Hardwood Bi-fold Doors Technical Page
Specifying E3
Architects and Designers can feel comfortable simply specifying "Centor E3" and leaving detailed component selection to the builder, joiner or fabricator.
E3 is suitable for a range of residential and commercial applications which exceed the weight capacity of the E2 system but do not require the substantial panel capacity of E4. Allowing for the extra weight of double-glazing in a bifold-scale opening, E3-based doors promise unprecedented insulation against noise and temperature variation when doors are closed. The ability to utilise even sturdier door construction and materials enhances security and resistance to the elements in the most exposed of applications.
Timber and sealed unit specification.
The doors are 54mm thick and take a 24mm toughened soft coat low 'E' argon gas filled units (Complete Shield Units. The best available 'U' value of 1.1w/m2K). These doors are pre-hung in the workshop each panel marked for easy installation.
The timber used is Far Eastern Hardwood totally suitable for the English weather conditions both summer and winter. All timbers receive two coats of preservative before delivery and if we are fitting would receive the additional top coat once fitted into property opening.
E3 has stainless steel carriers, wall pivots and hinges with aluminium tracks, channels and drop bolts
The specification includes:
- Max Panel weight: 80kg
- Max Panel Height: 3000mm
- Max Panel width: 1000mm
- Min Panel thickness 35mm
- Max Number of Panels: 16
- Timber section sizes are 140mm deep
These specifications are intended as guidance only, calculated weight check should be performed to ensure doors built to maximum height and width do not exceed maximum weight.
Secure
No externally accessible hardware can be removed or damaged when E3-based doors are closed. Locking screw technology ensures that E3 hardware cannot be removed from the track. Centor dropbolts, door furniture and locksets complete the package.
Unobtrusive Guide Channel
Offset floor guides and floor pivots are standard allowing the floor guide channel to be concealed beneath closed doors. A range of ready-made door sills compatible with E3 simplify the installation of bifold doors in exposed applications and ensure a stylish, seamless result.
Weatherproof
Impressive water performance ratings are achievable from both outward and inward opening doors with the system achieving its superior rain and wind resistance in part from the way it allows door panels to close snugly against weather seals. Resistance to air infiltration up to 50 times better than a sliding door and impressive acoustic sealing quality are a resulting bonus, particularly when E3 is used indoors. A floating wall pivot is used to control door stile deflection and bowing on tall doors caused by wind loads or climatic conditions.
Proven Performance
Manufactured in architectural grade stainless steel, individual E3 components have undergone extensive laboratory testing including cyclic testing to 50,000 cycles as well as corrosion testing, structural testing and finite element analysis. Stainless steel bearings are custom machined to fine tolerances and machined wheels are individually precision ground to an ultra-fine hone. Unparalleled performance is the result from this top-hung design, with smoothness of function that has to be felt to be believed.
Outside Opening Configuration
Disabled Access Component
E3 concealed disabled sill, machined.
When this profile is used with a weatherstrip height of less than 15 mm, the opening will meet the disability access requirements (BS 8300:2001).
3.6 m length. Aluminium
Available in Dark brown or Anodised aluminium
E3 concealed disabled sill end cap
Black plastic
Maintenance
All products must be installed in accordance with accepted good trade practice (and in accordance with supplied instructions where applicable), and maintained in accordance with these procedures or else the warranty shall be void.
Automatic Closers and Operators
All Centor Architectural hardware systems are designed for manual operation. Poorly adjusted automatic operator closers can impart significant destructive forces to tracks, bearings and stops. Such hardware used in installations is expressly excluded from Centor Australia Pty Ltd warranty terms.
Hardware in buildings is subject to deterioration from everyday use, and also from environmental attack due to atmospheric and other conditions.
Maintenance of hardware is even more important in severe environments such as coastal marine areas, and some industrial areas. Even stainless steel products require maintenance to prevent deterioration in some environments.
Centor Architectural requires the following minimum maintenance to be followed otherwise the warranty shall be void.
Track and Bearings
Using a spatula or similar (not your finger), apply a small amount (typically a 1/4 teaspoon) of white petroleum jelly (Vaseline) or similar lubricant to the inner lip of each side of the track. Ensure that the wheels pass through the lubricant and it is distributed evenly along the track. Put additional lubricant around bearings. Lubricant reduces wear, improves smoothness and further protects against corrosion of track and bearings. Remove all surface contaminants by wiping all visible track surfaces with a damp soft cloth and a mild detergent, then wipe clean with a clean cloth. In severe environments, apply a thin film of a corrosion preventative such as CRC Marine 66, Innox or WD40, by wiping with a soft cloth moistened with one of these products.
Stainless-steel bearings are manufactured from hardening-grade stainless-steel and although this material performs considerably better than plated steels, it is still susceptible to corrosion unless maintained as described above.
Hangers, Pivots and Brackets
A light spray application of a corrosion preventative such as CRC Marine 66®, Innox® or WD40®, followed by a light wipe with a dry cloth to remove excess, is recommended to all hangers, pivots and brackets. Exposed surfaces should first be wiped down with warm soapy water and a soft rag, and then rinsed clean before applying preventative.
Hinges
Wipe down the visible surfaces with warm soapy water on a soft rag and then rinse off by wiping with a clean damp rag. Application of a thin film of a light machine oil or one of the corrosion preventative sprays mentioned above will help to maintain the original lustre of the metal finish. Be careful not to get these compounds on the timberwork itself as they may cause staining.
Dropbolts
Spray application of a suitable lubricant such as CRC Marine 66®, Innox® or WD40® to the sliding pin inside the bolt and to the lock cylinder is recommended. A tube attached to the nozzle will help to concentrate the spray where you want it to go. There are access holes or slots on all dropbolt products so that this can be done without removing the locks from the doors.
Screen Maintenance
Screen fabric should be cleaned with a soft brush or a damp, soft cloth.
Tracking should be regularly cleaned to prevent the build-up of dirt and debris. A vacuum cleaner fitted with a nozzle is effective. Operating mechanisms are fully self contained and do not require maintenance other than keeping clear of dirt and debris.





