WarmCore Bi Fold Doors
WarmCore Bi-Fold Doors: The Material Discussion
When we talk about material, we’re considering timber, UPVC, aluminum, or a combination of these elements.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The evolution of doors and windows has been influenced by the availability of materials over time. However, Bi-Fold doors stand out as a unique concept, with historical roots traced back to the Romans, Greeks, and Chinese, who all used various forms of folding screens – the predecessors of modern Bi-Fold doors.
Some of the earliest Bi-Fold doors, as we recognize them today, were utilized by shop and café owners in continental Europe. These doors allowed them to expand their sales area into the adjacent streets, similar to their predecessors. Initially, these doors were constructed with hinged timber leaves, later replaced by aluminum as it became a fashionable choice for designing shop fronts. However, while suitable for commercial purposes, these aluminum Bi-Fold doors faced challenges when introduced to the discerning domestic household market.
Their specifications, including large glass panels and the ability to open up a room, were appealing. Yet, they lacked essential features such as thermal efficiency, thermal breaks in aluminum frames, and reliable operating and security systems. These shortcomings led to a slow adoption among average homeowners.
The original concept has transformed significantly:
- Slim and stylish frames
- Double or triple glazed units for excellent thermal insulation
- Introduction of thermal breaks for enhanced “U” values
- Smooth, gliding operating systems
- Low thresholds preventing water ingress
- Vibrant colors, replacing traditional white or grey
- Increased competition, leading to competitive prices
Price matters, but trust is key:
- Warmcore Homes, part of the reputable GFD Group
- 10,000+ satisfied customers in nine years
- The renaissance of domestic bi-fold doors is here to stay.
- Which material suits you best?
Timber – the most natural of all products they always look good because they are natural but they are generally the one that is the most expensive – the same reasons of warp/ rot/ maintenance etc that caused the move away from timber to UPVC windows and doors plus the demand for slim line features, timber although beautiful when the unit is of the highest quality material, will find it harder to compete unless your door is intended purely for internal use.
PVCU vs. Aluminium: Choosing Bi-Fold Doors
- History: Aluminium has a longer commercial history, while UPVC is relatively new.
- Manufacturing Precision: Aluminium offers superior precision due to its precise machining abilities, unlike UPVC’s fusion welding, resulting in better size tolerance.
- Expansion/Contraction: UPVC expands and contracts significantly with temperature changes, leading to potential issues, unlike stable Aluminium.
- Maximum Size: UPVC bi-fold doors are limited to around 4m wide x 2.25m high due to tolerance and expansion concerns, while Aluminium has no such limitations.
- Glazing: Aluminium handles heavy glass weights effectively, providing a clear view, whereas UPVC may require additional leaves, obstructing the view.
- Security and Fixings: Aluminium is sturdy and secure, while UPVC, being plastic, is less robust and relies on self-tapping screws.
- New Alternative: Consider Composite Bi-Fold Doors – UPVC core within an Aluminium frame, combining the best of both materials.
Revolutionizing the Industry:
- Precision-engineered Aluminium frames, customizable and robust.
- Guarantees strength, capable of holding double or triple glazed panels.
- Provides secure fixings for handles, locks, and runners.
From UPVC:
- Inner core enhances “U” values, offering a superior “cold break.”
- Minimizes heat transfer within the structure, ensuring energy efficiency.
Introducing the COMBINATION BI-FOLD DOOR:
- Merging the best of UPVC and Aluminium.
- Stunning designs, unmatched strength, and exceptional flexibility.
Experience Excellence:
- Warmcore Homes delivers unparalleled services and products.
- Design & Price Your WarmCore Bifolding Door Online Now.
Witness the Innovation:
- See a 7 Pane WarmCore Homes Bi Folding Door in action below.
Enhanced Thermal Efficiency:
- Fully concealed multi-chambered cores significantly boost thermal performance compared to thermally-broken aluminum doors.
- Achieves a U-value of 1.4 W/m2K with 28mm double glazing.
- Achieves an impressive U-value of 1.0 W/m2K with 44mm Triple glazing.
Advanced Thermal Efficiency:
- Concealed multi-chambered cores significantly enhance thermal performance in contrast to thermally-broken aluminum doors.
- Attains a U-value of 1.4 W/m2K with 28mm double glazing.
- Achieves an impressive U-value of 1.0 W/m2K with 44mm Triple glazing.
Cutting-Edge Sophistication
Crafted with meticulous precision, boasting a superior surface finish, and featuring sleek sightlines upon installation, aluminum stands out as the preferred material for top-tier folding sliding door solutions. WarmCore doors leverage a composite blend of materials, guaranteeing an energy-efficient and recyclable final product. This innovative fusion combines the excellence of aluminum—embracing premium quality, structural robustness, and architectural finesse—to produce a solution ideal for residential and commercial constructions alike.
Durable Weather Resistance:
- Folding sliding door leaves feature triple-sealed contact weatherstrip gaskets, eliminating draughts and ensuring exceptional weathertightness.
- Superior weathertightness guarantees year-round user comfort.
- Gasket corner mouldings for sash-to-frame and sash-to-sash applications employ a push-fit design for easy installation, eliminating the need for excess gaskets to fill gaps between sashes.
Robust Construction:
- PAS24 and Secure By Design (SBD) compatibility offer peace of mind to end users, confirming impressive structural strength and security credentials.
- Double-strength sash corners use internal aluminum cleats and a wrap-around corner moulding block for secure rigidity.
- Custom-engineered extruded aluminum hinges prioritize security, featuring clip-fit design for easy on-site installation and an integral dog-bolt feature for enhanced security.
- Multiple screw fixings, including at the knuckle and main body, ensure stability.
- Run-through gasket grooves enable continuous weather-sealing.
- Designed to support the weight of triple glazed units.
- Custom-designed sash corner blocks accommodate various hardware applications, ensuring high-quality installation and operational performance.
- Installers and homeowners benefit from our hardware partners’ ERA “Five-Star” security guarantee against forced entry for 10 years, providing added reassurance.
