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Aluminium Bi-Folding Doors - Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the common questions we get asked. If your question isn't listed here then call 01277 625763 or e-mail info@completebifoldsuk.co.uk

Q Are the doors internally or externally glazed?
Our doors are always internally glazed to increase security, ensuring there is no access to the beads from outside the property.

Q Can the doors open inwards or outwards?
Yes the Aluminium or UPVC Bi-fold doors can be made to open inwards or outwards, the choice is yours.

Although it is recommended that UPVC open inwards only.

Q What's the difference between Aluminium Bi-folding doors and UPVC Bi-folding doors?
Aluminium Bi-folding doors are purpose made from a drawing board to be a Bi-fold door whereas the UPVC bi-folds use certain parts of the standard UPVC high security Residential doors which is why the UPVC Bi-folds are slightly cheaper that its Aluminium counterpart.

Q What's the difference between Thresholds?
Both the Aluminium and the UPVC Bi-folding doors have a choice of ?low thresholds' or standard fully rebated thresholds. The difference between the two is that with a fully rebated standard threshold it offers severe weather rating whereas the low threshold does not ? it in effect offers excellent weather protection but is not recommended for areas of severe exposure. Both offer great weather protection for all areas of the UK. The low threshold option obviously offers the facility of level walk through from inside to outside of your property and can also be used as a division between your house and conservatory.

We offer a standard threshold which is 54mm high, or low thresholds which are 34mm & 22mm high. The standard threshold offers the best weather performance, with the low threshold best suited to sheltered or internal applications.

Q How secure are the doors?
Both the Aluminium and the UPVC Bi-folds offer the very latest technology in secure locking systems on the market today. And obviously both are internally glazed with safety glass as standard.

Q Are the doors difficult to maintain?
Both the Aluminium and the UPVC Bi-folds are very low maintenance. Both require regular lubrication and checking once a year or when ever the need arises.

Q What are the U Values for your doors?
With a double glazed, argon filled, soft coat, 28mm unit they have a centre pane value of 1.2 and a U Value of as low as 1.7 (Continental) and 1.9 (Smarts) overall. With this glazing they are compliant to L1a, L2a, L1b and L2b of Building Regulations Doc L - April 2006.

Q Can I have more than 6 panels?
Yes in Aluminium, but our standard designs have a maximum of 6 panels. If you require more than 6 panels then please enquire and we will price accordingly.

Q My opening is less than 1400mm wide - can I have a Bi-fold?
No, the smallest opening is 1400mm - this is because each sash has a minimum width of 700mm.

Q My opening is greater than 6000mm wide - can I have a Bi-fold?
Yes, the largest standard opening is 6000mm - this is because standard aluminium bar length is 6500mm. We can manufacture doors greater than 6500mm to accommodate wider openings.

Q What thickness double glazed units can I have and can I have single glazing?
You can have between 6mm and 35mm units. We can supply the doors unglazed, single glazed or double glazed. Specialist glazing such as anti-sun, switchable privacy glass and integrated blinds can also be specified.

Q Do you do colours other than white?
Yes. As standard we offer white, but can supply them in any RAL colour. You can also have dual colours - e.g. brown on the outside and white on the inside.

We also offer 10 different wood grain designs - from beech through to walnut.

Q Do I have to slide all the panels open to use the door?
No. A traffic door allows you to use the door without folding the panels. We recommend you have a traffic door if possible as it allows you to operate the door 'normally' during the winter months - when you don't want to fold the door fully open, and let in the cold air.

Q If I order today how long will they take to arrive?
Generally 2-3 weeks after you have signed off your survey / manufacturing design confirmation - but please check when ordering as lead time will vary. If you have chosen a RAL colour then this will typically increase the lead time to 4 - 6 weeks, blinds will be 6 - 8 weeks.

Q Where do you deliver and fit?
Our standard delivery area and fitting areas are shown on our delivery page.

Q Do you have the sight lines showing the distance between each pane of glass?
The size of the profile combination of the panel/mullion/panel, glass to glass on the Smarts door is 189mm (due to the floating mullion), for a pair of joining panels. The Slim-Line is 140mm - much slimmer.

Q If I buy a 6 panel bi-fold door can I choose which side to have the master door installed?
Yes you do have the choice of which side the master door will be positioned, you will just need to let us know when you come to order the door.

Q Why should I choose Complete Bi-folds UK over any other Company offering similar products?
There are many reasons why customers should choose Complete Bi-folds UK over its competitors and here are just a few:

  • We are part of the Complete Group of Companies incorporated as a Limited Company in England on the 14th January 1985.
  • We have unlimited experience in this field. Our Bi-folding door fitting staff, have over 4 years experience in fitting these doors and over 25 years experience within the window fitting Industry in both Aluminium and UPVC products. Just take a look at our Testimonials from our extremely happy customers.
  • For supply and fit customers we offer full FENSA certification (our FENSA reg. no. is 15706) along with a 10 year written guarantee covered by an Insurance backed guarantee issued by the CPA (Consumer Protection Association, our reg. no. is 1980).

Also should you be considering having other products fitted our sister company within in the Group Complete Window Systems UK offer an array of Aluminium and UPVC windows and doors, Soffits and Fascias, Patio Doors, Sliding Windows etc. Please visit www.completewindowsystemsuk.co.uk for the full range of products available.

In other words we are truly a one stop shop for all of your needs.

Please call us if you need any information regarding the range of products we offer. Our friendly staff will be only too happy to help you with any questions that you may have regarding our company and its products.

Please call 01277 625763 with any questions that you may have regaring our products or company.

All contents © Saleglaze Ltd trading as Complete Bi-folds UK   Terms & Conditions
CPA FENSA Guild of Master Craftsman Federation of Master Builders

Bi-Fold Products
Aluminium Bi-folding Door (Beaufort Slim Line) Overview
Aluminium Bi-folding Door (Beaufort Slim Line) Technical Specification
Aluminium Bi-folding Door (Beaufort Slim Line) Styles
Aluminium Bi-folding Door (Beaufort Slim Line) Glazing
Aluminium Bi-folding Door (Beaufort Slim Line) Gallery
Energy Ratings / 'U' Values

Aluminium Bi-folding Door (Smarts Original Aluminium Visofold Bi-fold) Overview
Aluminium Bi-folding Door (Smarts Original Aluminium Visofold Bi-fold) Technical Specification
Aluminium Bi-folding Door (Smarts Original Aluminium Visofold Bi-fold) Styles
Aluminium Bi-folding Door (Smarts Original Aluminium Visofold Bi-fold) Glazing
Aluminium Bi-folding Door (Smarts Original Aluminium Visofold Bi-fold) Gallery
Energy Ratings / 'U' Values

Aluminium Bi-folding Door (Smarts 1000 Slimline) Overview
Aluminium Bi-folding Door (Smarts 1000 Slimline) Technical Specification
Aluminium Bi-folding Door (Smarts 1000 Slimline) Styles
Aluminium Bi-folding Door (Smarts 1000 Slimline) Glazing
Aluminium Bi-folding Door (Smarts 1000 Slimline) Gallery
Energy Ratings / 'U' Values

UPVC Bi-folding Door Rehau Overview
UPVC Bi-folding Door Rehau Technical Specification
UPVC Bi-folding Door Rehau Styles
UPVC Bi-folding Door Rehau Glazing
UPVC Bi-folding Door Rehau Gallery
Energy Ratings / 'U' Values

UPVC Bi-folding Door (VEKA New Generation) Overview
UPVC Bi-folding Door (VEKA New Generation) Technical Specification
UPVC Bi-folding Door (VEKA New Generation) Styles
UPVC Bi-folding Door (VEKA New Generation) Glazing
UPVC Bi-folding Door (VEKA New Generation) Gallery
Energy Ratings / 'U' Values

Hardwood Bi-folding Door Overview
Hardwood Bi-folding Door Technical Specification
Hardwood Bi-folding Door Styles
Hardwood Bi-folding Door Glazing
Hardwood Bi-folding Door Gallery
Energy Ratings / 'U' Values
More Products
Bi-folding Door Integrated Blinds
Windows
Doors
Secondary Glazing
Soffit, Fascia and Guttering
Supply, Fit & Delivery

Before Buying a Bi-Fold ...
Quality Control
Glossary of Terms
FAQ's

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