When days are brighter and warmer in spring and summer , sliding and folding patio doors will flood a home with natural light and when opened , can offer a better connection to garden areas . Often , in highend applications , large sliding panels are utilised with specialist hardware and profiles , ensuring the glazed part of the door consists of minimal framing for superior uninterrupted views . Folding doors on the other hand , allow for a virtually clear opening , with smaller panels and more vertical frames .
Both types of doorsets extend living spaces and allow for more light to be passed through to the interior rooms of a house , reducing the need for artificial light during the day , when compared with traditional hinged doors that are typically bulkier in design and can ’ t open as wide . With that in mind , the distinctive design of sliding and folding door systems is especially useful in scenarios where guests are visiting , and increased traffic flow is expected in multiple areas of the home - such as summer barbecues and other large open plan gatherings . In these settings , occupants are presented with a seamless transition from indoors to outdoors and a versatile functional area for entertaining that can be enjoyed as a result of the saved space .
With only 4 % of adults believing the UK is well prepared for hotter summers , the use of sliding and folding doors should not be overlooked as a source of much needed ventilation when facing extreme summer conditions . The naturally wide openings associated with these modern door designs can help to circulate fresh air through a property when temperatures begin to rise , offering enhanced ventilation and supporting a controlled climate when the sun is at its highest .
EFFICIENT TEMPERATURE PERFORMANCE
Eventually - and predictably - the weather will take a turn for the worse . When the signs of autumn and winter reappear , it ’ s important for a home ’ s chosen door system to possess quality panels and closing mechanisms , giving users peace of mind that when exterior doors are closed , the weather is locked out too .
"... modern sliding and folding door systems may often hold the answers , by combining aesthetic space-saving features with practical versatility ."
As much as sliding and folding door systems can help to regulate temperature in the warm summer months , the right application can equally make a difference when the cold strikes . Sliding and bifold doors are renowned for thermal performance - with timber frames generally recognised as more efficient than their aluminium counterparts - and can help to retain the heat inside a home whilst keeping the cold air out . Rebated folding systems , for example , are often applied with brush strips and seals , creating thermally sealed systems that keep draughts away . Energy-efficient glazing can also prevent energy loss and keep energy costs down . In addition , internal partitions assist in temperature control during the winter , with homeowners able to effortlessly close off open plan areas when not in use .
Modern timber doorsets also offer strong sound absorption , with external doors able to shield inside spaces from outside noise , such as heavy traffic and high winds . Furthermore , where regular doors can be susceptible to slamming in windy conditions , reliable folding and sliding soft close door systems offer greater stability in their closing methods , assuring fingers won ’ t become trapped as a result of sudden gusts , as well as reducing maintenance and extending the life of the doors . For homes located near the coast or an area experiencing high levels of rain , it ’ s also important to consider the finish of external door applications . PVD coatings or marine grade stainless steel door hardware , for example , offer enhanced durability in these settings to effectively guard against the elements such as salt spray and sea air - allowing homeowners to enjoy lasting use of their sliding and folding door systems , and all whilst embracing the cycle of Britain ’ s seasonal weather .
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DOORS , WINDOWS & FITTINGS
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