Selecting the Perfect Glazing for Your Bi-Fold Patio Doors

Posted on: 17 May 2016

If you are thinking about replacing or upgrading your patio doors, you should consider installing a bi-fold door. This is an ideal choice if you want a wide entryway, and it will not take up too much space when open since the panels fold together. In addition, this type of door is normally made using glass between the door frames. Therefore, this choice will create a more open, outdoor-indoor living feeling. On the other hand, you should note that the performance and appearance will depend on the type of glass installed. Here are critical considerations to help you choose the right glazing for your new bi-fold doors.

Type of Glass

Your choice of glass will determine the strength, security and safety of your new patio bi-fold doors. It is advisable to choose security glass as opposed to standard, fragile float glass. There are two primary choices to consider: toughened and laminated glass. Toughened glass is similar to the normal type, but it is treated during manufacture using special thermal and chemical processes. This increases its resilience and when it breaks, small harmless pellets are formed instead of sharp shards. Laminated glass is formed by connecting two panes of glass with a plastic interlayer. This will hold the glass together and prevent breakage.

Thermal Efficiency

The patio doors can compromise the energy efficiency in your home, particularly with regard to space heating and cooling. Therefore, it is important to select patio door glazing that will provide insulation. Generally, you should choose double or triple glazed bi-fold doors. These are made by connecting two or three glass panes and filling the space with an inert gas like argon. You should also think about selecting glass with low emissivity treatment. This is a thin layer that is designed to filter out infrared rays from solar energy and subsequently, heat.

Appearance Factors

The appearance of the glass can be altered by using different types of glazing treatment. The right choice for your bi-fold doors will depend on your preferences and concerns. For instance, you can choose tinted or reflective glass if the clear glass is not visually ideal or you are concerned about light flow through the door to the interior space. You can also choose decorative or etched glass for more interesting aesthetics.

Finally, you should inquire about any special features that are incorporated into the bi-fold door glazing. For example, some products are self-cleaning; they use UV light to break down dirt and rain to wash away the grime.

Share