HARDWARE & SECURITY
UNFOLDING AND EXPLAINING SLIDING AND FOLDING DOOR HARDWARE ACROSS THE COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL SECTORS
» DAVID KNOLLMAN, BRIO BUSINESS development manager at Allegion UK, comments on the use and benefits of sliding and folding door hardware applications and the links to greater accessibility, thermal efficiency and safety.
What are the most common vulnerabilities in bifold and sliding doors when it comes to home security?
Where some believe there to be perceived security weaknesses in bifold and sliding door systems, these are largely negated with modern locks and tight tolerances. For example, if a folding door has lockable flush bolts or a two point shoot system on breakout points and a PAS 244 or SBD rated multipoint lock, the doors are as secure as a standard back door- they won’ t be going anywhere in a hurry!
How do security requirements change between residential and light commercial applications?
Although there are slightly different focus areas between residential and light commercial applications, such as increased footfall and the potential value of assets within commercial settings, there are not many definitive security adaptations needed when it comes to the hardware systems- some may only need to consider that keys are more likely required to be keyed alike.
Do security requirements change with the seasons?
Modern multipoint locks often have adjustable keeps, allowing for any expansion or contraction in the door which may be a result of a fluctuation in temperature. With flush bolts, the keeps also have a fair amount of give
in them for expansion and contraction, although longer keeps are an option when required.
How do current standards like PAS 24 or Secured by Design impact the choice of locking systems for these door types?
Both timber and aluminium systems can utilise multipoint locking systems on the swing leaf of an odd leaf system, ensuring Product Assessment Specification( PAS 24) and Secured by Design( SBD) requirements are met. PAS 24 is a testing system applied to complete installation, including the door, frame and hardware system, whereas SBD can be awarded to hardware elements such as locks, hinges and sliding door systems, with both accreditations signifying quality assurance and security performance. With folding doors rarely‘ standard’ and learning more on the side of bespoke items, it is difficult to test all configurations. Though, with multipoint locks having SBD or passing PAS 24 accreditation, we normally recommend these testing methods are used as a way of knowing applications are fit for purpose.
Courtesy of Mumford & Wood
What are the most common vulnerabilities in bifold and sliding doors when it comes to safety?
With safety, the key area to consider is how a user may operate the door system- especially when it comes to folding door applications. A lack of education on how to operate the door effectively can cause misuse and potential safety incidents, so in many cases, it is important to provide a level of training or understanding on how to use a system as intended.
How do safety requirements change between residential and light commercial applications?
With busy commercial settings, a door system may be used more frequently and as such, more consideration must be placed into cycle testing, ensuring the door will remain reliable under consistent use throughout its lifecycle.
When folding doors are operated, we recommend children are supervised at all times. In application, folding doors will fold inherently which runs a possibility for trapped fingers. If a system has what’ s known as a swing panel, we also urge users to secure this in place before folding the doors, as this can be potentially hazardous if left to swing freely.
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AUGUST 2025
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