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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Building Questions >> Bi-fold Doors in New build https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1481032221 Message started by Sandy on Dec 6^th, 2016, 1:50pm

Title: Bi-fold Doors in New build
Post by Sandy on Dec 6^th, 2016, 1:50pm

Hi all,

I'm looking at buying a new build house and have been round a few developments nearby. I'm happy with the pro's & con's of new builds vs renovation of an existing building, but one thing that I keep noticing is the seemingly "leaky" patio windows.

All of the 6 houses that I've visited have bi-fold patio doors from either the kitchen and/or dining area to the outside. All the houses are built on concrete foundations and have solid flooring to the ground floor, so I was expecting all the walls and floors to be to the highest thermal efficiency rating and draft-proof. However, on all the bi-fold doors I've noticed that at the hinged sides/joints especially at the top, the draft and air flow is quite significant. Even though it's not windy outside, there is definitely a flow of cold air (for which naturally occurs between high and low pressure environments), but more than I think I'm happy with right now.

I know that some DG units have built in trickle vents for a minimal air flow and that in some properties a certain degree of air flow is needed to prevent mould spores etc, but is it normal for these bi-fold doors to "leak" at the joints between the doors at the top, especially in a new build?

Thanks

Title: Re: Bi-fold Doors in New build
Post by londonman on Dec 6^th, 2016, 5:39pm

Do they have any insulation strips down the doors? If not then they should !

And at top and bottom.

Title: Re: Bi-fold Doors in New build
Post by woodsmith on Dec 7^th, 2016, 8:15am

Modern doors shouldn't have draughts and it sounds like they have left the seals out as Londonman suggests. If you look down the door frame there will be one or two slots for a compressible seal. Other option is the door is badly fitted or adjusted so it doesn't press up against the seal. Last option is the doors are very poor and badly made.

Title: Re: Bi-fold Doors in New build
Post by Sandy on Dec 7^th, 2016, 12:06pm

Thanks for the replies.

Without taking a closer look, I honestly couldn't say if there's a seal in place or not. However, my immediate thought when I noticed it was that there was something missing, so maybe it's been deliberately left off until the show-home is sold and someone moves in??

Title: Re: Bi-fold Doors in New build
Post by woodsmith on Dec 7^th, 2016, 1:34pm

Sandy wrote on Dec 7^th, 2016, 12:06pm:

I can't imagine a good reason to leave these seals out