Here’s Why You Should Choose Origin Aluminium Folding Doors
Summer is on its way, and there is no better way to prepare for the long, hot months than by opening up your home with aluminium folding doors. Folding doors are one of the best ways to integrate your indoor and outdoor spaces as they allow for opening along their entire width. They are also ideal for easy entry and exit, as they can be configured with exceptionally low thresholds – no raised runner to trip over! Folding doors also let huge amounts of natural light into your home – even when they’re closed.
If you’re thinking of improving your home with the addition of folding doors, you can be forgiven for being more than a little overwhelmed by all the options you have available. Over and above the pane configuration, you also need to choose the ideal material for the frame. There are several choices available, but the two most common choices are by far and away wood and aluminium.
Deciding between these two materials often comes down to a matter of personal choice, but there are many convincing reasons to choose aluminium frames for your folding doors. Aluminium is a lightweight yet extremely strong material that can be endlessly recycled without any loss of quality. The aluminium used for folding door frames is usually covered in a tough, powder-coated finish available in just about any colour you like. Finishes can be matt or gloss, metallic or textured, all of which serve to make aluminium the most versatile material available.
Of course, there are many other benefits of aluminium, so let’s take a look at how this amazing material compares to its competitor, wood.
Wooden vs Aluminium Folding Doors
Strength
Aluminium is incredibly strong – comparatively stronger than both PVC and wood – meaning frames can be narrower, allowing for maximum use of glass. Strength is essential for folding door frames as they have to support huge panes of glass, as well as resist the onslaught of all types of weather. They also have to be able to withstand constant opening and closing. Aluminium’s strength means that, unlike wood, it’s ideal for bay windows and corner posts. And, because it doesn’t warp, and is resistant to twisting and flexing, it’s perfect for frequent exposure to heat and humidity, such as in coastal environments.
Wood, on the other hand, is prone to warping if it absorbs too much moisture. Even engineered timber has a tendency to warp, and once this happens, gaskets can’t be properly sealed, meaning the doors won’t close properly or fully. Draughts and weak points are the result.
Maintenance
Constantly having to paint, repair or replace folding doors is an inconvenience and expense no one wants. This is why the sensible choice is to select a material that is weather rated and will stand up to the elements. Because aluminium folding doors are usually powder coated, they don’t ever need to be repainted. They are also resistant to fading in the sun, and won’t rot, warp, discolour or corrode. All it takes is an occasional wipe down with soapy water to keep them looking as good as new.
Wooden folding doors need regular maintenance and will need to be repainted every couple of years – not only to keep them looking good but also to keep them sealed. Doors in particularly exposed locations will need maintenance even more often.
There’s no doubt that aluminium is an outstanding material for folding doors. At Origin, our sliding, folding aluminium door is a firm favourite in the residential market as it allows for numerous configurations and options. Custom sizes and configurations can easily be accommodated on request. Talk to us today about the perfect aluminium folding doors for your home.
