Folding door systems present a perfect blend of style and functionality to modern build projects, but what are the considerations to make when turning design ideas into practical solutions?

Folding door systems go beyond the means of traditional hinged doors and can offer greater flexibility, accessibility and superior visuals whilst maximising the usable space of a room. Folding doors can be applied in a variety of settings too, with interior applications focusing on aesthetics, space efficiency and sound insulation and exterior systems prioritising the flow of movement, thermal performance and enhanced natural light.

To translate design ideas into viable, functional spaces requires

an understanding of how different folding door systems are configured and their suitability for projects. In operation, a folding door will call upon its hinges and hardware to slide multiple panels along a track system, stacking them to one or both sides. With that, there are two key operational methods to consider.

Top hung systems are commonly found in interior applications and are designed to suspend panels from a head track for seamless operation, also reducing the need for a continuous floor track which can be an issue if a space has underfloor heating or ceramic tiles already installed. Bottom rolling systems, on the other hand, are ideal for projects where the overhead structure may not be strong enough to support the complete system.

Decision makers must also review the primary design variations of folding door systems. For instance, a Multifold 30 system- known as an inline system- is simpler to understand as panels typically share the same centreline as the top track and channel. Whilst being easier to install, these systems may not always be compatible with rebated

frames. In contrast, Interfold systems- known as an offline system- typically has panels on a different centreline to the top track, allowing doors to open away from and back into a rebated frame. This option is better suited to external systems to improve weather resistance, as well as for internal systems that require acoustic, thermal or light

reduction on one side compared to the other. Where Multifold door systems may be easier to operate and provide neater stacking arrangements, Interfold systems can offer a more symmetrical visual effect when doors are open and provide greater balance which is useful in larger installations. Often, the choice between systems will come down to a project’ s aesthetics, the available space and operational preference. Though, to truly unlock the host of benefits presented by folding door applications, decision makers must align their design vision with a technical understanding of the folding door systems available in today’ s market.

www. allegion. com

Eliminate unnecessary service calls for sticky locks, keeps and hinge adjustments while saving time and money, as well as boosting your sales and brand reputation, with AV4 from Winkhaus is the solution to smooth operation in the face of thermal expansion.

A known industry issue, this natural phenomenon that’ s causes doors to expend, contract and warp impacting the functionality of all door materials, affecting fit, operation and durability over time.

Winkhaus UK, a pioneering force in the door hardware market, has a solution to thermal expansion. The newest innovation in autoLocking solutions, AV4, is designed to directly address these challenges, resulting in up to 70 % lower operational force to use.

Adapting to misalignment

As a door naturally moves and the moving parts start to misalign, more force is required to engage the locking mechanism requiring extra pressure needs to be applied to turn the key, causing difficulty for the user and triggering call outs for the installer to investigate.

The AV4 eliminates these issues, with wider installation tolerances built into the

lock, AV4 resulting in significantly lower forces to operate than competitor auto locks and auto-engaging locking solutions.

Testing against real world conditions

Winkhaus wanted to measure the real-world impact that AV4 can have on a doors ease of use, and invited end-users to evaluate how it operated under thermal expansion compared to other locks on the market. The results we clear, in every test the AV4 performed the best by significant margins. End user feedback chose the AV4 over and over.

Enhanced user experience

The Av4 can work in situations where other locks will not perform due to its low force to operate, which offers significant advantages for fabricators and installers.

Not only does this reliable locking solution reduce the need for costly replacements over time, but it also minimises the lost time and expense associated with frequent maintenance visits, enhancing the reputation and profitability of fabricators and installers within the industry.

For homeowners, the AV4 offers user-friendly operation, ensuring ease of use for individuals of all ages and abilities. Its low force to operate allows accessibility to everyone, including those with disabilities that affect their ability to grip or apply force to other locking solutions. Additionally, the longevity and reliability of AV4 means that occupants can enjoy the convenience of a single, dependable locking solution throughout their tenure- from children to grandparents- promoting a sense of continuity and supporting the requirements of the future home’ s initiative.

www. winkhaus. co. uk