Architects occasionally face an odd design dilemma: they have a spot where they want a wall sometimes, but not all the time. Maybe it’s in a living room that you want to stream onto an outdoor deck, or a bedroom connecting to a balcony with a view. It would be great to have these spaces connect when the weather is nice, but also to have a wall when you really need it.
Folding door walls are made for this problem. Large glass doors can stack together when the wall needs to disappear, and they can let light in and seal a room when they are fully deployed. For dual-functioning designs like these, the Series 7950 Aluminum Bi-Fold Door from Western Window Systems is the most advanced option on the market.
Walls made with folding doors can be an extremely efficient design solution, but there are several factors that architects should keep in mind when looking for the right product. Not all doors are created equal, and the best choice will succeed in every category. Read on to discover how the Series 7950 ticks all the boxes for the following five design considerations:
The Series 7950 Aluminum Bi-Fold Door from Western Window Systems completely open
Energy Efficiency
Like conventional windows, folding glass doors vary in their insulating ability. Different kinds of glass will have different U-values, and specialty glass can have added energy-saving properties, like reducing solar heat gain. Heat can also be transmitted through the track that folding doors slide on. Because this track is usually made from extruded metal, it can be a significant thermal bridge between inside and out.
On this front, the Series 7950 Aluminum Bi-Fold Door from Western Window Systems has exemplary energy efficiency ratings. A standard low-E, argon-filled dual-pane glass system has a .30 U-value. Performance glass options from Cardinal IG include laminated glass, solar- and glare-control glass, enhanced winter-performance glass, and Neat low-maintenance glass. Furthermore, proprietary Insulbar technology makes sure that the track resists heat transmission. This added boost make these folding doors a highly energy efficient option.
The Series 7950 Aluminum Bi-Fold Door from Western Window Systems opening onto a living space
Sill
The sill that houses the track is critical to the wall’s functionality because it is the joint between interior and exterior surfaces. Sills can keep water out of the indoors, and they also negotiate between finished floor heights on either side. Generally, minimal sills have a harder time managing water than some of the more visible varieties.
Western Window Systems’ Series 7950 Aluminum Bi-Fold Door has several different options for sills to suit different needs. The water barrier sill, the standard option for the product, has a two inch barrier against water intrusion finished to match the color of the frame.
The flush sill is the more discreet option. It lines up with most interior flooring and features an interior and exterior height of .958 inches, and is finished to match the color of the frame. The flush sill may be less effective at preventing water penetration than the high-performance water barrier sill, and may not be appropriate in all climates, conditions and exposures.
All Series 7950 installations feature a single track that minimizes wall depth and uses stainless steel ball bearing rollers to make the doors easy to operate.
The Series 7950 Aluminum Bi-Fold Door from Western Window Systems opening onto a patio
Strength
When designing large glass walls, architects need to keep surface strength in mind. Folding doors are no different. Stronger doors are more durable in storms and emergencies, and can resist daily wear and tear along with average noise pollution.
Again, the Series 7950 Aluminum Bi-Fold Door excels in this respect with a design pressure (DP) rating of 50. A 5.875 inch frame supports triple-pane, laminated and security glass, all of which provide exceptional noise and impact resistance.
The Series 7950 Aluminum Bi-Fold Door from Western Windows opening onto a living room
Materials
Architects and designers care about finishes, and the right door manufacturer will have a variety of high quality, aesthetically appealing options to choose from.
Western Windows’ Series 7950 Aluminum Bi-Fold Door has standard dark bronze and satin anodized aluminum options with a Class 1 Anodized finish for increased smoothness and durability. Designer finishes use high-quality paints in popular colors, and custom finishes in almost any other color are also available. Finishes can also be split, so that the two sides of the door are finished differently.
The Series 7950 Aluminum Bi-Fold Door from Western Window Systems connecting a kitchen to the exterior
Handles
Handles are not only the handshake of a building — they are also key security points. Quality doors balance aesthetics and functionality in this small but crucial design feature.
The Series 7950 features three high-quality, contemporary-style handles. The premium handle, located on all active panels, includes an optional key lock. A D-shaped pull handle, at the bi-fold’s pivot points, further aids in opening and closing the door, and an inactive lock handle, at the door’s pivot points, secures the door panels with steel pins at the head and sill.
When it comes to the key design details and performance factors of bi-fold doors, The Series 7950 Aluminum Bi-Fold Door constitutes a compelling choice for specifying architects. Next time you want to make the wall disappear, Western Windows Systems’ latest offering is worth serious consideration.