Refurbishment and Restore Issue 23 2021 | Page 19

2 . CHOOSE A DESIGN THAT SUITS YOUR PROPERTY
Opting for completely customisable bi-fold doors will allow you to create the perfect design to suit your home , whether it ’ s a period property , a newbuild , or anything in between .
High-quality aluminium doors can be powder-coated in a huge range of colours , including authentic wood grain finishes and two-tone options , so consider whether you want your new doors to blend in or contrast with the rest of your property .
It is also important to consider the best configuration to suit your home and lifestyle . Bi-fold doors can be installed to open from one side , in the middle or at various other points . They can also be created to fit bays and corners , making them more versatile than any other type of patio door .
3 . CHECK THERMAL EFFICIENCY RATINGS
Before purchasing bi-fold doors , it is important to consider thermal efficiency . 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 . For instance , Origin doors 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 improve energy efficiency , allowing homeowners to enjoy the room all year round .
4 . PRIORITISE SAFETY
As bi-fold doors are likely to link to the outside of the property , it is vital to prioritise security .
For maximum safety , check that the system conforms to PAS 24:2016 security standards . Opting for 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 , homeowners should opt for doors that are accredited with the police-approved Secured by Design standard .
For those with young children in the house , we always recommend choosing doors with finger-safe gaskets to stop little hands from getting trapped and magnetic catches that can help hold the doors in place whilst you ’ re operating them .
For more tips on choosing the right bi-fold doors for your home , visit our Advice Centre https :// origin-global . com / advicecentre www . refurbandrestore . co . uk - 19