Weatherproof
Our systems are tested at UKAS accredited testing stations (not simulated).
Weatherproofing is at the forefront when it comes to door & window design
Our bi-fold doors systems has been tested at UKAS accredited testing stations and passed the PAS23 weather test to extreme weather conditions.
Most systems on the market are weather tight, with high performance rubber seals and brush seals. However, there are some systems that have little or no seals at all. One crude but easy test is too close a folding door on to a sheet of paper and try to pull the paper out. If it pulls out easily there is not a watertight compression on the seals.
Photos left to right: Laboratory tests for water ingress, wind resistance and air permeability/high performance rubber seals both sides of door panels.
High performance seals
We use 2 rubber EPDM seals on each side of each panel and high performance seals on the top and bottom of the panel
EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer (M-class) rubber) gaskets are fitted as standard and used to seal the double glazed units into the panels and protect the door from water ingress.
There are also EPDM (synthetic rubber) seals between each panel to prevent water, wind and noise from entering the property. The main properties of EPDM are its outstanding heat and weather resistance.
We use 2 rubber EPDM seals on each side of each panel and high performance seals on the top and bottom of the panel.
Testing Certificates (Chiltern Dynamics)
Certificate of Test: AA72 Aluminium
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Certificate of Test: AW73 Aluminium
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Certificate of Test: EW68 Timber
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The certificates confirm that performance testing was conducted on the above products.
Testing was conducted to the following standard: BS 6375 PART 1:2004 Performance of windows and doors - Part 1: Classification for weather tightness and guidance on selection and specification. Tests included; Air permeability (Classification standard BS EN 12207:2000), Watertightness (Classification standard BS EN 12208:2000), Wind resistance (Classification standard BS EN 12210:2000) and Exposure category (Classification standard BS 6375: PART 1:2004).
Unique Tongue and Groove feature
Our bi-fold door systems includes a tongue and groove feature unique to our bi-fold door systems which:
- Prevents water infiltration
- Keeps the system stable with one panel interlocking with another ensuring that the integrity of the system remains intact whether the doors are opening inwards or opening outwards
- Prevents attack by an intruder
Photo illustrates Tongue & Groove feature, the finger safe rubber EPDM seals to both sides of the each panel and glazing flipper gaskets.
HD82 Hurricane System
Our HD82 system has also been independently tested in accordance with USA hurricane standards upwards of 4000 Pascals (Pa).
Our HD82 system has also been subjected to the demanding hurricane tests to achieve Miami Dade Building Code Compliance. We achieved the highest ever pass rate for a UK folding sliding door, reaching 5160 pascals, equal to a 204mph wind. Find out more about our hurricane bi-fold doors.