The environment is a crucial issue that is never far from the news, and we must all consider how we can help the planet in all aspects of our lives. The efficiency of the products that we choose and use is a vital element of this.
Whether it’s a renovation, new build or commercial property, all aspects of any building design project must come under scrutiny. Aluminium bi-fold doors have become an ever-increasingly popular choice across a wide range of applications. Not only are they sleek and strong, but because they can be custom designed to suit, they are an affordable and convenient option.
As such an in-demand product, it’s vital for customers to be able to clearly see just how energy efficient aluminium bi-fold doors are before committing to a purchase. This is particularly important as less efficient products may not offer sufficient protection against various weather conditions. If they are draughty, then heat will escape from a property.
We make sure that all the products we manufacture at The Builders Choice, including our EasyFold aluminium bi-folding doors, meet and exceed Building Regulations in England and Wales. The standard glazing units that we use are designed to provide optimal thermal efficiency and the system achieves U-values of 1.4-1.7W/m²K.
As a general rule, the lower the U-value of a building product, the better the insulation it provides to the building. Low E and anti-sun coating options on the glazing we offer reflects radiated heat back into a room rather than allowing it to escape through the glass, while letting heat and light from the sun inside.
Due to the thermal insulation properties of aluminium bi-folds from The Builders Choice, they help to make a property warmer, lighter and more energy efficient
As well as thermal efficiency, aluminium bi-fold doors also need to be rigorously tested to ensure they are watertight and protected from a host of weather conditions. A Water Tightness test is also required for aluminium bi-folding doors with a standard threshold.
This is to ensure that they are suitably airtight to achieve Class 4 permeability, as well as resistant to water penetration – meeting and exceeding requirements. This also shows that the doors are resistant to wind loads and repeated pressure cycles.
EasyFold aluminium bi-fold doors have been tested to BS6375 Part 1 & 2 along with BS6375-1:2004, achieving Severe Weather Rating
Another positive aspect of the increased popularity of bi-fold doors manufactured from aluminium is that it is a highly recyclable material – lowering the carbon footprint of the metal and reducing its impact on the environment.
Approximately 90 percent of aluminium used in the glazing industry is recycled, and because the quality of aluminium is not lost in the recycling process, this means it can be used over again, further reducing the effect on the environment.
Also, because aluminium does not expand or contract, it is resistant to varying levels of moisture, salt spray and heat found in coastal areas, making it an ideal material to use for bi-fold doors located in such climates.
Contact us to find out more about EasyFold aluminium bi-fold doors from The Builders Choice or to get a quick quote.