You should also consider the best configuration to suit your home and lifestyle . This is particularly important when choosing patio door options . Bi-fold doors are the most versatile and can even be created to fit in bays and corners . They can also be made to open from one side to the other , in the middle , or at various other points , and can be made to open either inwards or outwards . Sliding doors are less flexible , but offer wider expanses of glass . They also take up less room when opened , making them a perfect option for smaller homes .
" Bespoke doors and windows will often come with a huge range of colour options , ensuring there ’ s the perfect shade for your project ."
3 . CONSIDER THE FUNCTIONALITY OF YOUR HOME
Doors and windows can also improve the functionality of a home . For example , incorporating bi-folding or sliding doors can help to seamlessly link the indoors and outdoors , helping to increase the living space of your property . During the planning stages , consider how you would like to live in each space and which door and window options will help to facilitate this .
DOORS , WINDOWS & FITTINGS
4 . PRIORITISE SAFETY
Doors and windows are the most common access point for intruders , so it ’ s vital to opt for products that guarantee security when planning your self-build project .
2 . USE QUALITY MATERIALS
Before purchasing doors and windows , it is vital to consider which material is right for your build . Doors and windows tend to be made from uPVC , wood , or aluminium . uPVC is the cheapest option , making it a great option for those on a budget . However , it tends to come with thick sightlines and can warp over time . Wooden frames can look good on period-style properties but are also prone to contracting and expanding in adverse weather condition and require additional maintenance .
For maximum safety , check that the systems conform to PAS 24:2016 security standards . Opting for front doors and glazed doors that incorporate heavy-duty zinc hinges and a cylinder lock will also ensure that they are resistant to attacks for potential intruders .
For ultimate reassurance , look for doors and windows that are accredited with the police approved Secured by Design standard .
Aluminium offers a far better return on investment for selfbuilders as it is strong , durable and low maintenance . It is also innately light , allowing for narrow frames . This makes it a great option for those looking to let the maximum amount of natural light in a property . Plus , aluminium is infinitely recyclable , meaning it is one of the most sustainable materials in the world .
5 . CHECK THERMAL EFFICIENCY RATINGS
Thermal efficiency is another key consideration when choosing doors and windows . Opting for ultra-efficient products will help to reduce your energy bill and ensure you can enjoy every room of the house all year round . The best indicators of thermal efficiency are U-values which show the amount of heat lost in watts per square metre of material . The lower the number , the better the thermal efficiency . Origin Doors can achieve U-values as low as 1.2 , which far exceeds UK requirements .
High quality doors will also feature a polyamide thermal break in the profile , which is designed to boost energy efficiency , keeping homes cool in the summer and warm in the winter .
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