Do you know when architects and designers should choose Bi-Folding Doors over Sliding Doors? We know as a part of your job, it is crucial to know all the opportunities and challenges you face in a project in order to maximize space and energy. At KLEIN, our door systems and hardware options are designed to make your job easier. Not only do we have architects on our team to help us understand the daily challenges, but our engineers have a detailed process to ensure these systems are ready for daily use for many years to come.
But if you’re asking yourself if it is better to slide or fold, the answer is that it really depends on your design project’s needs. Both can provide sound dampening effects, hide away clutter, and create flexibility in rooms. Continue reading to discover the benefits of bi-folding doors and when they are a good fit for your client’s spacial needs.
To Maximum Space with a Truly Compact Design
Both sliding door systems and foldable door hardware systems can maximize space efficiently, but for optimal compactness, bi-folding doors are the winner. The way the panels fold upon one another creates nice, wide openings.
The way bi-folding panels sit perfectly along the edge of the next panel creates very little space in between and no protrusion outward, giving the illusion of a wall when closed. If you are imagining the opportunity to hide away an entire laundry room, utility room, or dining room when unused, then folding door systems may be a good fit for your project.
If the swing door is the least effective design to maximize space, the sliding door system falls in second place for compactness compared to wide openings, and foldable doors win the trophy for saving the maximum amount of space when fully open in both length and width.
For Increased Ventilation and Natural Light On Demand
One nice characteristic of the folding door is the opportunity to use the system as a wall when needing to hide away areas that are not being utilized at that moment, and the choice to “remove” the wall barrier when you want extra ventilation to flow through the space or a chance to drown a space with as much natural light as possible.
The extra ventilation is nice when the space is feeling stuffy and cramped. With the touch of a hand, a room can open up and allow air to flow freely.
When it comes to natural light, there are many benefits to consider. Natural light can save occupants’ costs of energy and provide heat in cooler months – also saving costs of energy. Natural light also has been shown to boost moods and motivation for individuals.
To Incorporate Unique Materials into the Design
Foldable door hardware is quite basic in design. At KLEIN, our folding hardware comes with a recessed design free from floor tracks. Most of our effort goes into the quality of the system, ensuring that it has a smooth glide for occupants for many years to come.
Where things can get creative for foldable door systems is through the panels selected. Our bi-folding hardware systems, SLID FOLD and SLID PAIRED, have their own specs but can potentially hold up to 330 lbs of weight per panel. This gives architects and designers the freedom to design a folding door system to perfectly suit the needs of the client.
Some ideas to consider:
- Millwork solutions of wooden frames and glass panels (see image above)
- Fully wooden panels to add a more natural feel to the space
- Panels that replicate the look of the surrounding walls to hide the folding door completely.
- The options are endless!
To Provide a Low-Maintenance Solution to your Clients
Folding door systems are made of hardware that is simple in design. This means that the maintenance that goes into maintaining the tracks for long-term use is minimal compared to the high-tech sliding door systems, specifically with automatic closing and brakes.
When implementing bi-folding doors into a space, you do not need to worry about lubricating the tracks and cleaning the hardware from debris. If you have a client that wants minimal responsibility for the upkeep of the door, it is a good idea to consider folding instead of sliding.
Contact a KLEIN Rep to Learn More
Folding doors are a great option for both commercial and residential applications. If you are an architect or designer interested in specifying a bi-folding door system, we would love to help! Our US representatives are available to help answer any questions and give custom quotes. Feel free to reach out today!
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