With time, even the most well-designed homes can look dull and lose charm. If you’ve played around with your decor and nothing seems to work, maybe it’s time to focus on the less obvious places that can have a huge impact—windows! Quality windows not only keep your home warm but also enhance its beauty. For an even brighter and more inviting space, consider folding windows, also known as bi-fold windows.
Bi-fold windows are designed to open fully, with no part of them being stationary. Unlike other windows, they are simply hinged, and this feature makes folding windows particularly suitable in areas where the view is to be optimized. Simply, they give a smooth transition between the internal and external environments.
1. Security of Folding Windows
Whether they fold vertically or horizontally, all folding windows have tracks that allow each pane to fold onto the next. These windows can be made from aluminum, wood, or PVC.
Although folding windows use the same hardware as their larger door counterparts, their size can affect the number of locking points available. Depending on the brand, a full-size bifold door uses a longer lock body, typically with 4 – 8 locking points.
Most bi-fold window suppliers also use an alternative locking system or cut down an existing lock body to fit their height. Either way, you will still get the same shoot bolt locking at the intermediate panels, securing the middle panels at the top and bottom.
The glass for the folding windows is secured from the inside. This ensures you get a quality key-locking cylinder and the same stylish handles as the door versions. Speak with a professional supplier to fully understand the available security features of your preferred folding windows.
2. Energy Efficiency
Because bifold windows are modified bifold doors, you may not find official U-Values or energy ratings. However, a professional supplier working with the bi-fold system company can advise on the U-Values you can expect. Thermally insulated frames and high-specification double or triple glazing should ensure that these windows meet current building regulation requirements.
3. Weather Resistance
Bifold windows also offer excellent weather performance. They use the same sealing design and components as folding doors, making them air- and wind-resistant.
4. Available Designs
The folding window can be created with as little as two panels and folded either to the left or right. You can also flip the panels in or out, whichever you like.
If your window opening permits more than two panels, you can have an independent opening panel. This panel works similarly to a traffic door and can be opened without having to fold the other panels.
The advantage of two bi-fold window panels is that one can open like an ordinary window to air the room. For instance, with four panels, it’s possible to install two in the middle, which can be slid open like French windows. This configuration enables you to use the middle windows or fold two panels on every side to create a full window.
It’s also possible to design large windows with two to eight sections. Some bifold windows can be as wide as 1200mm per section. Still, they can be used for small apertures, and the folding panels can be as slim as 400mm in most products.
Depending on the design of your building, folding windows can have fixed or open corner styles on two sides. For privacy and shading, you can install glass blinds. However, don’t forget that these blinds can form a picture frame on the glass, which can look chunkier.
5. Choosing The Right Material
Bifold windows are available in aluminum, PVC, and wood. The aluminum type has the thinnest frames, especially at the mullions where the bifold panels adjoin. Timber folding windows are usually associated with high maintenance, but they are durable and have good insulation.
New techniques, paint, and good workmanship make timber folding windows long-lasting. Timber maintenance typically revolves around fixing the paint finish if it’s damaged.
The aluminum folding windows also need touch-ups to the powder-coated surface to avoid material corrosion. Thus, if you strongly desire natural and long-lasting materials such as wood, timber windows are feasible.
Although the latter is the cheapest, aluminum bifold windows are preferred because PVC bifold windows are reported to have many operational problems. They expand more than aluminum and are, therefore, unsuitable for heat exposure. Also, PVC windows have chunkier sightlines, which you should remember even though they are cheaper.
6. How To Install Folding Windows
Folding glass windows should be fitted by a contractor who will assess the space and measure it to arrive at the correct size. Second, the frame is prepared to support the folding glass panels. The glass panels are then placed within the frame to a very high tolerance so that they are flush with the frame.
After installation of the folding window, tests should be conducted to confirm whether the system is in proper working condition. If not, appropriate corrections should be made.
Lastly, sealing and weatherproofing parts should be employed to cover and shut the window. This helps avoid water infiltration and other unfavorable weather conditions that may harm the windows.
Conclusion
Folding windows are the best ventilation option for your home because they ensure top-notch security and energy efficiency. They are weather-resistant, but you should get confused when choosing the right design. Take into consideration the vast array of materials, and before installation, it’s a brilliant idea to consult a folding glass installation expert.
