Total Installer May-June 2019

Key Questions: Bi-Folds
MAKE SURE YOU CAN ANSWER THE
KEY BUYER BI-FOLD QUESTIONS...
In our third expert column from Origin, a leading manufacturer of aluminium doors and
windows, we caught up with its Director, Ben Brocklesby, to get answers to some of the
most burning buyer questions regarding the ever-popular bi-fold doors.
For homeowners, choosing the right bi-fold doors for their home is often a challenge, as there’s so
much to think about. They will need to consider everything from sightlines and aesthetics, through
to thermal efficiency and the security features. So what advice can you offer to set them on the
right path?
Ben Brocklesby answers the frequently asked bi-fold door questions:
Q. What material should I go for – wood,
metal or uPVC?
A: uPVC is the cheapest option, but has thick
sightlines due to the material not being as
innately strong as other materials. For bi-fold
doors, this can affect how many panels are
needed, which in turn means less glass and
consequently, less light. It also has a tendency to
flex and warp in differing weather conditions,
which can limit operation and reduce longevity.
Timber can look great in certain types of property
and offer a warm feel, but similar to uPVC, it
tends to have wide sightlines, which will restrict
the homeowner’s view. Timber doors also require
regular maintenance, especially when situated in
direct sunlight.
Finally, we have aluminium, which offers an ideal
combination of strength and weight, allowing for
narrow, more aesthetically pleasing frames and
better sightlines. It is also low maintenance
and comes with longer
guarantees, as frames are
more resilient to flexing,
expanding or
contracting. Available
in almost every colour
under the sun,
including wood effect
finishes, it is a win-win.
Q. What budget is required?
A: The prices can range drastically, from cheaper
Above: Ben Brocklesby, Director at Origin.
uPVC systems, to value for money aluminium or
ultra-expensive timber options. A high
quality, bespoke aluminium bi-fold
door, glazed and installed will
normally cost around £1,200
- £1,500 per door leaf.
Q. What type of
guarantee is available?
A: The standard industry
guarantee is 10 years, but at
Origin we offer up to 20 years on all of
our systems. This also covers all manufactured
parts and the paint. Well manufactured doors
should last for years after they are installed, so
the longer the guarantee, the more the end user
can rest assured that they are getting peace of
mind with their purchase.
“Energy efficiency is
increasingly on buyers’
checklists when
making improvements
to their homes, so
being able to offer the
very best is key”
50 TIJULY/AUG 2019 PRACTICAL CONTENT FOR THE GLAZING INSTALLER & HOME IMPROVEMENT SPECIALIST