding doors, also including wood and wood-aluminium hybrid doors.

Every Solarlux product comes made in Germany and delivered to the UK, through a network of quality home improvement companies.  The Solarlux reputation is excellent. In fact, world-class architects such as Herman Hertzberger and Foster and Partners using Solarlux doors. 

The Solarlux SL 82 is an excellent example of the innovation that goes into these German bi folding doors.  SL82 offers a heat insulated product, with a near frameless appearance as well as just 8mm visible aluminium sight line.

Weru Bifolding Doors.

In addition to the well-known brands above is Weru; established over 170 years. A less well known brand in the UK,  but Weru offers quality German made bifolding doors and general home improvement products.

Weru is furthermore credited with being pioneers of PVCu windows as early as the 1960s and now provides a premium range of bifolding doors, front doors, sliding doors and many other products.

The Weru bifolding door comes with narrow sight lines and rounded profile edges as standard as well as low U-Values. Also available are, wood effect finishes and a low threshold. Weru Bifolding doors come from a network of UK distributors.

What are the best German bi folding doors?

Choosing between these four aluminium bifolding doors comes down to a number of factors.  They are all excellent and worth considering.  Every one of these sought-after bifolding doors is well-designed with impressive aesthetics, capability and specifications. In our view, there are four key areas to examine, before choosing any of these brands.

1. Brand perception.

Firstly, any of these doors correctly made and installed will transform your home.  The broad view of brand perception is SUNFLEX with Solarlux being the more premium door.  Both SUNFLEX and Solarlux are also award-winning doors across the architecture, design and construction sectors.

Therefore we would consider these two doors as the more premium and luxurious.  To understand why you need to look at the fine details. The quality of the components, the detail in small items like the door catches, the way they slide and fold.   These two doors are 100% made in Germany if this is important too.

The quality of Schuco doors also depends on where you buy them. In particular, SUNFLEX and Solarlux offer quality consistency because only they make their doors.

2. Who supplies your German bi folding doors is important.

The second consideration is the source of the doors. Schuco is the odd one out amongst these four top brands.  On the one hand, Schuco approves their fabricators to supply them with materials. Schuco, of course, wants their doors well-made by professional manufacturers.  On the other hand, there are many places to buy Schuco bifolds.  Some installers happily declare the source of their doors. Others conversely do not.

With Schuco doors made by many different manufacturers, there is a risk of differing levels of quality and service. By comparison, the single-source of Solarlux and SUNFLEX ensures consistent service levels and quality every time.

Therefore to confidently buy Schuco bifolding doors, finding out who makes them helps you buy better. Not every Schuco door is the same.  A standard Schuco door is excellent. However, some manufacturers make different doors. A good example is a trade fabricator like Dutemann. Based in Kent, Dutemann supplies Schuco bifolding doors for the trade. What Dutemann does is make the product better than the standard door.

The Schuco door by Dutemann comes with a better Winkhaus lock allowing more flexible locking than the standard Schuco lock with less strain on the key as a result.  The traffic door handles are different too, and we understand the Schuco door made by Dutemann as the only Schuco door with a 20-year guarantee.

Therefore, Schuco bifolds are otherwise great doors, but unlike Weru, Solarlux and Sunflex, not the same across the supply chain. The rebranding carried out by some suppliers of Schuco we also consider unnecessary with such a strong brand name to start with. Yet big firms like Express Bifolding Doors and others have legitimate business reasons for doing so.

3. Complementary products for the bifold doors.

The third factor is if you also need windows and other products. Choose a Schuco door and it is unlikely you also get Schuco windows.   Many people choose to sell Schuco bifolding doors because they want to offer a premium door alongside standard doors like Visoglide bifolds from Smart Systems or Aluk folding doors. A substantial number of Origin dealers provide Schuco as well. However, few of these also choose to offer Schuco windows.

Many of these also offer a Schuco sliding door but that is where the loyalty to the brand ends.  For windows, residential doors, or front doors they choose other systems.  Consequently, it becomes difficult to locate a residential supplier of the full Schuco range. But they do exist.

By comparison, SUNFLEX and Solarlux provide a full range of home improvement products under one brand.  The benefit to the homeowner is having one brand with one point of guarantee in their home. SUNFLEX offer sliding doors, frameless doors, front doors, interior doors and garden rooms. Solarlux provides a big range too. Weru is the same.

Finally, Solarlux and SUNFLEX offer timber as well as hybrid products also giving you more choice. If you need other products and not just bifolds, Schuco may be too restrictive as a brand without extensive research.  But othewise, if you just need bifolds, these are excellent as stand-alone doors in your home.

4.  Cost of German bi folding doors.

The perception of German bi folding doors is higher prices.  As better-engineered products with more premium hardware and more luxurious feel, expect to pay more.

The new SUNFLEX SF55e is one product to consider alongside Reynaers, Schuco, Express, Kloeber and Origin.   Not only does this give you virtually all the stand-out features of the SF75, but it also comes at a very affordable price. At the same time, Schuco ASS70FD models come at affordable prices thanks to their wide availability.

Top features of German bi folding doors.

Above all, these beautiful doors offer quality, reliability and are a joy to own.  Much of the quality comes in the fine details — for example, the gasket arrangement discreet as well as offering finger-safe gaskets.  The aesthetics of German doors become immediately evident with these being slimmer and more attractive than other brands.

Place these doors next to one of the builders favourite brands and stop for a minute to look at them. The differences in design, handles and how they work is certainly obvious.

Also look beyond the overall appearance. Study the door catches, look at how the components sit within the frame.  Next, operate the locking system and open the doors several times with the handles. Then lock and unlock the intermediate panels as well as open and close the doors several times.  You can then compare these to other doors you see.

The best features of German bifolding doors.

We’ve created a quick guide giving an overview of the best features of each of these bifolding doors.  Equally important is your supplier.  Not only must you love your doors, at the same time you want confidence in the installer.

The post Buying German Bifold Patio Doors in the UK appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

SUNFLEX enjoys a 30-year reputation, providing some of the best bifolding doors on the market.  The SUNFLEX SF55e bifolding door is their latest product joining their other six, premium and German-made folding sliding doors.

The SF55e bifolding door is designed to provide a high specification bifolding door at an attractive price. If you are researching a new bifold and looking at brands such as Schuco, Origin or Reynaers; then read on.  We explain in detail Sunflex’s new bifold, tell you about its stand-out features and explain reasons to consider it with the other well-known names.

Sunflex SF55e bifolding door: the product and the brand.

SUNFLEX is a premium brand with award-winning bifolding doors and other home improvement products.  In their folding range there are doors in aluminium, timber and timber clad aluminium. There is also a slimline bifolding door for internal applications such as room dividers.

Designed and made in Germany, the doors are supplied in the UK through a network of professional installers, carefully chosen by Sunflex. Also available to homeowners are sliding patio and slide and turn doors. Homeowners additionally get a range of windows, front doors and glazed roofs.  Finally, for the outside or commercial buildings, moveable glass walls and stacking door systems add to the range.

Talk to professional installers or architects and the SUNFLEX name has a perception of quality, excellence and expertly crafted doors. There are several German bifold patio doors available in the UK, with many of these also enjoying a good reputation.   Additionally, many of the long-established home improvement companies, specialising in the upper end of the market also sell Sunflex exclusively or alongside other luxury brands.

However, with a premium brand also comes an extra cost. For years the SF75 and SF55 models hold the top spot, illustrating the best in German design and quality.

Today the company has a lot more competition with so many systems and brands to choose from.  Although SUNFLEX remains a desirable and well-known name, customers certainly have much more choice and awareness of other brands.  For instance, Schuco, Origin, Reynaers, Solarlux or Centor all offer well-made, high specification doors at good prices. SUNFLEX’s SF55e bifolding door allows homeowners without the top-end budget to benefit from one of the best German brands at the same  ‘mid-range’ price of these other popular doors.

Comparing SUNFLEX bifolding doors.

Even though this new door costs less than the others in the range, it retains virtually the same specifications.

The rationale behind the SF55e is a more affordable luxury bifold door without compromising on features.   Visually there is little to tell them apart, and they don’t scrimp on specification either.   Here is how the three different doors compare where it matters.

Another prominent feature of these doors is the all-important panel catches.  Study the door catches on a SUNFLEX door and then compare to the magnets and catches on other brands.  In other words, these doors offer highly engineered catches that look great and perform brilliantly. It really is about the fine detail.

A well-engineered SUNFLEX door catch better than conventional magnets.

Other features of the SUNFLEX SF55e bifolding door.

The choice of three thresholds is another consideration too.  All the good brands provide reliable door thresholds.  Specifically, this door offers a double rebate on the bottom track where other doors only come with a single rebate.  At the same time, design the floor details right and also enjoy a step down to your garden as small as 3mm.

You can expect certified security, namely Secured By Design. These are also the only German-made doors with the BSI Kitemark.

For colours, you get the full range such as RAL colours and different colours inside and out too. Furthermore, you get woodgrain bifolding doors such as those by Origin or Smart Systems woodstructure range.

The only consideration with these doors is lead times.  On the one hand, these doors won’t come on Origin’s unbeatable lead times.  On the other hand, anyone wanting a German-made door expects to wait a little longer.

We should also point out that only the bifolding doors are made in Germany. Sunflex’s range of sliding doors, windows, front doors and lantern roofs are made in the UK.  You can read our separate review of the SF75 and SF55 models too. 

Any of the brands mentioned in this review will give you a door in your home you’ll be delighted with.  However, a premium and well-engineered bifolding door generally provide a better product besides the basic folding door concept.

Above all, with a SUNFLEX door, you enjoy a reputable and sought-after brand of bifolding doors with several standout features. In particular, the thin sight lines being the most impressive.   However, if you thought a SUNFLEX door was out of your price range, then get a price for the SF55e.

Contact us for more information.

For answers to questions about the SUNFLEX SF55e bifolding door as well as any other patio door product and where to buy, contact us.

The post The SUNFLEX SF55e bifolding door review appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

Bifolding doors provide an excellent solution for new extensions as well as replacing older patio doors.  The range of bifolding door sizes available means that there is no such thing as a standard size.  So a bifolding door can be made to fit almost anything from a tradition french door opening through to the largest folding glass walls.

Bifolding doors, therefore, provide great flexibility and functionality, enabling most houses to benefit from these popular types of doors.  We explain some of the important things around bifolding door sizes.

SUNFLEX is one high quality system with panels up to 3.5 metres high.

Understanding bifolding door sizes.

Most bifolding doors come with minimum panel sizes from 400mm wide.  The maximum panel width varies with each product. Typically maximum sizes go up to about 1200mm wide. For the bifolding door heights, most brands accommodate standard and taller openings.  Some bifolding doors such as SUNFLEX go up to 3.5 metres high to meet a need for even bigger doors.

With most bifolding doors allowing up to seven leaves (with more possible), many different configurations exist.  Door panels slide to the left or the right, as well as an equal or unequal split.

Study the various bifold door systems, and you see how the number of panels provides different ways to slide and fold.  The number of panels also affects bifolding door sizes.

The panel width you choose determines the number of door panels. Most bifolding doors go up to at least 1 metre wide per panel, with others better engineered for wider panels.

The bifolding door brand may dictate the design.

Another consideration is whether your choice of bifold determines the overall configuration. Again this is largely down to the door panel sizes. For instance:

A four-metre door opening with door panels at 1metre width naturally gives you four panels.  If you choose a brand with door panels up to 1350mm, you only need three panels.  Three panels mean less visible mullions, bigger doors and, of course, bigger glass.

A 3.6-metre wide door opening requires four panels with a system offering leaves up to 1000mm. Choose a 1200mm wide panel and again benefit from only three panels. And remember the fewer door panels, the cheaper the bifold door.

Another consideration when thinking about bifolding door sizes is the space taken with the panels open and folded back.  A 1200mm door undoubtedly provides bigger glass and better views with the doors closed. However, they will take up a lot of space folded together. This especially applies if you want your doors to fold into the room and not out onto the patio.

Bifolding door panel sizes compared.

Most of the popular and cheaper systems like the Visofold 1000 bifolding door or the Aluk Optio offer panels up to 1000mm wide. This size is perfectly adequate for most projects and bifolding door sizes.  The premium and better-engineered doors are the ones going wider and taller.  Size capability with bifold door systems is a good indicator of their overall quality and engineering too.

Take a look at some of the well-known brands to see the panel sizes offered.

Importantly, many of the sizes shown with these popular quality brands are for guidance only. Not every system allows you to have their door at the maximum width with the maximum height.  Often a wider or panels mean less on the height.  Check with your supplier or contact us for help and advice.

Finally, the bigger the panel, the fewer doors and fewer visible mullions. As a result, you get a six-metre door with only five panels as a further example.

Floating Mullions on Bifolding Doors.

If you desire an even number of door panels (2, 4, or 6) all sliding/folding in one direction, many brands must come with a floating mullion. The floating mullion adds an extra aluminium profile and sight line to the locking side of the door. As a result, the closed door set can look uneven, especially on a two panel bifold.  The floating mullion on even number doors presents the door gear from hitting the side frame when the doors close.

You won’t need a floating million on an even number of doors (4 or 6) where they are split. For instance a four panel door with one door opening to the left and three to the right.

Bifolding door sizes for smaller openings.

Many new build homes, as well as older properties, feature a French door or two panel sliding door at the back of the house.  Is it worth having a bifolding door in these apertures intended for French Doors?  There are pros and cons to replacing French doors with a two or three panel bifolding door.

Two panel doors can only fold in one direction. This may not be convenient if this is the only door at the back of the house and you use it often.  Consider a three panel bifold.  You get the traffic door but much smaller door panels.

If you do have a traffic door, consider hanging it on the adjacent leaf. As a result, your doors fully open to the one side which works much better.  The floating mullion is necessary on a two panel door too.

Finally, consider privacy and shade.

With all bifolding doors for large openings comes issues with heat, light and shade. This is especially true for elevations in direct sunlight.

Integral glass blinds provide a great solution but add to the cost.  Integral blinds work particularly well with bigger bifolding door sizes.  The benefit of integral blinds is no cleaning, blowing in the wind and a discreet blind housed between the glass of your doors.  We recommend visiting a good showroom and seeing integral blinds in action. They also come as motorised or solar-controlled and in many different colours too.

Our top tips for getting your bifolding door sizes right.

• Always talk to a professional installer and avoid a builder fitting the doors. You also get a better guarantee when supplied and installed.
• The wider the door panel, the fewer visible mullions with bigger door glass.
• Consider the benefits of a traffic or lead door.
• An odd number of door panels gives you a more flexible bifold door.
• Ensure the large doors have premium handles. The more panels, the more internal handles you get.
• Doors over six metres may have joints in the frame.
• Consider one of the premium brands above the cheaper systems.

Need more help and where to buy? Contact us today.

Every year we help thousands of homeowners, answering their questions, suggesting the right products and helping them get in touch with the right suppliers.  Contact us for free, independent and impartial advice.

The post Bifolding Door Sizes; what to consider appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

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Extending the back of the home to provide more living space remains a popular home improvement project. Not only do you add extra living space, but you also add monetary value to your home. One desirable feature in a new extension is a prominent glazed elevation having large door apertures with suitable patio doors.  For new extensions, bifolding doors for large openings offer a flexible and functional door solution.

In the winter, the closed doors provide great views with comfort and security.  For the summer months, opening up the back of the house creates a desirable way to enjoy the home.  When considering bifolding doors for large openings, the product choice and how you configure it is essential.

Multiple sets of Origin bifolding doors by Open Living of Letchworth

Bifolding door sizes for large openings.

For this article, we define a large opening as anything over four metres or bifolding door sizes needing four or more panels.  Some homes with existing sliding patio doors may already have four or six panel doors. These are already suitable for a new bifolding door. The other way to have new bifolding doors in large openings is to consider these at the design stage.  Talk to your builder or architect and discuss ways of incorporating multiple panel doors in your design.

There is the option to design separate sets of doors between brickwork columns.  Another option is having a continuous run of bifolding doors creating an entirely open space.  There is even the option to create an open corner bifolding door design too. 

How you configure your doors, that is, the way the panels open and fold is important.  For instance, four panel doors slide to one side or split in two, Five-panel doors offer even more opening options. Use six or seven panel doors, and you get even more flexibility.  How your bifolding doors slide and fold depends on an odd or even number of panels. 

How many back doors does your home have?

Also, consider the general access out to your garden. This depends on whether you live in a detached, semi-detached or terraced house.  Detached houses often have several doors leading to the outside.  Semi-detached and new build homes come with one or two doors.  Look at which doors you presently use the most to go outside and consider this with your new doors.  Our advice is always to have a traffic door or a lead door.

Terraced houses are an excellent example of properties where often, there is only one door set leading to the outside.  A traffic door in these and other properties with only one or two back doors is essential.  Traffic doors on bifolds work as independent leaves. They sit either in the middle or the ends of the bifold, hinged against the frame or the adjacent leaf.

The advantage of the traffic door is convenient exit and entry, without folding the panels back every time. Again consider whether a wider panel will work better within the overall bifolding door sizes rather than a standard 900mm or 1000mm width.

Once you decide on the configuration, you can move onto the easier task of choosing the other design options — for example the colour, bifold door handle choices and whether integral blinds are a good upgrade as well.

Talk to a professional about bifolding door thresholds.

For the door threshold, many desire a low or flat threshold. Here we suggest speaking with your bifolding door installer and get the right advice about bifolding door thresholds.  Your builder or architect also needs involvement at this stage of the process.

Most bifolding door systems come with either a standard or a low threshold. The latter is usually intended for internal use as it offers no weather rating.  Other products provide a low threshold with a weather rating, a good example being the Alumina bifolding door from Liniar.  The Alufold Warmcore door from Aluhaus also has one as do other premium brands like Schuco and SUNFLEX.

Open corner bifolding doors with cantilevered ceiling

Choosing bi folding doors for complex designs.

Most of the best bifolding doors come with up to 7 or 8 panels making them suitable for big door sizes and openings. However, it is worth looking at products engineered to create faceted or open corner bifolding doors as well.

For example, Origin, Schuco, Reynaers, Smart Systems and others offer bifolding doors with a built-in moveable corner post. The moveable corner post lets you design open corner bifolding doors which look great.  There are also frameless glass doors with a manually removable corner post offering fully glazed slide and turn doors for large openings.

The SUNFLEX door is one system enabling curved and faceted bifolding doors as well as three different threshold options. SUNFLEX doors are also one of the thinnest on the market. The better engineering behind the system, the more you can demand from the bifolding door.

Large bifolding doors also come with design constraints.

Bifolding door sizes at more than six metres may end up with a visible joint. Usually, this is in the horizontal sections of the door frame and the cill.  Do not assume there is a mistake or wrongly made doors.

Most bifolding door extrusions come at lengths of about 6.4 metres from the extrusion plant.  These profiles need polyester powder coating as well as cutting and machining.  If you intend your doors to be bigger than 6 metres wide, you will almost certainly see a joint somewhere along the horizontal frames and cill.

A joint is sometimes necessary to transport the doors and large outer frames.  Other reasons include the design of the product itself, doors having to go up staircases and other reasons. Hopefully, a good company will point out the need for a cill or frame joint. There is also no guarantee this will be precisely in the centre.  For clarity, any joints will be on the frame head, bottom track and door cill, not on the door panels.

SUNFLEX is one of a few premium brands allowing faceted or curved folding doors.

Tips and advice for bigger and better bifolding doors.

Most good bifold doors from a professional installer give you a desirable extension with contemporary bifolding doors.  Bifolding doors for large openings are easy to choose with the right advice and functional considerations.

• Consider the benefits of a traffic door. We suggest seeing these in a showroom.
• Choose your colour carefully. The more doors, the more prominent the colour.
• Think about privacy and shade as well as interior comfort.
• Bifolding doors for large sizes may come with a visible joint or joints.

Finally, think about who fits your doors.  A bifolding door is only as good as the installation.  Your builder can offer to install the doors at a lower price.  Consequently, this is an attractive proposition for many.  One benefit of the bifolding door company fitting your doors is a longer guarantee than builders provide.  For instance, the 20-year guarantee with an Origin door applies when installed by a trained Origin dealer.

You should also think long term.  Replacement parts, accidental broken glass or damage is easier to fix from an installer as is more peace of mind with one supplier and one source of guarantee.

And don’t forget, sliding patio doors also offer an excellent solution for your new extension as well.   Contact us to ask a question or for information on where to buy quality bifolding doors.

The post Bifolding Doors for Large Openings appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

The Kawneer AA®190 TB Commercial Door is a new commercial door product, offering an improved heavy duty door for high-traffic buildings.  Kawneer is so confident with this door; it comes with a lifetime guarantee. We take a look at the door and see if it is indeed better than the many doors on the market.

Information about the Kawneer AA®190 TB Commercial Door.

Kawneer already has two very trusted commercial door variants with their existing AA190 and the AA350 commercial doors.  Both these doors come with a lifetime guarantee already.

The Kawneer AA®190 TB Commercial Door is improved but provides the same welded construction and guarantee.  The improvements to this new door over the AA190 and the AA350 is improved weather resistance and thermal performance.

Features Kawneer’s new commercial door.

Every commercial door on the market is intended to offer reliability in high-use buildings like shopping centres, schools, offices, transport hubs and retail parks.  Commercial door design means hundreds, even thousands of people use the door on a daily basis and reliability is essential.  Commercial doors such as those by Comar, Senior Systems, Jack Aluminium, and Kawneer serve commercial buildings very well. Their design and adaptability to work with all types of hardware are what makes them work.

The Kawneer AA 190 TB door has a welded construction.  We have worked with commercial doors since the late 1980’s and these products remain mostly unchanged.  Most commercial doors use corner brackets.  Other doors use tie rods, bolting the door stiles to the rails.  Then we have Kawneer’s welded door.  We have never seen a non-welded door come apart at the joints.  However, just like any door, Kawneer provides a choice of an enhanced door in its construction.  Whether this is ultimately superior is down to specification and intended use.

Security and weather performance.

The door meets BS 6375-2: 2009. This is the standard for BS EN 14351. It covers the performance for pedestrial doorsets in the UK.  BS 6375-2 sets how a finished door is expected to perform.

The Kawneer AA®190 TB Commercial Door is also weather tested.  This puts the new door ahead of many other commercial doors on the market. This is because there remain few industry standards for weather performance on commercial doors.  The rationale behind this is that a door that is consistently in use (such as in a shop) is hard to keep weather tight and more so when a low threshold is mandatory.

In the case of the Kawneer door, the test involves an open-in double door with butt hinges and rebated threshold. The reality is a public door would not have a rebated threshold.  It would be interesting to see test results for an opening out door with a low threshold; regarded as less weather resistant.

That said, Kawneer doors are perfect for commercial applications as internal or external doors. When specified with the correct hardware it meets Secured by Design as well.

Key Features of the AA®190 TB Commercial Door.

• Accepts glass units up to 43mm thick. Ideal for security glazing.
• Leaf weight of 120kg with a concealed closer or 200kg with a floor spring.
• Door leaf sizes of up to 1320 mm wide and 3000 mm high. Large size is a benefit of welded doors.
• U Values of 1.7 W/m2K when using a centre pane value of 1.0 W/m2K.

Commercial door security is excellent with the current crop of commercial doors.  Like Comar’s new commercial door, Kawneer also has PAS 24: 2016 – the latest standard. The testing covers both single and double doors with standard locks or panic bars.

Finally, like other commercial doors, the Kawneer AA®190 TB Commercial Door is suitable for automation as an open out or open in swing door. It also suits automatic sliding operation.  For shopfronts and screens, the thermally broken  Kawneer 451PT systems work with the door.

Kawneer Commercial doors for commercial buildings.

Kawneer enjoys a great reputation for its glazing systems in the UK and worldwide.  The company is relatively unique in extruding, painting and fabricating in one factory. If you want a high-tech commercial door, specified by leading architects such as Foster and Partners, it remains the only welded commercial door and with a lifetime guarantee.

Contact us for more information and where to buy the Kawneer AA®190 TB Commercial Door.

The post The New Kawneer AA®190 TB Commercial Door appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

Finding out how much Origin windows cost depends on several factors, the most obvious being the number of windows you need.  However, there are other important considerations, all of which also affect your price.  We explain how window prices are calculated and how to buy Origin aluminium windows.

Origin windows come as fixed, opening, picture and bay window designs, as well as shapes.

Understanding how much Origin Windows Cost.

In most cases, replacing your windows involves changing more than one.  Some installers charge a minimum price for even the smallest window when sold as one unit. The valid reasons for this are the associated guarantees, FENSA or CERTASS registration and overall administration. As a result, it is not unusual to pay in the region of £500 as a minimum price for one, small window. This, of course, depends on the installer’s own sales policies too.

Origin offers two types of window. The latest is the very slim and most affordable OW 70 window. The OW 80 window is thicker with different features and is also the window to choose for bay windows.

When you receive your quotation, you will either have a price per item or a total cost. We explain how these prices are calculated.

Window colours for Origin aluminium windows.

The window colour is another important factor that may affect the price. Origin comes in a range of standard stock colours. Then there are unique colours and woodgrain aluminium windows.

If you choose a standard colour, you can expect to pay less than one of the special colours.

Origin window sizes and designs.

The bigger the window, the more materials as well as a greater cost. Many homeowners changing their windows take the opportunity to create bigger openings. Some installers are happy to enlarge an existing window opening.  Others will require you to instruct a builder, or they may find one for you.

The design of your new Origin window also affects the cost. Fixed windows are the cheapest. Opening windows also add to the cost as well as the number of mullions and transoms.

Other items affecting how much Origin windows cost are the ancillary items. For instance, trickle vents need fitting in new openings or where the outgoing (old) windows had trickle vents as well. These add to the price. Another item is the size of the window cill, determined by a home survey. Estimates vary, but generally, the bigger your aluminium window cill, the more expensive. In other words, a 150mm cill is usually cheaper than a 190mm cill. Additionally, for bay windows the is the added cost of the bay poles, couplers and mitre cutting any window cills to suit the angle of the bay.

Finally, accessorising your windows usually adds to the price. For example, Origin is one of the few companies offering colour matched as well as a general big range of window handle colours. These also affect the price. Your final choice in personalising your windows is whether you have any glazing bars or integral glass blinds.

Origin windows colours, designs and accessories all affect the price you pay.

Installation costs may vary with Origin windows.

Most windows fit on the ground or first floor, and these are the easiest installations. However, every property is different.  The location of your new windows also affects the price. For instance:

• Windows above a conservatory or other hard to reach areas
• Properties in town centre locations without accessible parking or loading restrictions.
• Windows at high level needing specialist lifting or access equipment.

Removing the old windows is usually carried out by your chosen Origin Accredited Installer but always a good idea to check if this is included in the price.

Tips and Advice for buying Origin Windows.

Remember that all Origin installers operate as independent businesses. Furthermore, there is no Recommended Retail Price for windows.  To get the best price for your windows and understand how Origin installers work, we offer some useful tips and advice.

1. Because Origin installers are independent companies, profit margins, installation charges and even how keen they are to secure your work affect how much Origin windows cost.
2. If you also need doors, you may find the price of one houseful of windows and doors more competitively priced than two or three separate installations. Budget permitting of course.
3. Look and see if any of the standard colours match the special colours closely to save money.
4. The famous 20-year Origin guarantee applies only when fitted by an Accredited Origin Dealer. You may save money by getting your builder to install the windows. However, you may not get the same peace of mind.

How to get a price for Origin aluminium windows.

We can tell you Origin windows are some of the best you can buy.  British designed and made, with outstanding aesthetics, premium hardware and excellent security and weather performance. The delivery times and customer service by Origin is also hard to find with other brands.

Getting in touch with Origin to locate your nearest installer is the easiest way to start the process of getting a quote for their windows.  We recommend this method as Origin puts you in touch with their best (Gold Status) installers, providing you with the highest standards of service.

The post How much do Origin Windows Cost? appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

There are many sliding patio doors on the market from many good brands. The SUNFLEX sliding patio door is one of these. SUNFLEX already has a sought-after range of bifolding doors, and their sliding door is no exception. We review their aluminium sliding door offered in SVG30 and SVG83 models.

Our review focuses on the design, size capability and technical aspects of the products as well as where to use them. Several compelling reasons make this door worthy of consideration with systems such as Reynaers, Schuco and even the very latest ultra-slim sliding patio doors.

What is the SUNFLEX sliding patio door?

Made in the UK, the SUNFLEX sliding door is a tried-and-tested door offering large sliding panels with bigger glass and better views compared to a folding sliding door. Patio doors today provide a strong visual appearance to the back of a house and especially with slim profiles and bold colours.

First of all, the SUNFLEX sliding patio door comes in two versions, namely the SVG30 and the SVG83. The product codes relate to the overall thickness of the door mullion, also known as the interlock.

This well-designed and quality-made sliding door comes in a choice of one or two panels for smaller apertures as well as three or more panels for bigger sized doors. For those thinking bigger, the product also creates the ultimate sliding glass walls with up to 8 panels on multiple tracks.  The SUNFLEX sliding patio door even allows open corner sliding doors and panels disappearing into a wall pocket.

Importantly, the SUNFLEX door is not just for new contemporary extensions.  It is entirely suitable as a replacement to old metal or plastic doors as well as patio doors in hardwood subframes.

As standard come thermally insulated frames, quality glass units as well as a big choice of colours.

Finally, there is a choice between a conventional inline sliding design or the latest lift and slide operation. 

Choosing between the SUNFLEX SVG30 and SVG83 models.

The two models are mostly the same on the outer frame, track and door leaves. You also get the same hardware, locking systems and patio door handles. The operating method of inline or lift and slide is also available.  Where the SVG 30 and SVG83 differ is the sight line of the door mullion.

The SVG 30 gives you a 30mm sight line and the SGV83 an 83mm sight line.  The choice of the product mainly comes down to the sizes of the doors and the technical capability. If sight lines are important in choosing a sliding door or a bifolding door, both the SVG30 and SVG83 provide thinner aluminium sight lines than even the 115mm sight line SUNFLEX bifolding doors lead the market with.

If your door is under 2800mm high or less than 6.25 square metres or less than 250kg per sliding panel, then you benefit from the 30mm sight line.  For those embarking on a Grand Designs type extension with bigger sliding door panels, then the SVG83 goes up to 3.2m high – again subject to technical considerations. However, with most standard size extensions needing patio doors, the SVG30 is suitable.  And this is where this slimline product stands out.

SUNFLEX level threshold achieves the desired look with weather protection.

A cheaper solution to the expensive ultra-slim sliding doors with SUNFLEX.

Ultra-slim sliding patio doors are the newest type of product on the market offering sightlines from 17mm up to 35mm or more.  These super thin, structurally bonded doors cost more and come with other manufacturing and installation considerations.  Conventional sliding doors like the SVG30 or 83 are dry glazed meaning unlike the ultra-slim doors, glazing is done on site, not in the factory.

With a 30mm interlock, the SVG30 offers a far simpler-made yet premium sliding door.  Structurally-bonded products such as the Infiniglide 6 Sliding Door, Alumen Cor-Vision Plus, Schuco ASS70 PD Panorama all offer interlocks between 24mm and 30mm.  Even the Metra NC-S 120 STH Slim Sliding Door Express bifolds sells as the XP Slide Panoramic costs far more and has the same 30mm sight line.

The other visual consideration with structurally bonded patio doors, as good as they are, is the very deep interlock. One the one hand it is thin to look at face on. On the other hand, it is much more prominent than a conventional slider often projecting back 150mm or more. This is for structural reasons as well as acting as a door handle with many systems.

Therefore, a product like the SVG30 offers similar thin sight lines of the much more expensive structurally bonded products at far less cost and in our view, looks aesthetically similar without the deep projecting mullion. See both types of doors and we think you’ll agree, there is not much difference.

SUNFLEX sliding patio doors designed as a frameless open corner and with a flush triple track threshold.

Design features and benefits of a SUNFLEX sliding patio door.

There are some design features worth highlighting with either the SVG30 or SVG83 patio door.

Bifolding doors are excellent for achieving a low, flush threshold. Some sliding door systems are challenging to set lower, compromising weather performance. SUNFLEX has engineered the door so that your internal flooring finishes flush with the low track of the door. As a result, you get the desirable flush floor with weather performance too. The product also offers its exclusive finishing trim, again rarely available with other sliding doors. This trim provides a neat detail between the flooring and the track as well as ensuring a proper clearance.

Further enhancements to the product include design details giving a bigger clear opening on three panel doors than other systems. Another useful feature on three panel doors is SUNFLEX making each panel a slightly different size. Where no external handle is fitted, the doors fully open and stack flush. Again, something not always available with other systems.

For doors sliding into a wall pocket and disappearing from view, there is another neat touch. A purpose-made profile closes off the gap between the door and the structure. Consequently, the doors look entirely flush with the wall. Again another neat touch.

And if you’re considering a cornerless bifolding door, the same frameless open corner is possible with these sliding doors too.

Patio door security, weather performance and hardware options.

The locking system on these doors has a five-point lock with mushroom headed cams, ensuring a tight seal and optimum locking point. Other security enhancements include internal glazing preventing removal of the glass from outside. The sliding panels also have an anti-lift feature. This prevents anyone forcing the panels up off the track.

Toughened glass usually comes as standard with any door. Upgrade the glass to laminated to meet Secured by Design standards as well as the latest Document Q of the Building Regulations for new homes. 

Four different handle options provide choice available in matching or , contrasting colours and satin stainless steel. Door colour options include grey or black colours as well as the full range of RAL colours or different colours inside and out.

SGV patio doors sliding into a wall pocket and stacking completley flush.

Reasons to buy a SUNFLEX sliding patio door.

Our website reviews many different brands and systems, and this is certainly one door to consider with other quality brands. However, there are some standout reasons to consider either the SUNFLEX SVG30 or SVG83 seriously.

First of all, it’s by SUNFLEX, one of the premier brands in the UK with award-winning and very slim bifolding doors.  These doors offer the same benefits of one manufacturer with the associated consistent quality.

Another reason is the enhancements. The product is engineered to cover the fine detail other systems may miss. For instance, the flush stacking panels or the low threshold with weather resistance. Designed to disappear into a wall pocket or as an open corner door, there is excellent attention to detail.

The price of these doors compared to the structurally glazed products on the market is another compelling reason. Many ultra-slim doors use the Cortizo or other European systems. However, these do come with a more complicated installation and a higher price.  The SVG30 especially offers similar thin lines giving you an alternative to the highly desirable slimline doors very much on-trend.

Considering a Schuco ASS70, a Reynears CP30, CP155, an Edgeglide or similar quality product?  We suggest you also get a price on the SUNFLEX sliding patio door and compare the features and specifications.

Contact us for further information.

For further information, as well as where to buy SUNFLEX products and to get a quote, get in touch using our contact form.

The post The SUNFLEX sliding patio door review. appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

Looking to get a quote or buy Origin aluminium windows? We explain how Origin windows suppliers work and why you should get in touch with Origin directly to find one.  We also explain the general service you can expect, information about showrooms, training and aftercare.

The Origin range of windows is available to homeowners from a network of professional installers also known as  Origin Accredited Suppliers.

A fine example of a dedicated Origin Showroom.

Information about Origin Windows Suppliers.

First of all, it is worth explaining why Origin is different from many other aluminium systems companies. This difference not only benefits suppliers of Origin products, but it also benefits you the homeowner.

Origin is a systems company.  Systems companies design and produce the aluminium ‘system’, specifically their range of bifolding doors, sliding doors, entrance doors and windows.  However, this is where the similarity between Origin and other systems companies ends.

Other systems companies supply their aluminium profiles to many different manufacturers. For example, anyone looking to buy new windows from Origin buys them directly from any of the Origin window suppliers. These suppliers buy directly from Origin as only Origin makes their windows.

Other systems companies work differently, namely supplying window components to one of many manufacturers and then to an installer.  Some of these manufacturers only supply the trade, such as installers or builders. Others prefer to concentrate only on commercial markets.  Even though these window manufacturers make good products, their business is supplying frames only.  As a result, they do not deal with the homeowner.

Origin is especially focused on engagement with the homeowner. From the retail facing website, a dedicated customer service department and putting you in touch with their best installers.  For this reason, we recommend you take advantage of communicating with Origin. Above all, you get peace of mind in dealing with the company making your windows and doors.

Benefits of using Origin and their professional installer network.

Origin offers outstanding support to its professional installer network, specifically intended to provide you, the homeowner with the best possible service and customer experience.

Locating your nearest Origin Accredited Supplier.

When you get in touch with Origin on their website, you have a number of options.  It is easy to make a start by talking to one of Origin’s experts.  Or you can quickly get the details of your nearest Accredited Supplier.  It is this supplier providing you with a price, ordering your new windows and project managing your installation. These fully trained suppliers work with you to personalise your windows, making them perfect for your home.  Importantly, Origin ensures you get their best and Gold Status suppliers. And you can also choose the day and time to visit a showroom.

Of course, you have the choice of Origin putting you in touch with your local dealer or providing you with  the details for you to make your own contact.

Getting a price for Origin windows is an easy process too. Origin windows suppliers use bespoke software, designed by Origin to enable you to get a fast quotation.

The Origin window and door showrooms.

Origin helps and contributes substantially to creating some of the best door and window showrooms in the UK. When you get in touch with Origin, they refer you to their best installers all with outstanding showrooms.  In these showrooms, you will find fully installed windows, bifolding doors and front doors. Many showrooms showcase many different types of products in a variety of real-world installations.

Besides being able to see windows and doors, you also get to view the entire range of aluminium colours, handle options, threshold options and glass.

Every Origin showroom is thoughtfully designed, providing a relaxed, welcoming and no pressure environment. Above all, you get to see exactly how your new windows and doors can look in your home.

Quality British products and a professional installation.

One of the most important aspects of buying new windows or bifolding doors is a trouble-free installation. This is where Origin truly stands out from other systems companies and why it makes sense to contact them for details of your nearest showroom.

Origin ensures every installer undergoes full and ongoing training on the sales, specification and installation of their products. However, they go even further.

Buy another system from any of the many manufacturers and you won’t get the same delivery process or the all-important protection of your new windows and doors in transit. Origin provides some of the best lead time and delivery services in the industry.  Whichever Origin windows supplier you choose, they all receive windows and doors delivered and protected in the same way.

For the installation of your new windows, Origin is unique in also supporting your local Origin windows supplier with installation assistance when required. Something rarely offered by other systems companies. Examples include helping with the sophisticated Origin inline sliding patio door or dealing with any complex issues on site. As a result, Origin is a systems company wanting to be part of your project and your overall customer experience through their professional network of installers.

Aftercare service for your new windows.

Finally, Origin offers what the glazing industry acknowledges as one of the best customer experiences after you improve your home with their windows. The 20-year guarantee is the first. Second is the ability to register products like bifolding doors, in the unlikely even spare parts are required or if they need repair through accidental damage.

For all these great reasons, it makes sense to get in touch with Origin where they can put you in touch with your local installer and start your journey improving your home.

The post How to find Origin Windows Suppliers appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

Sculptured windows remain a very popular choice, particularly in uPVC.  In this article, we explain more about sculptured windows, look at other styles and also explain which aluminium bifolds can match your existing or new PVCu windows.

Can you buy an aluminium bifold to match PVCu sculptured windows?

Aluminium bifolding doors for sculptured windows.

One of the reasons sculptured windows remain popular is their suitability for the wide variety of British homes. There are many different sculptured profile windows available from some of the best brands such as Rehau, Veka or Eurocell.  The Liniar PVCu sculptured window is particularly popular with home improvement companies as well as being slimmer. A putty line feature is another great benefit for those wanting a good looking window.

Ovolo is another name for sculptured.  The prominent feature is how it resembles the beading on traditional windows. With PVCu windows especially, sculptured windows give you all the benefits of timber look windows with the security, energy efficiency and newness of PVCu.

As well as opening out casement windows, you can also have sculptured tilt and turn windows or fixed windows.

Chamfered PVCu windows.

Chamfered windows look slightly different in having a slope to the edge of the profile. This style of window particularly suits older properties thanks to its flatter and neater look, often slimmer too.

Consequently, sculptured windows are ideal for larger windows, conservatory glazing or door side panels.

Sculptured aluminium bifolding door profile to match your existing or new PVCu windows.

Choosing aluminium bifolds for sculptured windows in PVCu.

With many houses having brand new or older PVCu windows, you will already be happy with your purchase.  However, if you’re extending or updating your doors, there are some good reasons to consider a bifolding door matching the sculptured windows in your home. For instance:

• You want bifolding doors to replace your existing French Doors benefitting from more flexibility and a bigger opening in the summer.
• The intended bifolding doors are in close proximity to existing PVCu windows such as in a conservatory or orangery.
• The windows in your home come in one of the latest woodgrain or plain colour foil finishes.
• You just like the look of a more traditional looking bifolding door.

Above all, the benefits of aluminium bifolding doors are well-known over PVCu versions and recommended for this type of patio door.

Presently, there are two products available to match the aesthetics of PVCu windows.  One is the Integral Bifolding door from Epwin Windows. New to the market it is marketed exactly for this purpose.

The Alumina bifolding door offers, in our view, a more sophisticated and technically superior proposition.  The hardware is excellent with premium construction, look and feel. Alumina comes with a low threshold also having a weather rating. The sizes available with Alumina give you bigger door panels and more glass as a result.

As well as bifolding doors, sculptured aluminium like Alumina by Liniar also enable you to have matching single or French doors. The same profile as the bifolds ensures a consistent look throughout your home.

Other reasons to consider sculptured windows and doors.

Contemporary bifolding and sliding doors look great in the home, often providing a great contrast to existing windows.  However, the softer lines of a sculptured aluminium profile are also compelling reasons to consider it.

• Your home has existing timber sculptured windows and a new timber bifold is too expensive. Therefore, look at a woodgrain aluminium bifold door as a solution.
• Older and character properties suit a more traditional looking or woodgrain door over a contemporary product.
• You may prefer sculptured doors like Alumina being easy on the eye compared to the flat appearance of other aluminium systems.
• You prefer the look of a more classic looking and elegant door in your home.

Contact us for where to view and buy sculptured aluminium doors.

When it comes to bifolding doors, we always recommend looking out for different products, particularly new ones; Sculptured doors are one such example.  Our advice is to see the doors and compare to other brands to make a well-informed choice.  Contact us to ask us any questions about these or other bifolding doors and where to buy.

The post Buying Sculptured Windows and Doors appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

The SUNFLEX range of over 35 home improvement products comes from a professional network of trained SUNFLEX suppliers.  Buying from an accredited supplier of products offers homeowners additional peace of mind compared with sourcing them from the broader supply chain.  We explain how manufacturing businesses such as SUNFLEX support their dealer network and how this benefits the homeowner.

Products and services from SUNFLEX suppliers.

SUNFLEX is best known for its German-made bifolding doors as well as sliding doors, frameless products and windows.  The bifolding door products, slide and turn doors and frameless systems are made in Germany. The rest of the SUNFLEX range is made in the UK.  Based in Norwich, the company services its network of installers all, independent professional companies.

As all products are at the quality end of the market, SUNFLEX suppliers specialise in both standard and more demanding projects.  Some installers choose SUNFLEX products as the premium or luxury option added to their standard product range.  Other dealers use SUNFLEX exclusively or as part of an overall range of high-end windows and doors.

Therefore when buying from SUNFLEX suppliers, you benefit from not only quality products but also professional, trained and experienced home improvement businesses. However, you also benefit from a range of support services not available from non-dealer suppliers.

SUNFLEX support services to installers and homeowners.

Like other businesses supplying products to a trained and approved a network of installers, SUNFLEX works with their dealers to ensure you get the best service and customer experience.  Other installers buying brands such as Aluk, Smart Systems, Schuco or Reynaers won’t always get the same service.  The is because many different manufacturers make the products as trade suppliers.  There are countless manufacturers of these products all offering different levels of service, quality, training and after-care. This doesn’t mean these products are inferior, merely that often the exact source of your new windows and doors is unknown.

Many of these trade suppliers are in the business of only making products for the trade. Broadly speaking their work is to supply ready-made doors correctly only.  They rarely deal with you as your contract is not with you.

Sunflex, like other dealer-focused businesses, exclusively making their products, offers the following services to the homeowner, not always available with everyone from the general trade supply market.

Training on fitting SUNFLEX products.

Every approved SUNFLEX dealer undergoes sales, product and installation training.  This training is free and ensures your highly engineered windows and doors are correctly specified, made and fitted.  Only a precise installation ensures a reliable product for years to come.

The training does not just apply to just fitting the products. The SUNFLEX showroom in Norwich is extensive and available for both homeowners to visit as well as provide sales training.

Contact with Recognised Distributors.

As a long-established business with a prominent brand, SUNFLEX receives enquiries from homeowners directly.  When you contact the company, they put you in touch with one of their best suppliers.  First of all, you deal with smart, ethical and sound businesses.  There is no high-pressure selling and only clear information and advice. You also get a full understanding of the process involved as well as fully protected products, expertly crafted and professionally installed.

For the installation itself, your new SUNFLEX windows or door installation is carried out with care and precision. Replacement doors or windows fit with minimum disruption to your home and your possessions. Additionally, suitable cleaning at the end of the installation is part of the final finishing off of the installation, if required. New build installations require less tidying up if building works are ongoing. Your doors are left fully protected if needed, while other trades work around them.

As well as a full service, SUNFLEX suppliers provide the following assurances:

• A home improvement business vetted and approved as a Sunflex UK distributor.
• Have received all the required product and installation training.
• Dealing with a financially stable business.
• Have a history of installing SUNFLEX products to a satisfactory conclusion.
• Peace of mind with guarantees, deposit protection and other accreditations.
• Have the systems in place to solve any problems as well as carry out servicing work.

Above all, at the end of your installation, your SUNFLEX dealer provides full product training. They ensure you understand how to use the product, as well as easy-care cleaning and maintenance. Also provided are your customer documents, operation manuals and any maintenance instructions.

Sunflex Showrooms

A SUNFLEX showroom is the best place to experience and understand the engineering, quality and design of the products. All SUNFLEX showrooms have up-to-date products at full sizes and in real-world environments. It is in these showrooms you see the ultra-low thresholds, slimline profiles and contemporary appearance associated with the brand.

Therefore, buying new windows and doors through a supported dealer network usually provides you with a more direct approach to your manufacturer. Additionally, you are more aware of the training and vetting processes involved to supply top of the range products like Sunflex.

Interested in becoming a supplier of Sunflex doors?

For installers interested in finding out about the benefits of selling these premium, desirable doors, contact us for further information.

Contact us for further information and to get a quote for SUNFLEX windows and doors.

Sunflex offers a range of premium bifolding and sliding doors, windows and entrance doors.  Contact us for any questions and to get details of a local installer and where to buy.

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Windows with built-in blinds come in all the major materials.  As well as aluminium windows, pvcu, timber, and even composite hybrid windows all suit any of the integral blind systems on the market.

Integral blinds provide many benefits over conventional after-market blinds. We explain everything you need to know when buying new windows with blinds between the glass.

Information about windows with built-in blinds.

First of all, buying integral blinds for any window means getting in touch with a reputable supplier of windows and doors. Virtually all integral blind systems reach the homeowner through a network of home improvement businesses and window installers.  Few manufacturers of integral blinds supply the end-user directly as they are higher up the supply chain as manufacturers of double glazed units.

Therefore if you need a price for integral blinds for any windows as well as doors, you need to get a price for the windows at the same time.

Aluminium, as well as PVCu and timber windows all, use the same integral blind systems.  The deciding factor in whether any new or replacement window suits integral blinds is the glazing cavity, as well as the thickness of the sealed unit it accepts.  Most modern windows with built-in blinds come with a 24mm or 28mm glazing cavity for double glazed units.  Triple glazing also suits integral blinds being a deeper cavity – typically 32mm or more.

When you place your order for your new windows, the window manufacturer issues your installer with the glass manufacturing sizes.  These sizes form the basis of the order to the integral blind manufacturers.  Your integral blinds come made to these sizes.  Once your window supplier receives the glass with blinds, he glazes them into your new windows at your property as part of the overall installation.

Many PVCu and timber windows come factory glazed.  Where you need these types of windows with built-in blinds, your windows supplier either provides the units to the manufacturer or the manufacturer deals directly with a supplier of integral blinds.

The benefits of buying windows with integrated blinds.

One of the most significant benefits of buying windows with built-in blinds is less wear and tear.  The blind sits permanently sealed within the double glazed unit. Therefore, they never need cleaning, they do not gather any dust, and the blinds remain protected.  There is no risk of any damage from wind, children, pets or general wear and tear from being exposed to the internal environment of a home.

Another benefit of integral blinds staying clean and dust-free means a longer service life compared to after-market fabric, plastic or wood blinds.

The glass supplied with modern windows and doors is already of an excellent specification.  As standard, most windows today come with quality glass, having a soft-coat low-emissivity coating, warm edge spacer bars and argon gas fill. Doors also have the same specification with the glass always toughened or laminated safety glass.  The result of this good specification is excellent energy efficiency.  However, when you fit an integral blind between the glass, the performance of the unit improves further.

Integral blinds sit very neatly within the glass also offering excellent privacy, with fewer gaps compared to cheaper wood, metal or plastic horizontal blinds. As with any other blind, they tilt as well as raise and lower.

Finally, the manually operated blind often comes with a simple magnet operation or electric option.  This makes windows with built-in blinds a safer product compared to dangling cords.  There is even a solar control integral blind option, opening and closing the blinds as daylight changes.

Origin windows with built-in blinds alongside Origin bifolds, supplied by Open Living in Letchworth.

What to consider when buying windows with built-in blinds.

One primary consideration when buying any windows with integral blinds is that the blind is part of the glass unit. This is a permanent fixture. Therefore, we suggest you visit a showroom and see how full-size windows with blinds look. Only by looking at a product can you decide if windows with built-in blinds are for you.

Furthermore, every integral blind needs a perimeter frame to house the mechanisms for the blind system.  Consequently, windows with integral blinds have less visible glass than standard glass units. Every integral blind differs.  Some have very visible raised and stacked blind slats, others less visible.  You should expect to see a thick sight line at the top of the units with the blind raised.

Despite the reduced glass sizes, the benefit is no new curtains or blinds.  Also, many modern aluminium windows and doors are slim, contemporary and highly attractive products. Therefore where after-market curtains and blinds obscure your glazing, integral blinds let you enjoy the fine lines and colour of your new windows and doors while enjoying privacy and shade from the closed blinds.

Windows with built-in blinds also look great inside the home or office.

Getting a quotation for new windows with integral blinds.

To find out how much windows with built-in blinds cost requires extra and necessary information such as your window sizes, blind colours, preferred blinds operation and details relating to the window frames. Only then can you get an accurate quotation for your home improvement project.

Contact us to find out where to buy or get a price. You can use the contact form on this page for further information or for us to put you in touch with a local supplier offering brands of aluminium windows with built-in blinds.

The post Buying Windows with Built-in Blinds appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.