Lift and Slide Doors vs. Folding Doors: Repost from VueLite
The market for Bi-fold doors lost 7% last year, does this signal the way of things to come? Has the shift to lift and slide doors begun?
For some time now discerning homeowners have looked to the bi-fold to open up their home to outdoor spaces, light and views. However there has been a shift towards Lift and Slide doors. Firstly let’s be clear Lift and Slide doors are different to traditional sliding doors.
Standard sliding patio doors (often called straight slide) run on tracks in the bottom rail and rely on the user pushing the full weight of the door and glass to open with little mechanical assistance. As a consequence, larger doors can be noisy as weather-strips rub at the bottom and are difficult to manoeuvre for some users.
Lift Slide doors operate differently, as turning the handle downwards lifts the door panel up from the bottom rail and free of the weather stripping, and its heavy duty wheels allow the user to move large, heavy units, often up to 300KG, with minimal effort.
Furthermore, the lift/slide opening door panel can be “dropped” back down at any point on its travel, and with the handle locked with the key, it’s almost un-movable, offering incremental ventilation along the length of the track
When deciding between the bi-fold and lift and slide there are pros and cons on both sides…
Bi-folds allow you to almost completely open up an aperture and over a considerable distance up to 7000mm. This is great if you have a patio or love to entertain in the garden. You are truly able to let the outside in. The lift and slide will inevitably still have a portion of the aperture closed as other panels slide on top (the exception of this of course is when it is hidden within a wall pocket!)
For bold architectural statements cornerless opening is also available in both bi-folds and Lift and Slides. Opening up an entire corner of your home to nature, without a post getting in the way.
However ask yourselves in the UK, how often would you want to open an entire aperture? The downside of a bi-fold of course is that you cannot open just a few inches or just a few feet, save using the slave door. With a Lift and Slide you can open a small amount for ventilation, let the cat out or children in.
Let’s now consider the space, Lift and Slides do not require any additional opening space, the bi-fold by comparison needs space to fold inwards or outwards and be stacked there. This can be required on both or just one side. For many this is not an issue but in a small area this is of course a consideration.
In terms of efficiency the lift and slide with its larger glass panels tend to have better U values than its bi-folding counterpart. With suppliers now offering a diverse range of Aluminium and composite doors with either double or triple glazed options gone are the days of the door being cold.
The biggest downfall of the bi fold is the way it chops a stunning view into sections.
Don’t get me wrong if you have a fantastic view a bi-fold makes more of this than a standard sized window but consider in a 5000mm by 2500mm opening you could be looking at 5 panels for a bi-fold, with a lift and slide you could have only 1 minimal sightline in the centre.
If you are considering either a bi-fold or a lift and slide door then you will fall one side of the fence or the other. It will come down to price, style, performance and space, and either will allow you to add a contemporary edge to your home.
If you have questions about Folding or Lift and Slide Doors – Contact HighQ Today: 604-931-2124
Four Considerations You Should Make When Choosing New Patio Doors
Summer is Upon Us and There’s No Better Time to Upgrade Your Patio with New European Windows and Doors
It’s exciting when you deiced to replace your current, or add patio doors to your home. While you know you want to improve or add an entryway, there are a few factors you must take into consideration.
What Is The Design Aesthetic Of Your Home?
The first thing you must consider is what style of door best suits your preferred design aesthetic. While all of our doors are modern, you may prefer the more contemporary look of our tilt and turn doors—or a mix of modern and classic of our floor to ceiling HighQ French doors. Also consider if the door will be a focal point of the room, and how a double vs. a single door will affect furniture placement.
How Will You Use Your Door?
Patios, outdoor kitchens, and furnished outdoor living spaces are now considered a fully-functioning extension of your home. This means that how you plan to use your outdoor space, will influence the type of door you require. If you will have a lot of traffic in and out of your home, or plan to move large furniture in and out seasonally—double French doors may be the best way to go. If you are only in need of an additional exit or entrance, or your room is small—our tilt and turn doors may be the better fit.
How Much Light Do You Want To Let In?
Any new glass patio door added to a room will improve natural lighting, but you must consider how much light you prefer. Tilt and turn doors are an excellent way to create a wall of light, with some doors that you plan only to tilt—and some you use as an entryway. While French double doors won’t cover an entire wall, you may be able to line them with decorative windows to allow in more light. Either way, the structure of your home may limit your options.
What Are Your Needs For Security, Airflow, & Insulation?
It’s almost impossible to purchase a modern door that isn’t energy-efficient. This helps to reduce energy costs, and even to protect your interior furniture and accessories from sun fading. However, you must also consider airflow and security. If you are adding a double French door to improve airflow, consider how comfortable you are leaving one or both doors open screen-free. If security is of greater concern, or to increase airflow when you aren’t home—the “tilt” of a tilt and turn door may be the better way to go.
Before you get your heart set on French or tilt and turn, reach out today to discuss the types of doors suitable for the interior and exterior structure of your home!