March 27, 2017
Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL QUESTIONS ABOUT US
We don’t charge for our services and installers provide quotes for free.
Simply enter a few details on the form send it – we will then give you a call to confirm your request and arrange for local companies to quote for you.
- Get quotes HERE
No we don’t. We do not get any payment or financial reward if you buy from an installer.
Unless you ask us not to, we usually arrange for up to 3 independent companies to provide you with quotes for your work. If you want more than that, just let us know.
We are registered under the UK Data protection Act and do not abuse or spam any information that you provide to us. It is up to you if you want to provide an e-mail address.
About Installer Accreditation & Certification
It’s about peace of mind & competence. Trade certification means that the contractors have been independently vetted to prove their ability to carry out the work and you also get added consumer protection benefits such as insured despite guarantees & dispute resolution processes should there be a problem. Read More Here.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN TRADE BODIES?
You should work with a contractor that is a registered member of 1 or more of the following UK trade bodies.
- Glass & Glazing Federation (GGF)
- Fenestration Self-Assessment (FENSA)
- Certification & Self-Assessment (CERTASS)
- Double Glazing & Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme (DGCOS)
- Fairtrades (Multi-trade Association)
If you need plumbing or electrical work carried out, then we suggest you use contractors who are registered with:
- The Electrical Contractors Association (ECA)
- Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC)
Planning Permission
Well, you don’t really need planning permission to fit a BI-fold door to an existing opening, but it needs to meet building regulations for certain criteria – FENSA & CERTASS installers can certify the installation.
Depending on the size & type of the extension in question, you will need to check with your local authority to find out. Normally a conservatory under a certain size can be built without the need for prior planning permission – ALWAYS CHECK BEFORE STARTING WORK.
Miscellaneous
For the best results & integration it is recommended to fit low thresholds so there is nothing to “trip over” when exiting or entering via the doors.
Most bi-fold doors open evenly or to one side or another, but where there is an odd number or several panels you can have one door that opens on its own allowing “traffic” or people to go in and out without opening the full set of doors each time.
In terms of “standard” production this would be around 6 metres – companies can make wider sets but they are made to order on a case by case basis.
They are very secure and come fitted with the latest multi-point locking systems and toughened glazing. Glazed panels have internal beading
Single glazed units are available, but it does not really make sense to fit them. Double glazed panels with thicknesses of between 6mm to 35mm are available – also with toughened, laminated or triple glazing.
You should allow 3 to 4 weeks from the time the doors are measured until the job is finished.
The majority of bifold doors would carry a 10 year material guarantee. Factory applied paint around 10 years also. In terms of deposit payments to the installers, look for one who has an insurance backed deposit protection scheme in place.
The movement of the doors are usually controlled by rollers at the top & bottom. Bottom Hung means the weight of the doors is taken by the bottom rollers & top hung is the opposite – however, for top hung doors you need to ensure the overhead structure can take the weight loading of the doors.