Doors are much more than just entry and exit points. They provide a glimpse into the lifestyle of the people behind them. Whether it is the entrance to a house, office, store or restaurant, it should be welcoming and a reflection of the overall feel of the building. Entry systems need to blend well with the architecture without losing its main focus: protection and privacy. Depending on the varying needs of the above two, the doors can be ornamental, inlaid, or transparent/translucent.

These days, many options for space-saving yet functional entry, wall and window systems are hitting the market. These range from bi-fold glass doors, sliding doors, bi-fold sliding doors, bi-fold windows and an exhaustive range of wall systems. Compared to conventional door openings, hinged systems allow opening up to 95% of the total width.

Glass doors not only look aesthetically elegant, but also increase light and space, flexibly trying to integrate beauty with purpose. Glass doors, walls or windows provide exciting solutions without harmonizing the character of the building. A set of sliding bi-fold doors can remarkably blend spaces, remove barriers between the outdoors, and literally make the outdoors fit into the natural environment around it. Bi-fold sliding doors are also called sliding bi-fold doors, bi-fold doors, accordion doors, bi-fold windows, and accordion doors.

Aluminum and wood folding systems or a combination of both are equally viable options as is glass.

In addition to enhancing beauty, folding systems also emphasize energy efficiency, protection against natural calamities such as hurricanes, theft, and acting as an acoustic barrier.

In the energy efficiency quotient, aluminum and wood folding door and wall systems top the list while in acoustics nothing beats glass. A brief update on each of these features is as follows:

Energy efficiency:

The main factors considered in the energy efficiency of a folding system are:

1. The U-Factor: The rate at which heat leaves a building. The less the better.

2. The R factor: gives a measure of the insulation provided by a wall, door or window. Unlike the U factor, the R factor value should be higher for better insulation.

3. SHGC- Solar Heat Gain Coefficient This indicates how well a product blocks heat from the sun. The lower the number, the better. A low SHGC means that the window transmits less solar heat.

4. VT- Visible transmittance refers to the visible light that is transmitted. The higher the VT, the more light is transmitted.

5. Air Leakage: Heat loss and gain occur from air infiltration through cracks in the window assembly. The lower the AL, the better.

6. Condensation Resistance: Measures the ability of a system to resist the formation of condensation on the interior surface of that product.

Hurricane Safety:

Superior glass folding systems like those from NanaWall Systems provide excellent protection against natural calamities like hurricanes. By undergoing intense testing such as Miami Dade County’s PA201, PA202, PA203 test protocols, NanaWall folding systems are approved for use in hurricane-sensitive locations.
In addition to hurricanes, these systems offer weather tightness and are much better able to withstand severe weather conditions.

Theft Security:

Glass systems include wire mesh within multiple layers of enameled glass that offers security against ball, ax or even bullet impacts. Depending on the level of security required, one has the option of opting for a suitable tempered glass. Laminated glass is the best option.

Acoustic barriers:

The acoustic performance of glass folding walls and doors is excellent, blocking almost 75% of noise. Laminated glass with integrated insulation is the best solution for those seeking acoustic separation from the outside world.

Why settle for less when you can have more with a bi-fold door? So open up your space and let your adobe breathe air!