Here are some of the common questions we get asked. If your question isn't listed here then call, fax or e-mail us:
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Q Do you offer a fitting service for your bifolding doors?
"Until reciently we have not offered a fitting service for any of our products, but at the request of our trade customres and due to the specialised nature of bifolding doors we now offer a fitting service. The cost of fitting will vary depending on the size of the doors. We still do not offer fitting for any of our other products."
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Q Do you offer a training service for fitting your bifolding doors?
"Yes, we offer and on-site tuition service for our bifolding doors. We will come out to site to your job with your fitting team and show them the exact process we use to fit our bifolding doors. Alternatively you can come down and visit us. Fitting Bifolding doors is not hard, but the process is quite different from fitting any other doors and they need to be fitted very precisely. "
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Q What are the U Values for your doors?
"With a double glazed, argon filled, soft coat, 28mm unit - our smarts doors have a centre pane value of 1.2 and a U Value of 1.9.
Our Continental Folding Doors have a centre pane value of 1.2 and a U Value of 1.7. With this glazing they are compliant to L1a, L2a, L1b and L2b of Building Regulations Doc L - April 2006."
Q Do you do PVCu bi-fold doors?
"Yes, we offer a Rehau PVCu bi-folding door - the maximum width is only 4000mm and the sight-lines are much fatter. As manufacturers of both PVCu and Aluminium products and based on feedback from our large customer base, we understand both the limitations and strengths of our products. We will do our best to offer advice and asistance for both aluminium and PVCu products. However we feel our aluminium bi-folding doors are a far more attractive and a superior product - although they do cost around £200 a panel more than the PVCu equivalent."
Q Can I have more than 7 panels?
"Yes, but our standard designs have a maximum of 7 panels. If you require more than 7 panels - Please ask."
Q My opening is less than 1400mm wide - can I have a bi-fold?
"No, the smallest opening is 1400mm - this is because each sash has a minimum width of 700mm."
Q My opening is greater than 6000mm wide - can I have a bi-fold?
"Yes, the largest standard opening is 6000mm - this is because standard aluminium bar length is 6500mm. (and some of this length is wastige) We can join to outerframes with a mechanical join to accommodate wider openings - Please ask."
Q What thickness double glazed units can I have? And can I have single glazing?
"Glazing is 28mm as standard, but you can have between 6mm and 35mm units. We can supply the doors unglazed, single glazed or double glazed. Specialist glazing such as, self cleaning, solar control, anti-sun, switchable privacy glass and integrated blinds can also be specified."
Q Do you do colours other than white?
"Yes. We offer a range of standard colours for around the same price as white, but can supply them in any RAL colour. You can also have dual colours - e.g. grey on the outside and white on the inside.
We also offer wood grain and textured (structrural metalic) paint finishes."
Q Can your doors fold in or out?
"Yes. You can choose if you would like the panels to fold and open inwards, or fold and open outwards."
Q Do you do a low threshold option?
"Yes. We offer a standard threshold, or low threshold options. The standard threshold offers the best weather performance, with the low threshold best suited to internal applications. You may be able to use the low threshold for exterior applications in sheltered areas."
Q Do I have to slide all the panels open to use the door?
"No.With certain panel configureations you can have whats known as a traffic door. A traffic door allows you to use the one door panel like a standard hinged door, without folding the panels back. We recommend you have a traffic door if possible as it allows you to operate the door 'normally' during the winter months - when you don't want to fold the door fully open, and let in the cold air. Without a traffic door you have no outside access through the bifolding doors."
Q If I order today how long will they take to arrive?
"Generally 2-3 weeks after you have signed off and returned your order form- but please check when ordering as lead time will vary. If you have chosen a custom RAL/ woodgrain/ structural metallic finish then this will typically increase the lead time to 4-6 weeks."
Q Where do you deliver to and how much is delivery?
"Our standard delivery area and price are shown on our delivery page. Outside of this area the cost depends on the distance from our Head Office in Essex and the cost of your order. Please ask for a delivery quotation if you are outside our standard area, or you can of course also collect/arrange collection yourself (even meet half way). Most doors come pre-assembled unglazed and you have the option of us supplying the glazing or you sourcing it. You can use our fast track ordering service to reduce lead time for your order."
Q Do you have the sight lines showing the distance between each pane of glass?
"The size of the profile combination of the panel/mullion/panel, glass to glass can be found on the technical tab on our folding door page.
If you are having trouble downloading our technical drawings (PDF) then try downloading the lasted Adobe reader or asking us to email them to you directly "
- Continetal Technical Tab »
- Smarts Floating Mullion Technical Tab »
Q If i buy a bi-fold door can i choose which side to have the master door installed?
"Yes you do have the choice of which side the master door will be positioned, you will just need to let us know when you come to order the door. "
Q Do Duration Windows Manufacture Bifolding Doors or buy in and/ or make kit form doors?
"Unlike some companies Duration Windows does manufactures all our Bifolding doors here in the UK. We invite you to tour our factories in Essex, near london and see doors like yours being manufactured. We also have a showroom where you can see, touch and operate a selection of different bifolding doors."
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