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Bi Fold or Sliding Door

  • 04-04-2018 10:48am
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16


    Hi all
    just looking for some advise in relation to the above. I have a 3.5 meter wide by 2 meter high opening to the outside on an east facing wall. I shopped around and the Folding Door Company in Rathcoole seem quite good and fit Reynaers products. I want to go with triple glaze as the rest of the house has this.
    Has anyone any feedback in relation to which to go for, a bi fold three panel door or a sliding door. There is not much of a difference between them in relation to price. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 543 ✭✭✭mike_2009


    If you're airtight go sliding door, if not consider BiFold. BiFold is usually more expensive, so well done there. You've a lot of frame with BiFold but it's great when open. Less frame with sliding but remember when it's open you only get 1/2 or 1/3 open (with 2 / 3 sections) and the remaining part is darker as the two glass panes now overlap. Check the weight against the foundation specs and RSJ lintel that'll be required. Look for SBD / security / ISO specifications. Have you a water channel outside / zero threshold? Watch out for water ingress.
    I'm going with sliding door for air tightness. Check if BiFold top hung vs RSJ?
    The self build magazines regularly run articles on this exact topic so google and check back issues.....I'm sure others will provide more insight here shortly....


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16 jj79


    thanks for all that very helpful. the plan is to have the patio that the door opens out to at floor level. The folding door company man said they would be putting in an ACO drain for the water. the builder is putting a steel beam in to span the opening. Just wondering what is meant by top hung v RSJ ? thanks


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,891 ✭✭✭✭ted1


    Are bi-folding doors reliable? Several people I know who have them have commented that with hindsight they would have gone with sliding doors


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31,218 ✭✭✭✭Lumen


    ted1 wrote: »
    Are bi-folding doors reliable? Several people I know who have them have commented that with hindsight they would have gone with sliding doors
    I've read that, but sliding doors can fail too.

    The most reliable type is a French door, which is what I'm thinking of using to replace my slider (along with large fixed panes).

    Never really understood the attraction of large openings. It's not a major inconvenience to line yourself up with the bit of the wall with a hole in it before walking through.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 543 ✭✭✭mike_2009


    RSJ = rolled steel joist - I believe some bifolds are top hung and some are fixed from the bottom but worth checking where the weight of the Bi-Fold will be - the RSJ would need to be able to accommodate if top hung.
    I think the attraction of large openings is the view, if you have one...!
    Bi-Fold have a lot more moving parts and weaknesses in the seams / door seals are more likely, they aren't recommended for air tight houses. IF you get a good manufacturer and look after them, I'm sure they will be fine. If they are the same price as the sliding door I have some doubt if the gaskets etc are of a good enough quality.
    Ensure the hinges are of a good quality too - if they are too small to take the weight, they will quickly sag and give issues.
    Worth looking at a few suppliers in person and take photos of all these things for comparison before purchasing....


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,011 ✭✭✭ht9zni1gs28crp


    You are going to the trouble of opening up a wall for light/access. Why then fill it with loads of mullions? Maximum sliders as possible IMHO.


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