How much insulation do bifolding or sliding doors provide? If you are thinking about doors in your home, you may think all that glass is not energy efficient. We answer some questions about how energy efficient are bifolding doors.
Can large glass bifolding or sliding doors be thermally efficient?
The answer is yes, but some factors affect the overall energy efficiency of your new bi-fold aluminum doors as well as sliding doors.
The aluminium frames comprise a polyamide thermal break. The thermal break insulates the typically cold aluminium profile. Furthermore, it creates a thermal bridge. In simple terms, the aluminium material is no longer solid aluminium from outside to inside. The thermal break interrupts the metal and creates a barrier, giving the aluminium profile a level of insulation and makes it warmer.
Next is the glass. The better the glass, the better the thermal performance. As standard, we provide glass units with warm edge spacers around the edges. We also offer a low-emissivity coating and argon gas between the glass. All this helps create a very energy efficient glass unit because glass is the primary component in any bifolding or sliding door.
How energy efficient are bifolding doors today?
New windows and doors may come with excellent energy efficiency, however, if other areas of your home are losing heat, just replacing the windows will not solve problems with excessive heat loss in the home.
Fitting new bifolding doors should be part of an overall home improvement project where the energy efficiency of the home is improved where needed.
What Is a U-Value?
The lower the U-Value, the better thermal efficiency a bifolding or a sliding door will have.
The minimum U-Value under current Building Regulations is 1.8Wm2K. Consequently, any bifolding door with this or lower value is considered energy efficient. It will therefore meet the current Building Regulations.
Enhanced glazing with Krypton gas, triple glazing and even integral blinds can all help lower the U Value of the glass or the whole product.
Many of the published figures you see on U-values focus on the centre pane value of the glass unit. The better U-Value figure is that of the overall product, not just the glass.
Does energy efficiency on bifolding or sliding doors matter?
Product standards, as well as regulation, governs modern bifolding and sliding doors.
Some people consider the aesthetics and specification of their bifolding or sliding doors more important than saving money on energy bills. It all depends on why you are looking to fit new doors.
Some customers want a latest generation bifolding door to improve the visual and functional side of their property. They want a door that looks great with beautiful colours and functional modern door furniture. Others are already embarking on making their entire property more energy efficient and want their new bifolding door to help them save money. A bifolding or sliding door can contribute both these requirements.
If you would like more information about the energy efficiency of our home improvement products, contact us today for free information and advice.
