SunSeeker Doors News & Views

Guide to Patio Door Types - part 3: Glass

2012-01-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

from ezine articles / Bee Primrose

Continuing the informative guide to patio doors.

part 3: Glass - Kite mark, thermal performance, tempered, unbreakable, toughened, tinted, Georgian, leaded-light, stained glass, integral blinds.

All patio doors are required to have double glazing, although glass room dividers and glass doors to non residential properties can be single glazed tempered "unbreakable" glass.

A visible "kitemark" on the glass is the consumers' assurance that the double-glazed unit has been manufactured to British standards. The BSI has numerous standards, including: U-value verification, Window Energy Rating and Window Installation. The lower the U-value, the better the thermal performance and most local authorities will require this to be 1.8 or better to meet building regulations.

Some manufactures offer optional extras, such as tinted glass, anti-sun, laminated, obscured glass and Argon-filled double-glazing. It is also possible to match existing period features by specifying Georgian bar or leaded-light in rectangular or diamond style. An innovative option is switchable privacy glass which enables molecules inside the double-glazing to become transparent or opaque at the press of a button; this is expensive, though, typically doubling the original price of good quality patio doors.

An alternative solution is to order patio doors with integral horizontal blinds, factory sealed inside the double-glazing cavity. Proven to be reliable, the blinds can be operated via a magnet system (there is an alternative electronic option) that enables the slats to be easily angled to control the amount of light filtering through and can also raise and lower the blinds for maximum light or shade. A major advantage of opting for internally sealed blinds rather than separate blinds is that they are totally maintenance-free - no arduous dusting or cleaning - and because the blinds are encapsulated inside the glazed panels, they are exceptionally difficult to break.

SunSeeker Doors is the only UK company to manufacture and install a choice of slide and pivot doors (including frameless glass doors), bi folding doors and French doors.

Article Source: Guide to Patio Door Types

Guide to Patio Door Types - part 2: Frames

2012-01-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

from ezine articles / Bee Primrose

Traditional or modern? Classic or contemporary? We continue the article describing types of patio doors, to provide an informative guide.

part 2: Frame Styles - timber, metal, pvc, composite, frameless, profiles and sight lines.

Patio doors comprise an outer frame plus individual door frames. These can be made from wood (soft- and/or hard-wood), metal or alloys (usually aluminium), pvc (polyvinyl chloride, a thermo-plastic polymer - the 'u' stands for unplasticised) or a composite material, which may comprise any of the foregoing materials plus grp (glass reinforced polymer). There is also a style known as frameless, where the vertical sides of each door have no frames.

Generally, timber frames are considered more traditional and can look beautiful! Hard wood such as oak is, as the name suggests, far more hard-wearing than a soft wood such as pine. Weather, especially strong sun, can take its toll on timber frames which could need to be varnished or painted annually. Wooden frames can swell and shrink with humidity, therefore opening and closing doors can require force and gaps can allow draughts in colder temperatures.

Metal frames, usually aluminium, provide strength in compact form. As notoriously good conductors (which is a bad attribute for insulation), frames made from aluminium are thermally-broken, which is a good attribute. It means that the metals on the inside and outside of the door frames are not joined, preventing the temperatures from being transferred between them. A bare metal frame would look completely unattractive so it is powder-coated in a choice of over 100 standard colours, including a white that resembles pvc.

As with timber, the quality of pvc frames available can vary - and generally, you get what you pay for. The better ones will usually be reinforced with metal, internally, for greater strength but the cheaper options can be a nightmare to live with - sticking, twisting, splitting, discolouring, warping - often within a very short time. Most usually supplied as white, some manufacturers offer limited colour options or wood effect finishes.

Generally stronger than pvc, composite patio door frames vary with each manufacturer, offering a variety of finishes.

Whilst frameless doors have no side frames, the top and bottom of each door requires a mechanism, typically presented in aluminium, to allow it to slide within the top and bottom guides. Frameless glass doors have the best sight lines.

Sight lines is the term used to describe the interruptions in the view through the doors; in other words, the width of the vertical opaque areas between the glass when the doors are closed. On hinged doors, such as French doors and bi folding doors, timber and pvc frames generally have broad sight lines because, unlike aluminium, narrower frames would not be strong enough to be fit for purpose. As a guide to the width of two frames together, cheaper pvc door frames can exceed 200mm, aluminium frames are typically between 135mm and 160mm and frameless patio doors sight lines are under 40mm. Depending on the width of each door and number of doors to be installed, the difference in glass to frame ratio could be significant.

Door profiles - the width of the visible door edges when open - may be a consideration. Additionally, some door profiles are ugly, showing mullions or working parts that would be better hidden from view.

SunSeeker Doors is the only UK company to manufacture and install a choice of slide and pivot doors (including frameless glass doors), bi folding doors and French doors.

Article Source: Guide to Patio Door Types

Guide to Patio Door Types - part 1: Styles

2012-01-12T04:39:00.000-08:00

from ezine articles / Bee Primrose

Traditional or modern? Classic or contemporary? Varying tastes and different architectures throughout the years, as well as innovations and enhanced lifestyles, have given rise to the wide choice in patio door variations currently available in Britain. This article aims to describe the types of patio doors - their styles and functionality, similarities and differences, together with some of their main advantages and popular options - in order to provide readers with an informative guide.

part 1: Styles - French doors, sliding panels: retractable: folding doors, slide-and-pivot doors.

The latest patio doors innovation is slide-and-pivot doors. Developed and launched since 2007/8, slide-and-pivot doors incorporate the major benefits of bifolding doors and sliding patio doors. Comprising a number of individual glazed panels that fit snugly together when closed, there is a 'master' door that can be opened with a standard (pivot) action, enabling the other doors to be moved, individually, along the top and bottom guides; as each door is moved to the end of the guides, it can also pivot open to increase the access width between the divided areas ( to a suggested maximum of approximately 8 metres).

Because slide-and-pivot doors have no hinges, there is no requirement for a sturdy side frame; its only purpose is to cover the gasket that seals the double glazed unit. This means that the views afforded through the expanse of patio doors have minimal interruptions. At the time of writing, there are two versions of frame-less glass doors available in the UK, both using the slide-and-pivot technique: one manufacturer supplies their frameless glass doors with kite-marked double glazed units which have a visible seal, the other uses an almost transparent method of sealing their double glazing. Contemporary by design, the absence of visible characteristics makes frameless glass doors a viable option for period properties.

Bi Folding doors were launched around the turn of the century; they can be installed in place of French doors, where both doors are hinged to fold as they open together to one side. Bi folding doors can also span an opening to around 7 metres wide, depending on the frame chosen. A 'master' door can be placed amongst the doors, at the ends or in the middle, wherever the opening is required; this door is a standard (pivot) opening door which enables the other doors to be pushed to the side or sides of the aperture, resulting in a sliding-folding action, concertina-style, to maximise the width of the opening between home and garden or conservatory.

Originally, patio doors were all of the French Door variety; that is, a pair of doors that are hinged at the sides and open from the middle, each door pivoting in- or out-wards. French doors are still popular, especially with builders of new homes, as they are comparatively cheap and easy to accommodate in place of windows and offer an alternative evacuation route for families, especially for elderly or disabled people, to meet improved fire safety requirements.

Arguably, French doors could be considered as retractable as each door can be pulled back. The advantage of retractable doors is that maximum access is possible between the two sides of the aperture whereas sliding panel doors generally overlap unless built to retract into a recess.

In the mid-20th century, sliding doors became very popular - two or three panels of glass that slide along grooves in the floor. To distinguish them from traditional French doors, they were marketed with the thoroughly modern name of Patio Doors and this is often the image people have today when that term is used. Easily installed in place of a window, the immediate advantages were additional natural light and access to the garden. They also became a popular option to use where a pivot door opening space was limited or where the aperture was wider than a pair of French doors. Older installations were typically single-glazed, prone to warping and usually became difficult to slide open and closed. Still available today but in a developed form with double glazing and rollers for easier sliding, the popularity of sliding doors during this century has declined as bifolding doors gained market share.

SunSeeker Doors is the only UK company to manufacture and install a choice of slide and pivot doors (including frameless glass doors), bi folding doors and French doors.

Article Source: Guide to Patio Door Types

We've Re-jigged the Photos on our Website

2011-12-19T03:47:00.000-08:00

Seasons Greetings to our readers!

The bi-folding doors animation that illustrates how the doors fold back and also shows integral blinds has moved to the bifolding patio doors page, enabling us to showcase all our products in a new fade out - fade in animation on our home page at www.sunseekerdoors.co.uk.

Bifolds (retractable folding sliding patio* doors)
UltraSlim** (retractable slide and pivot patio* doors)
Frameless (dg) (retractable slide and pivot patio* doors)
Frameless enclosures (retractable slide and pivot doors / glass curtains)
Frameless room dividers (retractable sliding pivot doors)
Integral Blinds (Optional Uni-blinds, shown in bi folding sliding doors)

*All our patio doors are made with kite-marked double-glazed units. The SunSeeker Doors range is manufactured in the UK, to your exact requirements. **Our latest innovative double glazed door system.

We look forward to installing your choice of doors in the new year. Our best wishes for 2012!

SunSeeker Glass Doors Kite Marks

2011-12-05T10:27:00.001-08:00

Kite Mark BS EN 12150 is the British and European Toughened Glass Standard and BS EN 1279 is the British and European Standard for Hermetically Sealed Double Glazing Units, awarded after several weeks of weather testing including extreme temperatures.

Kite Marks are your guarantee of quality, durability and safety standards for consumers looking to buy double glazing products that are fit for purpose. SunSeeker Doors' double-glazing units all carry these kite marks, visible on the door glass, supported by ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System.

When choosing Bi Folding Doors or Slide-and-Pivot Doors for your home, including Frameless Glass Doors, avoid inferior products, ensure that the double glazed unit has a Kite Mark.

Brighten your home. Make the most of your views.

2011-11-29T04:03:00.001-08:00

When you install glass doors in your home, the main reasons are usually that you want light to come through or you want to see what's on the other side. Whichever of these reasons applies to you, the more glass (and the less frame) the bigger the benefit!

In this property, the family have maximised natural light into their kitchen and maximised access through the retractable door system by choosing SunSeeker UltraSlim, retractable glass doors with ultra slim 19mm frame.

If you are lucky enough to have fabulous views, make the most of them with maximum glass and minimum door frames:

These Ultra Slim frames are the narrowest frames available on retractable doors - bi folding door frames are much wider to accommodate hinges for folding, pvc frames would considerably reduce the view. This SunSeeker Ultra Slim installation has optional integral blinds fitted inside the double glazing cavity.

Visit our website, www.sunseekerdoors.co.uk to view all our retractable door styles and compare door prices.

New Image for Frameless Double Glazed Doors

2011-11-14T05:27:00.001-08:00

This bright and spacious room has garden views to three sides through glass panels. Nothing new there ... except that all the glass panels are doors that can be fully opened to create a covered terrace.

Not only this but these are the latest, innovative, double glazed doors with thermal insulation values in excess of the standard required to comply with British building regulations.

Unlike bifolding doors, each frameless glass door can be moved individually by sliding along guides and remaining wherever you leave them; once at the end of the guides, each door will pivot to provide maximum access through the opening.

The icing on the cake is that these frameless glass doors have been developed in the UK and are manufactured in England to your specific size and glazing requirements. They are not 'cheap' but they are modestly priced to be affordable to many householders. A quotation is free and, unlike some other companies, SunSeeker Doors will not keep sending emails or pressure you with 'phone calls.

Elegant and slim, there is really no comparison with pvc-framed bifolds. Frameless is the future.

The Test of Time: SunSeeker Doors Bi Folding Doors Installations.

2011-10-31T03:25:00.000-07:00

When a product is considered to be 'new' there are many cautious people who, quite rightly, want their hard-earned money to be carefully invested in a product that is going to last. Fortunately, there are also pioneering-spirited people who embrace new products, enabling them to be tested - and improved - over time.

SunSeeker Doors' glazed bifolds have been manufactured in England since 2003. One of the case studies we published earlier related to a bi folding doors installation in Hertfordshire in 2007. The customers are still living at the same address and agreed that the following could be published:

"It took us about 3 years to get used to the doors just being there rather than admiring them! We still love them. There was a time, after about 2 years, when the lock was a bit stiff to turn and needed either patience or strength. I did tell the company and they assured me that it was a standard problem that occasionally happens with locks and, unless it's broken, we should persevere."

"I had to reluctantly agree as we were having a similar problem with the lock on our front door, fitted by a well-known double-glazing company before we purchased the house. A few months later, the lock on the front door jammed and the key broke off inside. However, the lock on the bifolding doors did loosen and has been trouble free for quite some time, so they were right!"

"We also had integral blinds fitted inside the glazing, despite reading that people questioned the cost of repair if the mechanism should fail. We have used the blinds every morning and night for four years and (touch wood) they are as good as new. More importantly, the blinds have never had to be cleaned or dusted. Bliss!"

Our thanks to Mr & Mrs P, Hertfordshire, for sharing their SunSeeker Doors experience.

When Winter sets in - and we stay in - we crave more Natural Light

2011-10-21T10:34:00.000-07:00

Big panels of thermally insulated double glazing around the home enables us to enjoy as much light as possible throughout the winter months without feeling cold draughts but once the weather turns warm - or hot - we'd like to throw open those doors and feel the breeze.

The maximum light flow is with frameless glass and our ultra slim frames are also designed to increase the viewable area through patio doors. (If that's too much glass for you, we still manufacture traditional 'slimline' bi-folding doors.) Maximum access is gained with our door range - all are fully retractable so that indoors can merge almost seamlessly with the great outdoors.

Visit the relevant pages on our website and submit a quote request for a price comparison of all three:

The End of Summer - Best Use of Outdoor Leisure Space

2011-10-11T04:49:00.000-07:00

Extend the use of outdoor swimming pools, hot tubs or a pleasant seating area by enclosing them with a glass wind-break - one that can be fully opened on hot days to allow the gentle flow of a cooling breeze.

It may seem like an extravagance (not compared with the cost of installing a pool) but outdoor living can be extended by several days during spring and autumn - and also occasional days during winter months, although we don't suggest sun-bathing!

Imagine sipping a mulled wine around a chiminea without a cold, biting wind across your back... then find out how much it would cost with SunSeeker glass door enclosures > Quote request.

Slimline Aluminium Bi Folding Doors - Trade

2011-09-27T10:07:00.000-07:00

Not to be compared with cheaper alternatives from DIY chains, SunSeeker folding-sliding doors are Made in England and feature the slimmest sight-lines and slim profiles (that's why we call them SunSeeker Slimline Bi Folds!)

Builders may now consider the low maintenance option of a quality set of aluminium framed bi-folds (up to 7m width) for their customers, rather than pvc or timber frames with limited expanse.

Full details of the doors are on the SunSeeker Doors main innovative doors website; for trade details and price estimations, visit SunSeeker Doors Trade Bifolds.

Ultra-chic Frameless Slide & Pivot Patio Door System

2011-09-12T02:37:00.000-07:00

Having an ultra-chic talking point in your home costs a little more than having a very nice modern set of bi folding doors. With Frameless glass doors, you get more glass for a superior panoramic view.

Sightlines with Frameless Glass Doors cannot be equalled by any bi folding doors (including SunSeeker Doors Slimline bifolds).

Compare products and make your decision now. 01582 492 730

Feedback: what our competitors are saying about SunSeeker Doors

2011-09-06T07:16:00.000-07:00

It came to our attention recently that at least one of our competitors is making misleading statements about us. Nothing serious but we thought we'd clear up any misunderstandings about whether we are manufacturers of frameless glass doors / glass curtains or just agents for a non-UK company.

SUNSEEKER DOORS MANUFACTURES FRAME-LESS AND ALUMINIUM-FRAMED GLASS DOORS IN ENGLAND.

Installation from 2003/2004

We've been manufacturing and installing bi folding doors since 2003. The concept was in its infancy as we developed our proprietary system in-house. We took the decision to retrain our aluminium powder-coating staff to install our bifolding doors with great care and, during the following years, our bifolding door system was refined and the installation team's experience grew. Although SunSeeker Doors is still a small-ish company, expansion has been carefully managed in line with sustainable economic growth plus continued research and development.

Since then, bifolds have become very popular in the UK, second only to French doors (and this is because many homes are built with openings limited to a double door width). A few manufacturers and a greater number of agents, including DIY shops, have brought products to market: aluminium, pvc and timber framed bifolding doors under various other names such as accordian, concertina, sliding-folding doors, etc. Some are quality imports from Europe, many are cheap imports. Bi-folding-sliding doors prices may include installation or may be sold for builders or DIY enthusiasts to undertake fitting themselves.

At SunSeeker Doors, we prefer to offer a full installation service - the job is usually complete inside half a day and we leave the site with a smoothly working set of doors. However, when the recent recession saw home-owners and builders struggling to meet rising costs, we launched our Trade bifolds website to accommodate this market sector.

SunSeeker Frameless Glass Doors
Manufactured in the U.K.

In 2008, we were amongst companies in the UK who considered installing 'glass curtains' for an overseas company who manufacture single glazed enclosures. Realizing the limited potential of this product in the UK - suitable mainly for internal partitions and commercial applications - our engineers set about designing a double-glazed version of frameless glass doors for the UK market.

With double glazing, two parallel panes of glass are joined around the edges using a gasket to maintain a thermal barrier by forming a vacuum between the outside and inside glass. The gasket is narrow but visible at the sides of the glass doors; this is a considerable improvement over standard bifolding doors - about three-quarters of an inch interrupting a panoramic view rather than four inches (or more, with other bifolds).

Our Innovative Frameless Double Glazed
Slide and Pivot opening Patio Doors

The absence of frames posed a challenge in terms of how to hinge the doors - so we didn't. Instead, we designed a system that gently presses the door edges together when closed, making them weather-proof and maintaining insulation values that are higher than required by building regulations. The doors are opened with a slide and pivot motion. The main access door pivots open like most other doors in the home. If further doors are to be opened, each one easily slides across the gap and, in turn, pivots open to rest next to the previous door, and so on. An added feature is to open one door and leave the other doors spaced across the opening for fresh air if access is not required.

To find out more about SunSeeker bi folding doors or frameless glass doors, manufactured in England at our Bedfordshire premises, please visit our website.

Another Fantastic Offer: Save hundreds of £££s on patio doors this month.

2011-08-10T01:04:00.000-07:00

SunSeeker Doors have come up with another great deal this summer. Following the success of July's deal for UltraSlim Doors, Frameless double glazed doors are on offer for just two weeks during August.

Example of savings: If your door opening is a standard 2100mm high and 3500mm wide, you will save £809 plus vat - that's just short of £1,000!

The same percentage saving will be applied across all our double glazed Frameless range, therefore the more doors you need, the more money you save.

Also described as glass curtains, panoramic doors or sliding-stacking doors, SunSeeker Frameless patio doors operate on a slide and pivot system, the maximum recommended width of each door is 1 metre.

SunSeeker Frameless Glass Doors are manufactured in England, by us, to your exact requirements, delivered and fitted by our experienced team of installers - quickly and cleanly. We have designed, developed and tested our bespoke system since 2008 and we only sell direct, using our own installation teams - no agents, no contractors.

We also manufacture and install Slimline aluminium bi folding-sliding doors (since 2003). All our doors are described in detail on our website, www.sunseekerdoors.co.uk.

To take up this offer - click on 'how much will my frameless glass doors cost?' for your no-obligation quotation, today.

Thermally Broken - sounds bad but it's good

2011-08-08T01:38:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we forget that industry-standard expressions are not always understood by many of our customers.

This week, we were asked what Thermally Broken Aluminium means and is it a good or bad thing?

Metals are good conductors of hot or cold which, in the case of door frames, is a bad thing because if the sun heats metal on the outside of the door - or worse, if the frost chills the metal outside - the rise or fall in temperature will be felt inside. Aluminium-framed doors would fail to meet thermal insulation requirements.

The way to retain all the good properties of aluminium frames without the unwanted results is to create a break between the aluminium on the outside and the aluminium on the inside. When this is done (by whichever method a manufacturer has developed) it is referred to as "thermally broken".

SunSeeker Doors' aluminium frames are thermally broken ... which is good. Visit our web site for aluminium-framed bi-folding-sliding doors, aluminium-framed slide-and-pivot doors and frameless double-glazed doors.

Swimming Pool Enclosures.

2011-08-01T00:30:00.000-07:00

The ultimate in breeze-breakers!

Keep the fabulous views and feeling of spaciousness but cut out the wind chill factor with SunSeeker Doors' Frameless Glass Doors installed as Enclosures. The doors slide open and pivot to stack neatly at the sides of the openings when you want the balmy breeze to waft through.

More photographs are available on www.sunseekerdoors.co.uk on our Frameless Doors page. The SunSeeker Doors range includes Slimline aluminium-framed bifolding doors, UltraSlim-frame slide and pivot patio doors, Frameless Double Glazed Retractable Patio Doors, Frameless Glass Room Dividers and Enclosures.

SunSeeker Doors has been developing innovative glass door systems since 2003. All SunSeeker Doors are manufactured in England - no cheap imports - and are made to measure to your requirements at a remarkably affordable price that includes installation.

Visit the website, read the testimonials, submit a quotation request ... www.sunseekerdoors.co.uk.

Last few days of new for old sale!

2011-07-28T02:28:00.000-07:00

If you are considering whether to upgrade your patio doors, make that decision today! The SunSeeker Doors Offer will close at the end of this month... that's just a couple of days away.

You can purchase your Bi Folding Doors direct from the UK manufacturer, including site survey and installation. And, until the end of July, you can choose the latest UltraSlim frame fully retractable patio doors for the same price as standard bifolds.

Act now: www.sunseekerdoors.co.uk

Bifolds & UltraSlim - lets talk sight-lines and price!

2011-07-23T03:20:00.000-07:00

To the best of our knowledge, our 38mm sight-lines are the slimmest available for retractable double-glazed doors. This means that when you look through the span of closed doors, there is more glass for your viewing pleasure.

Both our Frameless double-glazed Doors and SunSeeker UltraSlim have 38mm sightlines. The main difference is that Frameless Glass Doors have a visible opaque gasket around the double glazing n order to seal the vacuum that is fundamental to thermal insulation - and so does UltraSlim! But with UltraSlim, the gasket is covered with powder-coated aluminium, giving the customer a choice of almost 200 colours for their frames.

There is one other MAJOR difference throughout July 2011 ... SunSeeker UltraSlim is being offered for THE SAME PRICE as SunSeeker Slimline bi-folding doors. Slimline has always offered one of the slimmest profiles and frames amongst bi-folding door products.

What are you waiting for? Click here for a quotation!

Slide and Fold or Slide and Turn - which doors do you prefer?

2011-07-16T07:36:00.000-07:00

At SunSeeker Doors, we offer fully retractable patio doors and glass room dividers with the option of Slide and Fold or Slide and Turn.

When closed, both types of doors look similar. Folding-sliding or bi-folding doors have wider frames than our Ultra-Slim or Frameless Glass doors which work on the principle of each glass door individually sliding to the end of the guide rail before pivoting at right-angles to rest at the sides of the opening.

An advantage of the individual slide and pivot doors is that spaces can be left anywhere along the opening whereas the bifolds are joined together, enabling limited choice of where they may be left open.

Price-wise, there is not a massive difference between the styles and, until the end of July, there is a special offer: UltraSlim for the SAME PRICE as bi folds. You can submit a request for an obligation-free comparative quotation of all our innovative doors with one easy form, here: Patio Door Quote Comparison.

SunSeeker Frameless Glass Room Dividers are single glazed using tempered 'unbreakable' glass.

Click here for special offer on UltraSlim.

AMAZING PRICE OFFER FOR JULY

2011-07-08T05:18:00.000-07:00

The Offer:
Until 31st July 2011, confirmed orders for SunSeeker UltraSlim will be fully installed for the same price as SunSeeker Slimline traditional bi folding doors.

The Price:
SunSeeker bi folding doors are in the medium price range, often slightly cheaper than doors of similar quality. SunSeeker UltraSlim is a unique product, new to market with no direct comparison.

The Product:
We have developed 19mm aluminium frames on our UltraSlim double glazed retractable glass doors. Tried and tested with a small number of customers, UltraSlim is being fully launched with an introductory offer.

Features:

Slimmest sight-lines available at 38mm when doors are closed.
Fully retractable, Narrow profiles when open.
Fully compliant with British standards.
British innovation, British design.
Manufactured to order in the UK.
Made to measure to customers exact specification.
Usually created and installed within four weeks of order.
Frames available in almost 200 different colours.
Glass options and cavity fill options.
Optional integral blinds available.

Benefits:

Offer open until 31st July - could save you £ hundreds.
Slimmest sight-lines 38mm means best available views when closed.
Fully retractable doors means best available views when open.
Unrestricted access through the opening, up to 7m width.
Manufactured to British standards in the UK means no shipping delays.
Experienced installation team for a fast and tidy job.
Thermal values for new doors mean less wasted energy.

View SunSeeker Doors UltraSlim details, submit an obligation-free quotation request or, if you want to ask the SunSeeker team any questions about their doors or this special offer, call 01582 492730.

Frameless Retractable Patio Doors Gain Rapid Popularity

2011-07-05T06:03:00.000-07:00

With almost ten years of manufacturing and installing aluminium framed bi folding doors, we are pleased to note that within two years of product launch, SunSeeker Frameless Double Glazed Patio Doors account for 40 per cent of our overall orders in a year that is up on the previous year's sales.

SunSeeker Doors: Frameless Double Glazed Patio Doors

This year, we introduced another product to our portfolio - UltraSlim, Retractable Patio Doors. Similar to Frameless but with the option of a slim 19mm aluminium frame around each glazed panel in any RAL colour of your choice, giving a remarkably slim 38mm slightline.

NEW! SunSeeker Doors: UltraSlim Retractable Patio Doors

A single glazed tempered glass fully retractable Frameless Room Divider is available for areas that are not subject to thermal compliance, such as dividing a room.

SunSeeker Doors: Frameless Glass Room Dividers

You can view all our innovative door products and submit a no-obligation quote request at our web site, www.sunseekerdoors.co.uk

Client Testimonial for RAL-colour aluminium framed bi-folding doors

2011-06-22T01:55:00.000-07:00

"Just to let you know the installation went off very smoothly and the installers did a quick and wonderful job. Very pleased with service from Sunseekers. Well done guys!

P.S. The colour was spot on as well!"

Bi Folding Doors that don't actually fold = less frame and more glass!

2011-06-16T11:53:00.000-07:00

click to see technical drawings

Having spent eight years perfecting Slimline aluminium bi folds, innovative door manufacturer, SunSeeker Doors, recently spent two years designing and honing both Frameless and Ultra-Slim versions of the bifolding (or folding-sliding) doors 'offspring' without hinges - so they don't actually fold! The doors pivot individually to parallel-stack at the end of the guides.

The new, contemporary patio doors look similar to bi folding doors when they are open or closed but the difference is obvious when they are half way between the two.

Traditional folding-sliding doors, like SunSeeker Slimline, open and close with a zig-zag concertina movement, pairs of doors are hinged at one side with the other sides sliding along grooves.

The new doors were designed to feature more glass by reducing or removing the side frames, facilitating a superior view when the doors are closed. Without a decent chunk of frame on which to attach sturdy hinges, SunSeeker Doors had to develop a method of retaining the thermal values of the doors, in order to meet British standards; the edges of the doors had to fit together snugly without gaps. This was achieved, in fact, with slightly higher insulation qualities than the original bifolds.

Main Features & Benefits:

less metal, more glass for a better viewing area
improved insulation for greener living

Other Advantages:

Frameless Glass Doors ends the dilemma of wood v pvc v aluminium frames
Ultra-Slim aluminium frames (available in over 100 colours choices) enable integral blinds to be fitted
No hinges means that doors can be spaced across the opening for better 'breeze control' and, let's face it, this looks seriously cool with a massive WoW factor!

Finally, Price ... just a little more than traditional folding-sliding doors. Submit just one form for an obligation-free quotation on all three patio door styles.

Any colour as long as it's white? . . . . . . . . Not any more!

2011-05-25T03:27:00.000-07:00

Classic White Bi Folding Doors
(with integral blinds)

Classic Slate Grey
Aluminium frame Bi Folds

Bi Folding Doors with
Black Aluminium Frames

Ultra Slim
Green Aluminium Frames

No Frames
Frameless Glass Doors
fully retractable, just like bifolds

SunSeeker Doors
Aluminium Frames are
available in any these colours

Recurring Question: Aluminium, PVC or Timber Frames for your Patio Doors?

2011-04-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

Often, it's a question of matching existing window frames but today's finishes can simulate natural or painted wood.

Aluminium frames are strongest, usually slimmest and available in well over 100 different colours - including a match for white pvc frames; PVC frames are available in wood-effect and can be the cheapest but you get what you pay for. Timber frames prices vary and the main reasons they are chosen despite higher maintenance issues is because wood can look good and because aluminium or pvc frames are not expected to match existing wooden frames on windows and doors.

There are many articles on the Internet and in magazines discussing this dilemma but even those written within the past year rarely include the alternative option - state-of-the-art FRAME-LESS patio doors. Only two manufacturers offer double-glazed FULLY RETRACTABLE patio doors that are thermally compliant with UK building regulations.

Compare SunSeeker Bi Folding, Frameless and UtraSlim frames:

Patio Door Styles and Frames.

2011-04-26T02:19:00.000-07:00

SunSeeker Doors offers three styles of double-glazed Patio Doors as well as contemporary French Doors. These are:

Aluminium frames are available in a myriad of colours and it should be noted that frame-less double glazed doors have a visible seal at the sides of each panel.

All SunSeeker double-glazed French Doors and Patio Doors (i.e. Folding-Sliding and Slide-&-Pivot) adhere to British Building Regulations regarding thermal insulation properties.

If you require doors that do not need to be double-glazed - for example, as room dividers or to an orangery, single glazed frameless slide and pivot doors, originally called 'glass curtains' are the ultimate doors for sheer class - and that 'wow' factor!

Look carefully or you won't see the frameless glass curtains!

Shh! New Doors still under wraps (installation pictures available)

2011-03-29T07:04:00.000-07:00

Don't tell everyone but SunSeeker Doors is about to unveil their newest concept in patio doors.

Shown here during installation, the UltraSlim aluminium-frame, slide and pivot doors can be seen on the SunSeeker Doors web site - if you know where to look!

SunSeeker UltraSlim is now available to order - request your quote by clicking on made to measure patio doors.

Springtime in Hounslow

2011-03-14T03:48:00.000-07:00

This photograph of SunSeeker Doors' Double-Glazed Slide & Swivel patio doors was taken and sent to us by a happy customer who has kindly allowed us to feature it. Please click on the image for a larger view. Visit www.sunseekerdoors.co.uk for more photographs of all door types:

Frameless Double-Glazed Patio Doors Technical Drawings uploaded to our Website

2011-03-07T01:43:00.000-08:00

Please visit this page: Frameless Double-Glazed Patio Doors Technical Drawings

A sneak peek at our next innovative door-set

2011-02-28T11:29:00.000-08:00

We can only say ....

Watch This Space for our next product announcement!

Types of Patio Doors.

2011-02-14T10:57:00.000-08:00

These are bi folding patio doors. Also called folding-sliding doors, they are hinged together, concertina style. Basically, doors either pivot - as in French Doors - or they can slide ...
or both.

Fixed panel sliding doors have to remain within the top and bottom guides, restricting the access through the aperture, but SunSeeker Doors' Frameless Glass Doors slide along the guides then each can pivot to make the entire aperture accessible.

Take a look at our patio doors, glass curtains and room dividers on the SunSeeker Doors website.

Problems that aren't really there with Frameless glass doors.

2011-01-31T10:09:00.000-08:00

A potential customer was delighted that we could help her with a perceived problem.

As can be seen in the photograph, Frameless glass doors do not have to be fitted within the aperture of an opening, therefore if there is an arch or an inconsistent height from left to right, your terrace can still be enclosed.

This applies equally to the opening between house and orangery or sun room - or for room dividers that can be guided from the ceiling.

We have installed a number of single glazed frameless glass curtains this way. It may not always be possible with double-glazed frameless patio doors but why not call SunSeeker's experts and discuss?

01582 492 730 for Slimline Bifolds or Frameless Glass Doors, room dividers and folding patio doors

SunSeeker opens its Doors to Trade supply. Launch of new website www.SunSeekerTradeBifolds.co.uk

2011-01-14T08:00:00.000-08:00

Press Release: 14 January 2011
Luton, Bedfordshire: SunSeeker Doors, renowned for its Bi Folding Doors System since 2003, has today launched a new service to supply made-to-measure bi folds direct to builders who want to install the doors to their own customers.

SunSeeker Doors had previously resisted requests to provide door sets only, in case poor installation by third parties might damage the reputation that SunSeeker has spent years building. However, the bi folding doors have been engineered to a point where installation is straightforward and the British-made aluminium folding-sliding door sets have proven to be robust.

Having remained buoyant throughout the recession with its keen pricing and value-for-money quality, the company has recently reviewed its strategy for going forward. Manufacturing can handle additional capacity, resulting in the launch of SunSeeker Trade Bifolds.

Additionally, a brand new innovative Frame-less 'glass curtain' door system was introduced in 2009, enabling a clearly uninterrupted view between rooms or a conservatory. This was followed, a year ago, by the launch of a double-glazed version marketed simply as Frameless Glass Doors, developed and manufactured in the U.K..

Frameless Glass Doors look similar to bi folding doors but with more glass and less of everything else, making them a far more attractive addition to the home. Building regulations for thermal insulation properties mean that the double glazing is sealed by a narrow but visible gasket. Comparing the view through Frameless Glass Doors with the view through SunSeeker aluminium framed bifolds and typical pvc frames, the area of interrupted view at the side edge of each door is 19mm, 60mm and typically 100mm, respectively.

More information about SunSeeker Doors products can be found on www.sunseekerdoors.co.uk. For trade-only supply, please visit www.sunseekertradebifolds.co.uk.

Our First Customer Testimonial for Frameless Double Glazed Doors

2011-01-13T04:25:00.001-08:00

"Hi
I just wanted to say how wonderful the doors are and how well they were fitted - no damage to our decoration and no mess.
It's a joy to view our winter wonderland in panoramic view.
Thank you."
RR, Hounslow, 20/12/2010

Express Bi Folding Door Service and Frameless Glass Curtains from the Innovative Door Technology Company, SunSeeker Doors

2011-01-07T11:09:00.000-08:00

Super-fast delivery and installation for:

Bi-Folds with standard white frames and K Glass

FRAMELESS glass room dividers / enclosures

Our tailored-to-fit bi folds are made to measure and, except when seasonal sales are at their peak, our delivery and installation turnaround time for SunSeeker bi folding doors is often only a month from initial order for popular frame colours. Special colours, special glass and integral blinds will take a little longer.

However, if you don't want to wait, we can offer you our Express Bifolding Doors service - Slim profile bifolds with white powder-coated aluminium frames and toughened K Glass(tm) - manufactured to your individual size requirements and installed in days! Just enter "Express Service" in the "other specifications/requirements" box when you fill in the Quote Request Form. Or call us for a price.

Our Express service also applies to Frameless Glass Curtains - single-glazed doors without side frames for an uninterrupted view - for internal room dividers, pool rooms, out-buildings and external enclosures.

Working with Design and Build Architects

2010-11-26T04:18:00.000-08:00

At SunSeeker Doors, we have often worked with architects and builders to install bifolding doors in new or extended homes but since the launch of of our fairly unique Frameless double-glazed doors, there has been a greater interest from the design and build sector.

In the UK, if clients want to make the most of a spectacular view from their homes, the considerations are:

best uninterrupted view,
best view through the glass,
building regulations compliance.

The best uninterrupted view is to have nothing between yourself and the view, not even glass. This can be achieved by installing retractable doors and opening them fully, such as slimline bifolding doors, glass curtains or double-glazed frameless glass doors. SunSeeker Doors manufactures and installs all these types of doors.

The best view through the glass can be achieved with fixed frameless glass panels, sliding frameless glass patio doors or retractable glass curtains made from single-glazed tempered glass but none of these would meet building regulations approval if installed between the main house and the outside. Double-glazing is necessary to reduce heat loss from homes, therefore a narrow opaque edge is unavoidable around each glass panel. With this in mind, the best available options for the best view through glass doors are double-glazed frameless glass doors or sliding patio doors.

Traditional sliding patio doors that run left and right along tracks do not retract to improve the view or access area. Sunseeker Doors' frameless glass doors have been developed to slide then pivot ninety degrees to stack neatly at the side of the opening for maximum access, light source and viewing aperture.

Design-and-Build Frameless Glass Doors Installation

SunSeeker Doors has experienced teams to perform a site survey and who can install our doors - frameless or bifolds - with minimum fuss in minimum time, leaving a tidy site within a few hours.

Architects benefit from fast but professional service, customers are pleased to be free of workmen and their debris and have working doors the same day.

We have the flexibility to work with architects, developers and building professionals to meet deadlines and other requirements. Read more about us on our web site, email or call 01582 492 730 to discuss including our quality, innovative doors in your plans.

Double-glazed Frameless Doors - as much space as you can handle!

2010-11-11T09:36:00.000-08:00

Earlier this week, a customer told us that they had never heard of FRAMELESS bi folding patio doors until they accidentally discovered them on our website.

That's the problem with being ahead of the game - spreading the word takes time and/or money and, as SunSeeker Doors is not a large corporation, getting the message across is a slow but rewarding task.

Frameless Glass Doors look similar to bifolds but don't actually fold. The doors hug each other tightly until they are required to part. The main door opens so that the other doors may be spread across the opening or fully retracted for maximum access between the two areas.

Our double-glazed frameless doors exceed UK building regulations for use between the inside and outside of your home.

A single glazed version is available if you just need a classy plain glass room divider - it's so understated that people sometimes assume it's a glass wall and don't realise that it's fully openable.

Treat yourself and wow your friends...

Our website has full details of Frameless Glass Doors, including photographs of some installations, or you can call us with your questions on 01582 492730.

An Ordinary Door Amongst Extraordinary Doors

2010-11-05T07:20:00.000-07:00

It occurred to us recently that, due to our over-enthusiasm, we effuse about how our bi folding doors and our frameless glass doors open and close during the better weather yet we forget to mention that, for everyday usage, they are all equipped with a traditionally opening door.

To clarify, both styles of door expanse include a traditionally hinged or pivoting main door. This can be locked and unlocked with a key, opened and closed with a handle. You can walk between rooms or into the garden as if it was just an ordinary door - which it is.

The other (extraordinary) doors are its accomplices.

On bifolds, the other doors are linked with hinges that allow them to be opened in a concertina / accordian style.
Frameless doors have no hinges but snuggle together until separated by first opening the (almost) ordinary door then moving the nearest extraordinary door, by sliding it across the gap. When it reaches the furthest point along the guides, it can swivel to rest next to the first door. The process is repeated for each door, as required, or any of the doors can remain in a closed position anywhere along the guide rails.

For visual enlightenment, please see our photograph galleries for bi folding doors, double glazed frameless doors and frameless glass doors for enclosures and room dividers.

Now that Bi Folding Doors are so popular, there's nothing new to say ... or is there?

2010-11-01T11:33:00.000-07:00

republished from www.goarticles.com

It is easy to find information about Bi-Folding doors on the Internet: how they work, who supplies them, which frame type is best, and so on. There is very little information about the Frameless glass door that has recently evolved and poised to become the next hot home improvement 'must have'.

The frameless glass patio doors system is based on the 'glass curtains' (single glazed doors) method of using separate panels that slide and pivot to stack at right-angles to open, then slide back to their original positions, butting tightly together, to close.
When closed, the view through the glass doors is maximised as there are no side frames between the glass. When fully open, the doors are stored to the side of the opening, similar to stacking bifolds, for maximum access ans well as uninterrupted views.
These single glazed frameless doors are the ultimate is room dividers but for patio doors, frameless double-glazed doors are necessary to meet building regulations.
Frameless double-glazed doors do not provide such a purely uninterrupted view as can be achieved with single glazing. This is because the thermally compliant double glazed unit has to be sealed with a gasket that is approximately 20mm wide. Insulated glass or double glazing has insulation and acoustic properties attributable to the a vacuum or special gas in the cavity between the inner and outer glass panels. A gasket needs to be reliably airtight to retain the gas or vacuum and to prevent humidity and condensation.
There is no frame at each side of the frameless glass doors but the gasket is opaque and forms a frame-like interruption to views through a set of double-glazed door panels, though minimal, especially when compared with bifolding doors.
If you long to have a view through a wide expanse of uninterrupted glass doors, there are places where you can install frameless single glazed doors. For example, conservatory doors, balcony enclosures, outbuildings and commercial premises, as well as room partitions.

Commercial premises do not have to comply with the same insulation standards as domestic dwellings therefore the single glazed frameless doors can stretch across the front of house, in place of a plate glass window, for instance. Restaurants and cafés have embraced the frameless glass door system because it enables them to seemlessly extend their services beyond the front door.
Frameless glass doors, like bifolds, can easily provide access in excess of seven metres.
Information regarding single-glazed or double-glazed frameless doors or aluminium-framed bifolding doors can be read on SunSeeker Doors web site. This UK manufacturer will provide a competitive quotation for both bi folding doors and frameless glass doors, including installation and full product and workmanship guarantee.

Bee Primrose has been writing about bi-folding doors since 2007. This and various other topics are covered in http://www.myportfolioltd.blogspot.com

PVC, Timber, Aluminum Frames Or Frameless Patio Doors?

2010-10-25T09:48:00.000-07:00

Since the turn of the century, the bi folding door has become increasingly popular with home-owners modernising their houses and flats. It is also the standard for many enclosed swimming pools.

Bi-folding doors are generally offered with three frame types: Timber, Aluminium and PVC. All are available in different qualities and therefore the prices vary. When comparing the cheapest PVC or wood-framed door sets from a D.I.Y. store with made to measure bi folding doors from a specialist manufacturer, remember that the built-to-order price generally includes installation by experienced bi folding door fitters.

Other points to consider may include the origin of your custom built doors:

Are they made locally or imported? There could be unforeseen delays if the measurements are inaccurate.
Does the company use an experienced team or cheap, untrained labour for installation?
Is the Company established with a good reputation, in case something goes wrong?

Timber

Good quality wooden frames look good in traditional homes. Hard woods, such as teak and oak are more expensive than soft woods but are also more resiliant. Timber frames are more prone to weather conditions - sun and rain can take their toll - swelling, shrinking or warping the frames, making the doors difficult to open or close and facilitating draughts. Stained or painted, wooden frames are high maintenance compared with aluminium or pvc.

PVC
Often available in wood-grain finish as well as white, PVC door frames vary from cheap and nasty that will probably be a nightmare to open and close, to metal-reinforced, high quality systems. The better PVC bifolds have many of the qualities of aluminium bifolds, such as low maintenance and good performance - but the frames are always wider, detracting from the potential view when doors are closed, and the profiles are also wider, reducing the access space when open.

Aluminium

The term thermally-broken aluminium basically means that the aluminium exposed to the temperatures on the outside of the frame and the aluminium on the inside of the frame are separated by a non-conductive material so that heat or cold doesn't pass through. Aluminium itself can be quite ugly therefore the aluminium frames are powder-coated in a polymer that provides a smooth, warm finish. Colours can be added to the coating to produce a virtually maintenance-free frame (it will need a wipe now and then) in white, graphite, silver, green, brown, blue or up to almost 200 colour choices - including purple, orange, red or pink. Barbie and Jordan would love that!

Frameless
For character homes, frameless glass doors are the stunning alternative to the traditional. For contemporary homes, there really is no alternative - this is it! The ultimate Lifestyle choice. Instead of having to consider the safety of natural wood versus repercussions of fashion fopars with copper, graphite or plum finishes, choose frameless. No frames.

Evolving from bifolds, an absence of side frames meant having to develop a method without hinges. This is achieved by having a main door that pivots open at right-angles just like a regular door, enabling each of the remaining doors to slide across the gap left by the open door and also pivoting at right-angles, to rest against the previous door. In this way, maximum access is achieved when all the doors are fully open.

And when the doors are fully closed, there are no frames to disturb the view. It should be noted, however, that because patio doors are double glazed, there is a small interruption between closed doors where the gasket seals the vacuum between the outer and inner glass panes.

Bi Folding Doors Testimonial

2010-10-21T09:48:00.000-07:00

From an email received at SunSeeker Doors: Karen S
"... purchased some bi folding doors from yourselves and they are wonderful. I am very pleased with the service and the fit."
:-)

Frameless Glass Doors for Restaurants, Shop Fronts & Commercial Property

2010-10-15T08:36:00.000-07:00

Restaurants, cafés, showrooms and shops where easy access is important - frameless glass doors are now more affordable than ever, manufactured in England and installed in under a day.

toughened glass frameless doors
Sliding-stacking mechanism
Latch locking mechanism
Maximim width per panel: 1 metre
Maximum height: 3 metres
Bottom run on Teflon
Top guided Single rail system
No ugly sliding mullion or ugly rubber seals
Made to measure in the UK

For commercial requirements and widths in excess of 8m, please contact SunSeeker Doors on 01582 492 730.

Or use the link below for details
Frameless Glass Doors for restaurants, cafés, showrooms, shops & commercial property.

WebSite: New Photographs, New Navigation Menu, News Page ...

2010-10-06T10:47:00.000-07:00

Our web site has had a makeover. The menu has been improved and we've uploaded some photographs of new installations of our FRAMELESS DOUBLE GLAZED DOOR SYSTEM.

Our latest blog posts are now listed on our News & Views page and we've added a new page for architects and Design & Build specialists.

Let there be Light with our Latest Door technology

2010-09-27T02:10:00.000-07:00

Another installation of SunSeeker Doors' latest product, the Frameless Glass Door for patios and, as shown here, balconies. With virtually no interruption between glazed door panels, natural light-flow is maximised yet thermal insulating qualities are maintained or improved.

Our team is working hard to keep up with demand this autumn. Manufactured in Bedfordshire and installed anywhere within approximately 2.5 hours travel, we are actively seeking to appoint installation teams for our Frameless Glass Doors throughout the remainder of the UK.

For more information, see our web site www.sunseekerdoors.co.uk or feel free to talk to us direct on 01582 492 730.

Client Testimonial: Berkshire installation

2010-09-13T09:28:00.000-07:00

Daniel L (SunSeeker Doors fitted at the end of February) "Doors look awesome. Not tried opening them yet but they look fantastic. Great job."

Despite the Recession, our Frameless Glass Doors are Clear Winners!

2010-09-07T02:30:00.000-07:00

Launched only a few months ago, our high quality, highly desirable Frameless Glass Doors orders account for almost half our total sales in that period - and total sales are up on last year's figures. Take a look at our web sites to compare our Frameless Glass Doors with our BiFolding Doors - and choose which one is best for you:

www.framelessglassdoorsuk.co.uk
www.sunseekerdoors.co.uk

How Do Frameless Glass Doors open?

2010-08-13T06:37:00.000-07:00

From fully closed position to fully open:

Unlock side compression Schlegel locking system
Pivot access door to swing open
Slide the next glass panel into the position vacated by the open door
Pivot open as previously performed
Stack against previous door
Repeat the same task for each of the glass panels

The system is now fully open.

Of course, there is a middle option, as shown in the picture!

Frameless Glass Patio Door Installation

2010-08-04T01:08:00.000-07:00

The two installations in the smaller images are of similar size - one shows our Frameless double glazed doors and the other shows our Slimline Bifolding doors (click on the image for a larger image view).

Compare the view from each installation. Decide which style you prefer - or if you can't decide and would like to know both prices - submit our quotation form for a comparison. There are also technical details on our web site, under bi folding doors and frameless glass doors.

Avoid disappointment and be prepared with all the facts before you buy. If you have specific questions, contact SunSeeker Doors direct - your email or telephone call will be answered by a knowledgable team member from our family-run business - we don't employ professional salesmen.

Our doors offer great views and high thermal insulation values all year but it would be great to take advantage of the doors' benefits before the autumn so why not decide today? Installation takes about half a day* and our lead time is less than a month**

*depending on size of installation and number of doors
**this may vary; bifolds are a shorter lead time than frameless (Aug'10)

behind closed doors ...

2010-07-21T07:32:00.000-07:00

We don't want to shout about this just yet but SunSeeker Doors is planning to have a London showroom in the not-too-distant future.

Our innovative Frameless Glass Doors will be available to 'play' with - far better than trying to visualise their elegance and understand their simplicity via Internet images and telephone conversations.

But if this is what you'd like to do in the meantime, you can see and read about all SunSeeker Doors products and options on our corporate site and find additional information on our exclusive Frameless Glass Doors UK site.

And, of course, if you would like to talk to us, we would be delighted to hear from you! Please call 01582 492730

Customer installation, Frameless Glass Doors in Weaverham

2010-07-07T11:14:00.000-07:00

A recent customer was so pleased our new product - frameless glass doors, installed between his house and new orangery - that he sent us a series of photographs, which we have added to the gallery on our web site.

SunSeeker Frameless Glass Doors are available as single or double glazed.

Tempered glass single glazed doors can be used internally or on conservatories where doors do not have to meet building regulations' insulation standards.

Where thermally compliant double-glazing is mandatory, a narrow seal is visible around the edge of the frameless glass unit.

SunSeeker Doors' Frameless Glass Doors are made to specific measurements at our Bedfordshire site where we also manufacture SunSeeker Slimline bi folding doors with a narrow profile aluminium frame, powder coated to your RAL colour choice. All our doors are made to each customer's exacting requirements and installed by our experienced team.

View more of this Frameless Glass Doors installation.

hot hot hot - and loving my bifolding doors with blinds!

2010-06-22T11:56:00.000-07:00

From a member of our marketing team, working fom home:

Phew! Finally, a few warm summer days and I have my folding-sliding doors on a south facing lounge. This morning, I kept the doors and the integral blinds closed to keep the room cool as I worked, just stepping through the single opening door when I ventured out to the garden for a small break, now and then.

Eventually, as the intense sun stopped beating down directly on the glass doors, I opened up the whole wall of bi-folds, in one smooth movement, to let the breeze waft in from the garden, carrying with it the fragrance of roses, honeysuckle and the early-bird menu fom the local pub.

It was heaven - and I felt compelled to write this before stopping work for the day and enjoying the late afternoon shade on the patio.

Bi Folding Doors with Integral Horizontal Blinds = Customer Satisfaction

2010-06-15T10:40:00.000-07:00

SunSeeker Doors installed a set of bi folding patio doors with integrated blinds for a customer living north of London almost three years ago...

"We still really like our bifolding doors, so clean-looking and easy to live with plus they feel so sturdy, unlike the pvc doors we have elsewhere. Our decision to order the bifolds with blinds inside the double glazing was the easily the best decision we made, even though it pushed the price up.

"Last week, the cable TV engineer was here and he much admired our doors and blinds; this week, the new window cleaner remarked how impressed he was with them. In both cases, I'm sure they thought I was a sales rep for SunSeeker Doors because I so proudly demonstrated the ease of aluminium frames, dust-free blinds, etc!

"We've had the bifolds since 2007 and we're as pleased with them now as the day they were new. If we ever move, we'll buy them again. I can't imagine why anyone would choose anything else!"

Visit SunSeeker Doors web site to view the photograph gallery of some of our bi folding door installations plus features, benefits, technical details and a no-obligation quotation form.

Frameless Glass Doors for Hotels, Restaurants, Cafés

2010-05-21T11:28:00.000-07:00

Fabulous views for your guests with SunSeeker Doors' Frameless Glass Doors (Frameless Glass Curtains) using 'unbreakable' single glaze panels.

A newer alternative to bifolding doors, Frameless Glass doors are now available, made to measure in the UK.

More information is available on our website. View our Frameless Glass Doors Gallery and our Frameless Glass Technology page, and click on Quick Quote to estimate your required budget for us to install them in time for this summer.

Announcing Double Glazed Frameless Glass Doors

2010-05-11T13:54:00.000-07:00

This is the first photograph of our latest product to be manufactured and installed in our UK: double glazed, Frameless Glass Doors with excellent thermal values.

Based on the frameless Glass Curtains concept (which are single glazed glass barriers, popular in Mediterranean Europe) of each door panel sliding to the side of the aperture and pivoting 90 degrees to stack neatly to the side of the opening, SunSeeker Doors' double glazed frameless glass doors are the latest development in patio doors with the ultimate viewable area.

Also in the photograph is a white framed, traditional sliding patio door. Comparing the walk-through space when the doors are open, Frameless Glass Doors enable almost double the access width of the sliding door system.

For more details and a no-strings quote, visit the SunSeeker Doors web site, Double-Glazed Frameless Glass Doors.

Patio Door Frame Colours

2010-04-20T10:37:00.000-07:00

Your decision regarding patio doors will affect the next ten or more years of your life, whether you stay in your home or decide to sell it, therefore there are two aspects to consider ... what do you want now and what is a good, longer-term investment?

Longer term, especially if you may be selling your home, the patio doors need to look good and work efficiently. Aluminium framed doors are strong, almost impossible to damage with normal use and are virtually maintenance-free.

As for now, SunSeeker Doors' slimline frames give greater viewing pleasure than many alternatives. Not only are the frames narrower than those made of flimsier material but there is a vast choice of colours.

Aluminium frames are powder-coated, often in natural white so could be mistaken for pvc, but this process allows for the frames to be coated in any colour from the RAL range. Click here for a frame colour chart. Additionally, the frames are "thermally broken" for excellent insulation qualities, far greater than most wooden framed patio doors.

SunSeeker Doors offers traditional two-door patio doors plus bifolding options up to 7.2 metres - you can replace a whole wall of your house, providing the construction meets building regulations.

We measure, manufacture, deliver, install, test and guarantee our product and labour. SunSeeker Doors are made in England, to order; white frames can be installed in a few days, if necessary (see our Express BiFolding Door Service).

Check out the gallery of installations on our web site - then use our quote request form for a no-obligation quotation. Give your home a makeover with SunSeeker Doors. What frame colour will you choose?

Commercial applications for SunSeeker Doors

2010-03-31T05:27:00.000-07:00

In this article about bifolding and frameless glass doors for commercial properties, the benefits of aluminium for bi folding door frames and types of glass for frameless glass doors are considered.

Further information is also available on our web site, www.sunseekerdoors.co.uk

Bifolding Doors and Blinds - discussion on MumsNet

2010-03-22T05:47:00.000-07:00

Q: Anyone got those bi-folding doors- what do you do about blinds?

Our thanks to one of our customers who provided this response:

"I've been through all this three years ago!

We didn't choose wooden doors for the reason given above (we'd had wooden in our previous house) so we compared pvc with aluminium and there was no comparison! Aluminium won hands down in all areas except price.

The frames are stronger and much narrower so that you are looking through the glass rather than at an ugly plastic frame, and they come in a range of colours (in the end we played safe and opted for white).

Following a demonstration of doors and blinds at a SunSeeker Doors installation, we felt confident enough to spend the extra on integral blinds inside the glass. They come with a guarantee but because there is no strain placed on the blinds' mechanism when it is being opened, closed, etc., there's little chance of it going wrong.

That was three years ago and (touch wood - oh no, I can't, I opted for metal!) the blinds have worked perfectly and we have had absolutely no problems sliding and folding the doors.

I don't like curtains and all the vertical blinds we've ever had have gone wrong so every window has slatted venetians but only the bifolding doors have them inside and all the other blinds in the house are dusty! (and a couple of them have gone wonky with boys - includes husband - tugging at them but this isn't a problem with the integral blinds).

I don't know which area you live but it might be worth checking www.sunseekerdoors.co.uk as I can recommend them. They measure up and manufacture to order, in England, so they can install quite quickly too (this service is in the price).

I hope that helps."

Please take a look at our bifolding doors, integral blinds and NEW frameless glass doors.

Extracts from a customers blog ...

2010-03-12T10:18:00.000-08:00

January 2008. Having built the outer shell, it was time to knock down the original load-bearing back wall of the house. At this stage we are wondering why we decided to do this ...

First, the lounge was reduced from
12 x 14 to 12 x 10 by the erection of a plywood wall to keep some warmth in and some dirt out, meaning that the family living room was cramped with 3 sofas, a TV and no windows. The photograph shows the ply wall, also artily reflected in the mirror. (Can you see the green-brown carpet? Leafy-swirly survivor from the '70s!) Oh, and those plants didn't survive.

Full post here: http://changinghouses.blogspot.com/2009/09/2008-it-gets-worse-before-it-gets.html

Little jobs got done:
the utility room was built, which provided a mini-kitchen so that the actual kitchen could be gutted, and the downstairs loo was moved in order to accommodate this - accordingly, the upstairs facilities were working. The oppressive ply wall came down and our living area moved south into the new extension. Larger, lighter and brighter: oh joy! This enabled the ceiling and walls ...

Let SunSeeker Doors transform your home, extension or conservatory with Slimline Aluminium Bifolding Doors or Frameless Glass Patio Doors & Frameless Glass Room Dividers.

Low Cill / Threshhold with Aluminium Bifolds

2010-03-01T10:37:00.000-08:00

When comparing bi folding sliding patio doors and room dividers, consider whether the bottom runner for the doors enables easy access for people and objects as they move between rooms, the conservatory or the garden.

SunSeeker Doors' use of aluminium makes low cills our standard for bifolding doors installation, including (as shown above) the weather cill for bifolding patio doors.

SunSeekers Doors are manufactured in England so we are well aware of the nuances of English weather - wet, cold and occasionally hot. Our bifolding doors are a match for the English climate and the insulation qualities of our thermally-broken aluminium frames are excellent.

Spring has arrived - time to think ahead about your plans for this summer. Take a look at our web site and contact us for a quotation for your folding sliding doors ... and enjoy the great outdoors with a single step across a SunSeeker Doors low cill.

:o)

Bifolds and Frameless Patio Doors - which to choose?

2010-02-18T10:12:00.000-08:00

If you are thinking of investing in some home improvement, enjoy the results within the next month by creating a fabulous view with folding sliding doors.

SunSeeker Doors' aluminium framed, double glazed bifolding doors will keep your home warm as their thermal insulation qualities are excellent and, when the warm weather finally arrives, the bifolds will fold and slide to allow maximum access to the garden, conservatory or balcony, allowing you to enjoy the fresh air of a summer breeze and al fresco living.

SunSeeker Doors is now taking orders for a Spring installation of double glazed frameless glass patio doors, based on the glass curtains principle of individual doors or frameless panels. Frameless glass doors slide along top and bottom runners and, if slid along to the end, will pivot 90 degrees to stack at right-angles, out of the access path (similar to bi folding-sliding doors).

For more information, visit the new web site www.sunseekerdoors.co.uk and fill in the form for a no-obligation quote for both products so that you can decide which is best for your home.

Enjoy a great summer with SunSeeker Doors!

New Web Site, Improved Navigation and New Photographs.

2010-02-03T05:50:00.000-08:00

Our web site has been redesigned to improve navigation of our innovative glazed door systems and services for our potential customers.

New drop-down menus for Bifolds and Frameless Glass Doors link to product information and photographs of some of our installations. New photographs will be added from our existing portfolio and new customers' projects, as we progress though the year.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Watching and Waiting for Warmer Weather

2010-01-19T05:07:00.000-08:00

A client told us "Another useful thing about our bifolding doors opening up between the dining area and patio is that we don't have to buy an outdoor table that clutters the patio (and we don't have room to store it anywhere else); we just fully open up the doors and carry the dining out. In fact, several times last summer, we didn't even bother - to keep out of the cool breeze we just left the table inside the threshhold."

It's an alternative - alt fresco instead of al fresco!

If you have a problem with limited space for your patio furniture or you just don't like clutter on your patio, this could be an ideal solution for you. Bifolding Doors from SunSeeker Doors, 01582 492 730

Sunny but Cold - Want to See Outside, Not Be Outside?

2010-01-05T07:42:00.000-08:00

Bifolds have many advantages over sliding doors and standard French doors.
Aluminium frames have many advantages over wood and plastic.
Slatted blinds have many advantages over curtains.

Put this all together and what have you got? Read this article to find out!

January 2010. It's cold outside but the sun has been shining on much of England. We want to let as much light as we can at this time of year but sometime the sun is so low in the sky that we need to filter some of the rays. Slatted Venetian Blinds!

Unlike fabric curtains, slatted blinds are practical. They have their own "dimmer-switch" that lets you control the amount of light peeping or pouring in through the glass doors or windows. The down-side to slatted blinds is that the surface area that collects dust! Even with various cleaning implements available, slats are not quick nor easy to keep clean.

Except ... you can now order patio doors that have slatted blinds sealed inside the double glazing cavity, where there is no dirt or dust!

Slimline bifolding patio doors can be ordered with venetian blinds secured within the glazing cavity. Integral blinds are not cheap but they are clean and maintenance-free for life!

Consider how expensive it would be for swathes of good quality, lined, fabric curtains on a long pole or curtain track. This would be a considerable cost saving towards your slatted blinds which perform a far superior function. On a bright day with a low sun, do you really want to obscure the light completely by drawing heavy curtains?

For technical information about uniblinds and how they work, visit our web site, www.sunseekerdoors.co.uk, where you will also find more details about our bifolding patio doors.

three reasons to order your patio doors now

2009-12-30T10:59:00.000-08:00

It's cold, wet, dark and miserable outside - why on earth would you want to order new patio doors now?

1. You could be warmer and reduce your heating costs.

If you have old patio doors, the chances are that you could improve the insulation qualities by having new ones installed. With the cost of fuel today, it wouldn't take long to make savings go a long way towards the cost of the new bi folding doors.

SunSeeker bi folding door frames are made from thermally broken aluminium - this means that a good conductor of heat and cold becomes a poor conductor so that the inside of the door feels warm despite the near-freezing temperatures outside.

2. Enjoy your money, act wisely, save VAT.

VAT goes up from 15% to 17.5% on 1st January 2010. Order your doors before then and you could save £75 or more. The VAT saving is approximately double the interest your money would earn if you left it in the bank until summer.

There is no doubt that modern bifolds are an investment in your property - an attractive enhancement that you can enjoy and, eventually, consider a vital selling point.

3. Buy SunSeeker Doors for peace of mind.

SunSeeker Doors are made to measure and made in England. We do not import cheap doors from China or Turkey. Our doors are made specifically to fit your measurements and, because we manufacture locally - including the powder-coating process, we can install your bifolding doors just days after receiving your order. And installation is often less than half a day!

We have been manufacturing and installing our bi folding doors for a number of years and have many happy customers, some of whom have been moved to write and tell us of their delight (testimonials and their photographs can be seen on our blog and web site).

So there you have it - three good reasons to order your bifolds from SunSeeker Doors without further delay!

We wish you a Happy New Year and a prosperous and peaceful 2010.

Bifolding Doors - the difference is in the small detail

2009-12-22T09:41:00.000-08:00

For elegance and unobtrusive functionality, SunSeeker Slimline bifolding doors - with aluminium frames available in a range of colours to suite your home - completely outclass any pvc bifolds available today.

For patio doors - and especially as room dividers - the SunSeeker Slimline frames are only 60mm wide (therefore offering more glass for light and viewing) and have the slimmest profile when open and stacked to the side wall. SunSeeker bifolding doors are available with a very low cill.

Shown on the compilation photograph are:

(left) stainless steel T-bar handle and lock from the inside of the door (there are other handle choices);
(top right) the outside of the door - notice that for added security, there is no keyhole on the outside of the patio doors;
(middle right) open doors showing the colour-coordinated white hinge (stainless steel is an option), the narrow profiles and the low cill;
(bottom right) discreet magnetic catches at the foot of each door keep the doors in place until you choose to move them.

More photographs and information can be found on our web site.

Save around £100 in VAT by placing your order in 2009.

2009-12-15T10:50:00.000-08:00

Please don't leave it until the 11th hour - contact us as soon as possible to order your 2010 bifolding or frameless glass doors before VAT returns to 17.5% on 1st January.

Wishing you all a Happy New Year!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Christmas is coming ...

2009-12-07T09:40:00.000-08:00

You may not have left it too late to replace your patio doors or to fit room dividers! With Christmas fast approaching you will need to act quickly but SunSeeker Slimline Doors - manufactured in England - can be made-to-measure and installed as bi folding patio doors or low threshhold internal room partitions within two weeks of your order.

Imagine! Your guests will be amazed at the transformation to your home. Take a look at our website then contact us for an obligation free quote. Call us and ask about our Express Service ... but hurry! Act Now!

And an added bonus ... VAT is due to return to 17.5% on 1st January 2010 so buying your bifolding doors now will save you money!

STOP PRESS! 15th December: Sorry, it's too late now to fit your bifolds before Christmas but you still have a couple of weeks to save some VAT if you order before the end of this month.

Season's Greetings to you all!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Frameless Glass Door Room Dividers

2009-11-05T01:33:00.000-08:00

Frameless Glass Doors are the perfect room dividers for a through lounge in a terraced cottage that needs to maximise light flow and are ideal for large modern homes with a contemporary interior.

Features:

Virtually no maximum width limit
Strong, virtually unbreakable glass
Door panels that slide and turn
Tinted glass option

When closed, Frameless Glass Doors form a complete glass wall with no frames to interrupt the view. When fully open, Frameless Glass Doors stack against the wall at the side of the opening for maximum accessibility between areas.

Benefits:

Maximum access when open
No interruption of light flow or view when closed
Noise reduction between areas when closed
Temperatures maintained separately each side of the divide

See our web site for more details and photographs and a quote request form or call us with your enquiry or for an instant quotation on

01582 492730

French Doors

2009-10-23T09:29:00.000-07:00

SunSeeker Doors manufactures high quality aluminium framed French doors.

We measure the aperture where you want them so that they fit perfectly and work properly from installation onwards.

Thermally broken aluminium frames are strong and have good insulation qualities. and we include high quality K-glass double glazed units.

Compared with traditional wooden frames, aluminium is not prone to warping, swelling or shrinking with varying climates and remains draught-free at the joins and overlaps. Unlike wood, our powder-coated frames do not require to be stained, varnished, painted or protected in any way, year after year, and are available in a choice of almost 200 RAL colours.

Our French doors can be supplied with a traditional centre opening or as a side opening folding door. Styles include full glass, horizontal bar, Georgian, leaded light and a range of glass options including tinted and obscured. Our standard price is for K-glass clear glazed units in natural white SunSeeker Slimline 60mm frames.

Call us on 01582 492 730 to discuss any special options or see our web site for full details and an obligation-free quotation form.

Slimline frames and frameless doors

2009-10-13T05:40:00.000-07:00

SunSeeker Slimline, with its 60mm frame-width, is believed to be the highest glass-to-frame ratio of any bifolding door available in the UK. This means that when you want the best view and most light, SunSeeker Slimline is the ultimate choice.

Priced competitively for a good quality sliding-folding patio door, SunSeeker Slimline is constructed of thermally-broken aluminium for good insulation properties and is supplied with industry-standard K-glass. If required, the double-glazing cavity can have integral blinds fitted inside.

Because we manufacture in the UK, just off the M1, we can make your bi fold patio doors to measure and have them fitted in 2 to 4 weeks (if you choose standard white frames, K-glass and no additional options such as integral blinds - otherwise that will increase the time by 2 or 3 weeks).

Our Slimline bifolds are suitable for external or internal use; alternatively we can offer frameless Glass Curtains as room dividers. To view our products, visit our web site.

Aluminum Frames Vs PVC Or Wood - Are They Worth the Extra Cost?

2009-09-21T03:20:00.000-07:00

This article has been viewed over 1,000 times on Ezine Articles

By Bee Primrose

Having lived with all three types of windows and patio doors in the past three years, I feel that I am an 'expert user' when it comes to opening and closing in each medium: wood, pvc and aluminium.

First, the novice's choice: wood. It looks great, feels warm, can be stained a medium or dark shade or painted any colour of the spectrum. It's an age-old medium so what can go wrong? The main problems are humidity and strong sunlight.

There are varying qualities of wood on offer, depending on your budget. A moderately-priced pair of French doors on a south-facing house wall suffered a degree of warping, creating gaps that had to be plugged each winter in an attempt to keep the cold draughts at bay whereas, in warmer damp circumstances, the door had to be forcibly pushed and pulled back into its aperture.

Two good summers and the four coats of varnish had virtually vapourised, revealing cracking wood that needed nourishing and protecting from the next couple of years' weather.

Second, the double-glazing salesman's special offer: PVC. Overpriced by a couple of well-known companies who then discount by 50% if you hesitate, PVC is also available in varying qualities. At the higher end of the market, the frames are often reinforced with metal.

Generally with more features than wooden doors and windows, PVC should not require much more than a quick wipe with a damp cloth for the first few years and its looks are therefore easier to maintain.

We have some PVC French Doors from the lower price range. As value for money, they are quite good but an element of trust is lacking in terms of defence against determined intruders. They feel floppy and flimsy when opening and closing and there's a knack to locking and unlocking them successfully.

We have older PVC doors from the higher price range and, whilst more sturdy (reinforced with metal) they are looking a tad ratty.

The PVC windows screeched with wind whistling through, like semi-detached tinnitus.

Thirdly and finally, the long term investment: powder-coated aluminium frames. If you are fed up with sanding down wooden frames and considering the easy option of PVC or coated aluminium, particularly for a wide opening with multi-folding doors. Consider whether PVC is up to the task of substituting for the wall of your house.

Stand back and look through closed doors at the difference between PVC and aluminium - it is very noticeable. With PVC, there are windows of scenery between wide areas of plastic (two frames together might measure between 8 and 10 inches, 20 to 25cms) so the doors block up to 20 per cent of the potential view and light-source.

Aluminium frames on bifolding doors from manufacturer SunSeeker Doors, being stronger, are only about 2 inches or 5 centimeters. The profile is also considerably smaller so the doors use far less space than PVC or wood when folded back. For those who want color, several options are available to order, the most popular (after standard white) are: Grey, blue, green, brown and silver. Aluminium Frames are more expensive than cheap PVC or wood but prices are comparable with the better quality PVC doors. Is aluminum worth the extra cost? If you want the "wow" factor, strength, longevity, maximum living space and the most panoramic view, Yes.

The author is a customer of SunSeeker Doors who independently researched prior to being asked to write testimonials for the company.

SunSeeker Doors measures, manufactures and installs bifolding doors from their Bedfordshire UK location. All sales have been sourced by recommendation or via their web site and they DO NOT employ hard-sell techniques.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bee_Primrose
http://EzineArticles.com/?Aluminum-Frames-Vs-PVC-Or-Wood---Are-They-Worth-the-Extra-Cost?&id=2233820

New Photographs sent to us by another Happy Customer!

2009-09-16T05:54:00.000-07:00

Our customer says:

"Just wanted to say how delighted we are with the doors, and also how brilliant Adrian was - I have never seen people work so hard!!"
Sharon Potter.

Beat the VAT increase!

2009-09-04T10:39:00.001-07:00

VAT is due to return to 17.5% at the end of 2009. It may go higher after an election in 2010.

Take advantage of the current low VAT rate and order your SunSeeker doors now.
Choose from our folding-sliding Slimline Bifolds or sliding-stacking Glass Curtains.

SunSeeker bifolding doors with standard white slimline frame and double-glazed K-glass could be installed in your home in only 2 to 3 weeks from your deposit to final installation. Read what our clients have said about us briefly on our web site and complete case notes on this blog.

There is a choice of frame colours and glass options (call us for full information 01582 492 730).

Buying / Investing during the Credit Crunch

2009-08-26T04:10:00.000-07:00

:o)
Leading industry analysts, Plimsoll, have told us that a new industry report shows that Sunseeker Doors Limited has maintained its performance levels much better than others operating in the difficult UK French Door Suppliers industry. The report also reveals that the number of competitors in real financial difficulty is rising.

The last thing you need when choosing your patio doors is to lose your hard-earned cash in a black hole.

At SunSeeker Doors, we can turn an order into an installation within 2 or 3 weeks*. We measure up then manufacture our bifolding patio doors in-house, including the powder-coating process. As soon as the unit has been checked by the QA manager, we despatch our installation team to your property, where you can be enjoying the view and the access within a few short hours.

For full details and to submit a quotation request, visit our web site: www.sunseekerdoors.co.uk - or for a faster response, call us on

01582 492730

*Applies to white frames, K-glass and standard options. We regret that some options, such as integral blinds, may add 2 to 4 weeks to the installation date.

Designing Rooms With a View And Easier Access

2009-08-25T00:46:00.000-07:00

A country house, a penthouse apartment, a modest home with a pretty garden - wherever you live, your doors and windows are a lifestyle choice that, if given careful consideration, can bring lasting pleasure.

French Doors.

Wood-framed French doors will enhance a cottage in keeping with its origins and are loved by traditionalists. Styles vary from plain glass or half-glazed to Georgian panes, Victorian decorative glass panels and leaded-light. The wood itself can be softwood, such as pine, or hardwood, such as oak. Wood-framed French doors are available 'off the shelf' for d.i.y or professional installation. They are usually unfinished, which means that they can be stained or painted to suit.

In the UK, French doors usually open outwards, away from the house. Whilst this helps rainwater run off rather than run in, it makes the use of outside shutters very difficult. In France, for example, the doors open inwards so that shutters can then be accessed from the inside to open outwards. Shutters are better at keeping out hot sun and bright light than curtains, they can even be kept securely closed on hot nights with the doors wide open on the inside, allowing air to circulate. The downside of this arrangement is that on dull winter days, the doors have to be opened despite the cold, in order to open and close the shutters each morning and evening.

French doors need not be quaint and made of wood. There are modern 20th Century PVC versions, usually in white, often with a choice of plain or paneled glazing, which are still popular today because they can be produced very cheaply and are seen to require less maintenance than wood. There used to a 'Crittal' style metal version of French doors, popular in the 1960s but, though sturdy, these were very bad insulators with single glazing and appalling condensation problems.

During the late 20th Century, a better solution emerged, using powder-coated aluminium. Today's 'metal' French doors are manufactured using thermally broken architectural aluminium and K-glass double-glazed units for with high insulation properties. The powder-coating comes in a range of more than 40 colour options although white is the general standard. In addition to the tradtional centre opening French doors, these can be ordered as bi-folding doors with a side opening to the right or left and folding inwards or outwards.

This begins to open up possibilities of having much wider openings for French doors. For example, a single door of a standard pair would be straining the hinges at three feet wide but a pair of bi-folding doors could easily be in excess of twelve feet wide. And why stop there?

Patio Doors.

The 1970s saw the popularity of sliding patio doors. A great idea at the time but the eventual wrestling match to slide the doors open or closed dampened the thrill of having so much light flooding into the room. Improvements were made to the sliding or gliding mechanism over time but for every three feet of open doorway there was another three feet of double-double-glazed barrier as half the patio door became a patio window.

Bifolding Doors.

Very popular today, bifolding doors are available with wooden, plastic or metal frames. Bifolding doors combine the best of French doors with the best of patio doors to create a product that is better than the sum of its parts. A metal-framed bifolding door can span an opening of six or seven metres, most of it totally accessible when all the doors are open.

Think of bifolding doors as a set of multiple-fold French doors. When open, there is nothing obstructing the view or the access from inside to outside. When closed, the door panels form a virtual glass wall. Aluminium frames give the best view because the strength of the metal enables the frame width and profile to be considerably slimmer than either plastic or wooden frames, therefore allowing a higher percentage of glass for your viewing pleasure and, of course, for maximum natural light flow. Each of the aluminium door panels can be up to one metre wide.

Whilst an abundance of natural light is wonderful most of the time, consideration needs to be given to those times when curtains, shutters or blinds are desirable. Externally, traditional wooden shutters are not feasible for wide spans of bifolding doors but it may be possible to have roller (security) shutters fitted to the outside wall above the doors. These would be effective against light (and vandalism) but could be considered ugly and put off prospective future buyers.

Inside the home, seven metres of curtain material can be very heavy to hang and to open fully to the sides. Alternatives may include vertical blinds on custom-made long tracks for wide openings, a series of Venetian, pleated or roller blinds on the ceiling or wall above the doors, or sliding blinds. Sliding blinds are panels of celing-to-floor fabric blinds that are fixed to a ceiling-mounted channel. Typically, a pack of sliding blinds has a maximum total width of 4.5 metres, half of which may be blocked by the stacked blinds so there could be considerable access problems.

The most convenient option is to order integral blinds with the doors. A choice of pleated or Venetian blinds can be sealed inside the sealed double-glazed unit. Using an electronic remote control or the cheaper option of magnetic manual pull-string, the blinds are operated in the normal way. They can be fully retracted upwards for an open view or dropped down to a fully closed position. Integral Venetian blinds can also be slanted in any direction, as usual, so that the amount of sunlight can be controlled whilst retaining some of the view.

Glass Curtains.

And finally, another new product has been launched for the 21st Century, enabling even more glass-to-frame ratio and allowing more flexibility in terms of maximum width (theoretically, none) and where to open up the doors. Even with bifolding doors, there has to be an opening - a defined point where doors meet each other or the wall. With Glass Curtains, however, concepts have changed.

There are two categories of Glass Curtains. The original is a toughened glass, single-glazed, totally frameless option that is suitable as a room divider or as an enclosure for balconies or covered areas where thermal compliance is unnecessary. The latest version is double-glazed with a very small frame, necessary to hold the two panels of the glazed unit together. Both versions of the product operate in the same way.

Each glass panel can unlock, open, slide and turn individually. This means that they can all be stacked to one side of the aperture or spaced out with walk-through gaps wherever they are required. The effect can be stunning.

Summary.

Which doors are right for your home?

French doors,

Patio doors,

Bifolding doors or

Glass curtains?

What frames are in or out of the shortlist?

Hardwood/softwood frames,

Plastic/PVC frames or

Metal/aluminium?

When making your decision, consider:

Your budget,

Total price of purchase, delivery, installation and any decorating

Availability/timescale,

Durability/longevity of the product,

Visual appeal and liveability,

Investment value/saleability,

Future maintenance (eg. re-varnishing wood)

Make the right choice for your lifestyle.

SunSeeker Doors manufactures aluminium-framed Bifolding doors and French doors, with optional integral blinds, can also supply patio doors and windows to complement, and is the sole UK distributor for Clear Glass Curtains.

Enquiries are welcome and may be followed up with a courtesy call if you have no objection. Further information is available on http://www.sunseekerdoors.co.uk

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bee_Primrose
http://EzineArticles.com/?Designing-Rooms-With-a-View-And-Easier-Access&id=2424563

Modern Patio Doors on Traditional Properties

2009-08-12T02:58:00.000-07:00

Not far from the office is a beautiful, 16th Century, Grade II listed, thatched Hall House. Its listing means that every external change - and some internal ones - have to be approved by the Heritage people as well as the local Planning Authority.

But not all cottages are listed. Owners of some have tastefully introduced new features to complement the original ones. For example, who amongst us would like to install a typical 18th Century farmworker's cottage kitchen or do away with bathrooms?

There are different degrees of modernisation to apply, depending on taste, budget and confidence. It is generally accepted that an old cottage facade should remain as true to its origins as possible, with wooden window frames, a solid wood front door and reclaimed or reproduction roof tiles, if needed. Inside or at the back of the house, particularly when extending the building, we are more adventurous.

Many attractive old cottages have beautiful gardens. SunSeeker Doors can offer three different styles of doors to enhance the experience of living in idyllic surroundings - all the doors facilitate maximum access between the house and garden when open and maximum viewing pleasure when closed.

Our classic bifolding doors have a narrow profile which takes up very little space when the doors are stacked to the side of the opening. The aluminium frames are also narrow (6 cm) which means that there is a greater percentage of glazed area to view through when doors are closed, compared with plastic frames. Bifolding doors have a traditionally opening main door which folds back to secure itself magnetically to the adjoining panel. If required, a larger opening can be made by easily sliding the panels, creating a concertina effect. All the panels can slide and fold to the side or sides of the opening for any aperture up to 7.2 metres (nearly 24 ft).

We also install Glass Curtains. Developed in Europe as frameless, single-glazed sliding panel enclosures for balconies and terraces, Glass Curtains have been installed in the UK as internal room dividers and commercially as frontages for cafés and restaurants. As the sole UK official installer of Glass Curtains, SunSeeker Doors is working with the originators to develop a double-glazed version that will comply with British Standards building regulations on thermal insulation properties. Glass Curtains operate in a similar way to SunSeeker Slimline doors but are entirely frameless.

We are updating our web site with details of all our products. If, in the meantime, you would like more information, please feel free to telephone the office on 01582 492 730 for a no obligation chat with our staff who are technically conversant with our products. We do not employ dedicated sales professionals to pressure you into buying our products.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Google Knol: Fully Glazed Bifolding Doors

2009-08-10T02:21:00.000-07:00

UK Home Improvement 1

Fully Glazed Bifolding Doors

A brighter, happier home can be achieved with more natural light and easier access between house and garden, patio, balcony or conservatory. If you are considering building an extension or replacing patio doors, you may find this information on folding sliding doors useful.

Read the full article on Google Knol.
.

Case Study: Bristol

2009-07-14T03:26:00.000-07:00

"An excellent product and brilliant service" is how Mark Guy of Parabola, a well respected building contractor based in Bristol, described SunSeeker Doors' bifolding door installation for one of his clients.

Engaged by his client to manage a renovation that includes a new kitchen, bifolding doors and a new balcony, Mark initially turned to a leading bifolding doors company, only to be disappointed with their product which, he says, had ugly profiles and couldn't do the job without compromises being made. Certain that his demands were not unreasonable, Mark 'hit the Internet' and narrowed his search to a handful of companies, each one of whom he contacted personally with a number of questions.

SunSeeker Doors is a family-run company that manufactures bifolding doors to order and that has a dedicated team of their own experienced fitters. Mark was impressed with the product knowledge of everyone he spoke to at the company; the staff had a level of confidence in the product that did not require high pressure sales techniques. Not only were SunSeeker Doors his favoured product but they provided best value and quickest turn-round.

The installation of a three-panel door system in olive green contributes to the overall stunning effect of the project, with lovely views over the garden from the kitchen. Mark said the client was "thrilled" with the result.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Key Features of BiFolding SunSeeker Doors

2009-06-24T06:58:00.000-07:00

Tailor-made: 900mm to 7.2m wide; up to 2.5m high; custom-made to fit exactly
Wide range of colours - white as standard - your colour choice
40 different fold options - from single door to multi-door - your selection
Safety glass options: clear toughened (internal), "K" glass (external), obscured, laminated, antisun, Argon-filled plus leaded-light or Georian bar styles
Handle and hinge options, including stainless steel, white or to match the door colour
Optional integral blinds in a choice of colours
Low threshold for internal use - no need to step over
Weatherproof cill for external use
Draught-proof and weather-proof doors
Thermally broken architectural aluminium for external use
Hidden castor system and in-line handles for added elegance
Slim profile - doors fold flat for maximum viewing area
Single key option for multiple doors
Shoot-bolt locking system into both upper and lower tracks for greater security
Inside only handles for added security
No ugly sliding mullion or ugly heavy, black rubber seals
Manufactured to order, here in the UK

A Day in the Life of Glazed BiFolding Doors ... ... ... (with integral blinds)

2009-06-16T03:33:00.000-07:00

June 2009.

6.30 a.m.: the integral blinds have their slats opened to welcome in the daylight, tilted slightly against the sun so that the early morning news, travel and weather can be seen on television.

8.00 a.m.: tilt the slats the other way to let light flood in whilst breakfast is cleared away and the room tidied.

9.00 a.m.: a glorious day - open the single door to let the fresh warm air flow inside.

10.30 a.m.: a guest has arrived - unlock the foldable doors and widen the gap for easy access to the patio.

11.30 a.m.: too hot and bright to sit outside - open the doors fully and sit inside whilst enjoying the fresh air, garden fragrances and views from a comfortable seat in the indoor shade.

1.00 p.m.: close and lock the doors, fully close the blinds to keep the sun at bay whilst leaving the house for the afternoon.

3.00 p.m.: return home and throw open the doors!

4.00 p.m.: children home from school and playing ball on the patio, close the doors a little to narrow the gap where the ball keeps coming in; consider closing the doors fully to keep out the noise as well as the ball!

5.30 p.m.: noisy playtime over, open the doors wide again to enjoy the late afternoon warmth.

7.30 p.m.: decide to carry the dining table outside through wide doorway to enjoy a family evening meal 'al fresco'.

8.30 p.m.: carry the table in through the wide opening.

9.00 p.m.: close the doors, leave the blind slats open as there is still daylight outside.

10.30 p.m.: close the blind slats, lock the doors.

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Hot Bright Sunlight ... Oh No!

2009-06-03T01:20:00.000-07:00

We've been waiting for the summer since spring 2008 and now we have a taste of it, we remember how hot and bright the sun can be. Much as we have longed for this glorious sunshine, let's now consider the practical elements of bringing the outdoors inside with bifolding glass doors.

If you are thinking of installing bifolding doors, especially if they will be south-facing, you may need to consider the effect of prolonged strong sunlight on your interior furnishing. What are the options?

Hang drapes or vertical blinds inside the doors. These can be easily opened to the sides of the doors when required; vertical blinds can also be left in place and adjusted to allow some natural light through. This option becomes less feasible for very wide openings because there is an upper limit to the length of track that blinds can use.
Order integral blinds with the folding doors. Each of the double-glazed units can accommodate a pleated blind or Venetian (slatted) blind inside the cavity. Like the vertical blind, horizontal slatted blinds can be fully open, fully closed or adjusted to allow a measured amount of light through. As the blinds are housed within a vacuum, they will never become dusty (Oh Joy!). Operable by magnets or electronic remote control, the integral blinds are not subjected to heave-handedness and are therefore not prone to damage.
Order the bifolding doors with special anti-sun glass. This option will filter the sun's harmful rays but does not reduce the light dramatically, as blinds would.

To find out more about the options before you order your bifolding doors, take a look at the SunSeeker Doors web site or call the Sales office on 01582 492730.

And you haven't missed the boat yet for this summer - from order to installation is currently less than 1 month. Contact us now for the best summer ever in your home.

:o)

'Key Alike' locks option on bifolding doors

2009-05-18T04:31:00.000-07:00

Imagine a span of, say, 8 folding doors. Each folding pair has a secure lock with a set of keys. That's a big bunch!

When you order your SunSeeker bifolding doors, you can opt for 'Key Alike' locks for a small extra charge. This means that all locks are keyed alike, requiring only one set of keys for the range, regardless of how many doors are installed.

Other options include stainless steel or colour-matched handles, frame colour choice, Georgian or leaded-light glass, various types of glazing unit (argon filled, laminated, anti-sun or obscured instead of standard toughened K-glass) and integral blinds.

The blinds option has options! Horizontal pleated or slatted Venetian blinds with colour choice can be set inside the double glazing during manufacture, with manual or remote-controlled open/close mechanism.

List of options | More about Blinds | Quote Request

Slim Profiles. What’s that all about?

2009-04-28T04:37:00.000-07:00

Aluminium bifolding doors have slimmer profiles than pvc doors.

Metal is a stronger material than plastic therefore less of it is required to support the double-glazed unit that is the centrepiece of your bifolding door panel.

The top image illustrates the profiles of a 4-panel bifolding door system from SunSeeker Doors compared with the equivalent pvc profiles in the picture beneath it.

In addition to the obvious benefits when the doors are closed (see previous blog post), this means that the profile (the edge of the door panel that can be seen when the doors are open) is narrower, typically 50mm compared with 75mm on the pvc doors we measured. The profile for a pair of doors is more than double because there needs to be a small gap (approx 15mm or so) between the hinged door panels.

Given that pvc profiles are, on average, 50% wider than SunSeeker Doors’ aluminium profiles, the difference increases proportionally with the number of doors. The space required by an open set of six pvc door panels is in the region of 50cm, 6 or 7 inches more than SunSeeker Doors.

Click through to SunSeekerDoors.co.uk and look at the main image illustrating the doors in an open position, closed and closed with closed integral blinds.

BiFolding Door Frames: metal, wood, pvc comparison.

2009-04-20T09:53:00.000-07:00

The irony is ... you can spend thousands of pounds on something you DON'T want to see!

Bifolding doors from your home to your conservatory or garden. You need them to keep the weather out but you probably want maximum natural light and the least interrupted view. The less you see of the doors, the better! Click on the picture for an enlarged view.

There are three main choices of frame: aluminium, wood and pvc. Aluminium, being the strongest material, requires the least amount of frame, therefore enabling more glass per square metre and the slimmest profile for when the doors are opened and pushed aside.

PVC is sometimes reinforced with metal; the strength of the pvc in a make of doors will vary and the frame width may therefore range from maybe just under twice as wide as aluminium to almost three times as wide, leaving a much smaller panel of glass.

Wood is somewhere in between.

The comparisons are illustrated in the scaled image of a six-panel bifolding door with a view of horses in a field. The green door frames represent aluminium which is powder-coated in the colour of your choice when you place your order. The brown frames represent wood and the white frames pvc. Choose your horse and compare how much of it is visible through the glass panels. No bets taken on the winner!

Take a look at the SunSeeker Doors web site for more details and an obligation-free quotation.

BiFolding Doors vs French Doors, Illustrated

2009-04-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

The photograph shows an aluminium-framed 3-door SunSeeker biFolding Doors installation, partly opened to the size of a typical French Door aperture size. It ideally illustrates the difference between the two types of door openings and their potential aperture sizes.

This installation also has integral blinds fitted to the doors, between the glass. You can see from the shadows in the photograph how the blinds can protect a south-facing room from intense light and therefore soaring temperatures and also help prevent carpets and furniture from sun-bleaching.

SunSeeker Doors sourced the side windows for the client, with matching integral blinds, and completed the installation in less than half a day, only five weeks from initial order.

To see more photographs of SunSeeker Doors installations, visit the web site gallery at www.sunseekerdoors.co.uk; if you would like a no-obligation quotation to have your bifolding doors fitted this spring, call SunSeeker Doors on 01582 492 730 or submit the quotation form.

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Summer's coming ... need patio doors with integral blinds and no dusting!

2009-03-17T11:35:00.000-07:00

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There are several issues to be covered here. First, planning ahead. Summer is coming and bifolding-sliding doors that open across the whole wall, either to the conservatory or the garden, would be brilliant! You could feel like you were on holiday in the Mediterranean with an al fresco lifestyle. Furniture can easily be carried onto the patio through the wide opening and the balmy breeze can waft into the room, carrying with it the scent of garden flowers.

Secondly, if you make that decision early to catch the Spring sunshine, it may be a little nippy to keep the doors fully open all day but with a south-facing aspect the house will be warm all day. However, if the house is empty during hot summer days, you may want a contingency plan to keep the temperature down a little - maybe curtains or vertical blinds to stop the sun's penetrating rays from making the room too stuffy.

Here's a great idea ... order your patio doors with integral blinds! You can choose pleated or slatted, fitted inside the double glazing cavity and operated from within the room, either manually (using magnets) or with a remote control. The blinds will never need dusting or cleaning, they are not subjected to heavy-handedness so they are unlikely to need repair. Integral blinds are available in a range of colours, as are the powder-coated door frames. Match them or contrast to establish your style.

If you want integral blinds, you will need to order your bifolding doors at least a month before installation (maybe longer, depending on work schedules) but if you just want a fabulous range of up to 7.2 metres of folding glass wall between your home and the great outdoors, current timescales are from two to four weeks between order and installation.

SunSeeker Doors are made to order in their factory near the M1 in Bedfordshire, fitted by their experienced installation team and carry a two-year warranty. Client testimonials are included amongst the blog posts; further information plus a photograph gallery and a quotation request form are on the web site: SunSeekerDoors.co.uk.

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BiFolding Doors - Builders' Cheaper Alternatives

2009-03-09T08:19:00.000-07:00

No matter what the budget for home improvement, it always seems to escalate and cost-cutting becomes essential.

A single storey extension might be priced by the builder at around £40,000. Whether the builder is charging time-and-materials or a fixed-price-job, there will almost always be extras to pay for. For example, is there a percentage allowed for unforeseen problems such as uncovering rotting timbers or discovering damaged pipework?

Have you checked any 'PC' items in the builders quote/estimate? These are Provisional Costings and therefore subject to change. Examples here might include doors, windows, sanitaryware, taps, floor tiles, etc. These PCs are often for basic options and most home-owners tend to be a bit more choosy. If you haven't already sourced and priced specific items, these extras can add up to a significant amount.

Not to mention how many changes to the original specification happen during the process!

Many builders are good sources of information when it comes to suggesting suppliers and best value for money but, even with the best intentions, following that advice can sometimes be detrimental.

During the past week, here at SunSeeker Doors, two cases have come to our attention. In each entirely separate case, a builder had suggested that costs of bifolding doors could be reduced if sourced elsewhere through the trade. In both cases, the doors were supplied by companies that do not specialise in bifolding doors and, unfortunately, the doors soon became difficult to operate.

At the end of the job the doors were working but it transpired that they came with no further guarantee nor warranty. Who is responsible? The supplier, the builder or the home-owner? In the end, it's the home-owner who has paid the money and has to sort out any problems.

Bifolding doors, manufactured by specialist companies such as SunSeeker Doors, can offer warranties on their products and installations because the products have been tried and tested in thousands of homes over the years, measured and fitted by experienced professionals.

Typical pitfalls with bifolding doors are: (1) materials used (2) tension calculations.

Wood, particularly softwood but including unseasoned hardwood, can warp and can expand in hot or wet weather. Once this happens, there could be problems with opening, closing and sliding. More importantly, this means that the doors may not be keeping the heat in or the draught out. The weight of the doors needs to be distributed correctly to enable the doors to slide smoothly in the runners for the full length of the opening, particularly as the openings can be 5, 6 or 7 metres in length.

SunSeeker BiFolding Doors are made from aluminium. It's strength, compared with pvc or wood, enables a much narrower frame around each glass door panel and a slimmer profile for maximum access when doors are fully opened. A real benefit of the powder-coated finish is that it doesn't require painting or varnishing. And, though a major objective is to see as little door-frame as possible, what you can see will remain looking good just wiped with a damp cloth occasionally.

SunSeeker Door prices are very competitive for the quality and anticipated life of the product, they will continue to perform for years, in terms of both functionality and thermal efficiency.

Please take a look at our web site before making your final decision:
www.SunSeekerDoors.co.uk
......... Features
......... Gallery
......... Testimonials
......... Quote Request
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Clear Glass Curtains

2009-02-25T07:11:00.000-08:00

Our December feature introduced the concept of Glass Curtains; our original press announcement can be seen on www.GlassCurtainsUK.blogspot.com

SunSeeker Doors Ltd is please to announce that DOUBLE-GLAZED GLASS CURTAINS are now available to order for installation in a few weeks.

Original Frameless Glass Curtains for balconies, terraces and internal room dividers are currently available for installation.

More details about Clear Glass Curtains and our aluminium-framed folding doors, made in Bedfordshire, can be found on our web site: http://www.sunseekerdoors.co.uk/

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An Open View

2009-02-02T03:07:00.000-08:00

February has begun with a blanket of snow covering, transforming the views from our cosy homes!

But what if your home isn't so cosy because your patio doors or windows need replacing? What if you don't have a full width of panoramic glazing to view the scenery and let in maximum natural light on dull days?

It's time to consider opening up that gloomy wall and treat yourself to high quality aluminium-framed double-glazed, thermally-compliant, fully insulated K-glass folding patio/balcony doors from SunSeeker Doors.

Here are some comments from people who have made that choice:

London: Nicola S "Excellent Service and Installation", Francis B "Great Job", Anthony S "Brilliant Job", Claire T "The Service was Excellent, the fitting fabulous", John D "Quick and Easy, Most Impressed";

Kent: Julian K "It looks great and we are really pleased", Nicola N "The Doors look wonderful", Paul S "Good Job Done";

Surrey: Robert D "Brilliant Workers - really quick and efficient", Chris L "Helpful and Efficient Installation";

Hertfordshire: Maria C "Really pleased with the quick friendly service throughout", Brian P "Very Pleased with the doors and windows, especially the integral blinds";

Bedfordshire: Paul B "Looks Good, very tidy installation", Ann H "Good efficient service, friendly workmen";

For more comments from Essex, Leicester, Nottingham, Solihull and other parts of the UK, view the home page of our web site: http://www.sunseekerdoors.co.uk and to view some photographs of the finished installations, visit the gallery page.

You can even email a request form for a free quotation with no obligation - we do not employ salesmen to pester people and have grown our business on personal recommendations.

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A New Year Resolution: Don't Move ... Improve!

2009-01-09T07:09:00.000-08:00

If you are lucky enough to be a house-owner with a comfortable mortgage, no mortgage at all or even if you have savings, the best thing to do with your cash right now is exactly what the Government wants you to do - spend it!

With current low interest rates, your money is losing value just sitting in the bank waiting for another rainy day so here's an alternative idea ... improve your house by installing good quality aluminium bifolding doors that will bring pleasure to your weather-watching and, if you are replacing old wooden french doors or pvc patio doors, you may also reduce your heating bills.

History shows that house prices will recover so home improvements are a good investment and buying British helps the local economy. Bedfordshire-based SunSeeker Doors Ltd manufactures folding patio doors to order, made with aluminium shipped direct from a factory in the north of England.

An enquiry costs nothing. Visit the web site and find out how much your new doors will cost: http://www.sunseekerdoors.co.uk

Open new doors - you'll be amazed how life can change for the better!

The Next Generation of Patio Doors is Coming ...

2008-12-16T01:55:00.000-08:00

In the Evolution of Patio Door styles, the next generation is upon us.

French doors, the original patio doors, have served well for many years. Elegant, romantic, practical, French doors set the standard and remain the most popular garden doors in new-builds as well as traditional French homes from small stone cottages to Versailles. Materials have varied, from soft and hard woods, metal, alloys and PVC but the traditional two-doors meeting in the middle of a three or four ft opening can be seen in a variety of homes and commercial buildings, world-wide.

In the mid-20th Century in Britain, the sliding patio door became popular - allowing lots of natural light into the home and a great view of the garden. There were a couple of downsides: there was always one side that remained in place, restricting access via only half the original aperture; also it wasn't always easy to slide the door - either the frame warped or the sliding channels became dirty or damaged so that the door stuck. Today's sliding doors often use rolling mechanisms to reduce such problems.

At the beginning of this century, the bifolding door (or folding-sliding door) became widely available in the UK, made from soft and hard woods, PVC or aluminium. The appeal of having an opening wall of folding doors between house and conservatory (for more natural light in the house and maximum space between two rooms) or between home and garden (for maximising light, panoramic views and combining indoors with outdoor space when all doors are folded open) was enhanced by a number of other bonuses: good thermal qualities, better opening mechanisms, low maintenance (Aluminium/pvc) , optional colour choice (Aluminium/wood) and optional, integral blinds in the Aluminium framed folding doors.

In the wings, a new generation of frameless panelled doors awaits! "Glass Curtains" will soon be able to fill apertures currently filled by bifolding doors, with much the same qualities but with the added benefit of no vertical frames between panels and providing an uninterrupted panoramic vista - even round curved areas. The panel system can even accommodate arched apertures, fitting easily inside old cloisters.

Massively popular in warmer climates but with fewer applications here in Britain, "Glass Curtains" are currently available as single-glazed for balcony enclosures or as internal room dividers, both commercially and in the home. It is the newest concept in Open Plan living.

For more information about clear glass curtains and to browse through a few installations, visit the Glass Curtains pages of http://www.sunseekerdoors.co.uk/ where you can get an obligation-free quotation for your installation.

A Modern Alternative to French Doors

2008-11-11T10:56:00.000-08:00

French Doors . . . sound so . . . romantic.

For some people, French Doors are so much better than standard sliding patio doors because the whole of the aperture opens for access between house and garden. And, unlike PVC patio doors, traditional wooden French Doors can be stained or painted to suit: white, blue, green ... silver?

There is a maximum aperture that French Doors are appropriate for - no more than about 6ft wide - and they have other drawbacks. The wooden frames need treating or repainting every year or two and can often warp with the sun or rain. If, like traditional French Doors in France, they open into the house (most British doors are designed to open outwards) slatted shutters can be fitted outside for added protection against strong sunlight (lovely but, oh dear! more maintenance).

It's obvious just how impractical the romantic notion of French Doors can be once they are out of their traditional environment. Even mainland Europeans are opting for integral shutters for less effort. Time to stop dreaming and get the best practical solution!

Bifolding doors. If you don't need to settle for the cheapest, aluminium framed doors will outlast wooden or PVC units and will need little or no maintenance. The best way to understand the difference is to visit some installations (or even showrooms where they have samples fitted to outside walls, not set up inside where they are protected from normal environmental conditions).

And . . . you don't have shop separately for shutters or curtains. As an option, the doors can be supplied with venetian or pleated blinds inside the double glazed unit! Ideal for today's hectic lifestyle (no dusting - ever!) and they look really neat.

There's a choice of colours for the blinds as well as a choice of bright or neutral colours for door frames. How about tinted glass too?

SunSeeker BiFolding Doors can replace traditional two-door widths and can fit wider openings with three, four, five, six panel doors; a versatile folding door system with centre opening, side opening or somewhere in-between. Made to measure to your requirements.

To recap - choice of colours, made to measure for standard or very wide openings, low maintenance, integral blinds option - and SunSeeker Doors are made in England. There are more options and details on the web site: www.sunseekerdoors.co.uk

Thanks for reading.

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Case Study: Kent

2008-10-14T03:08:00.000-07:00

Julian from Beckenham has kindly written this feature about his SunSeeker Doors experience.

One of the most important factors for us when renovating our house was how to link the house to the garden, so we could make the best use of the outside space in the summer and allow the kids to get in and out of the house easily.

We had previously seen some sliding-folding doors on a barn conversion where we stayed on holiday, we thought they would be ideal when we turned our extension into a kitchen diner.

After some thought and research on the internet, we decided that we wanted to go for an aluminium door which, although they were more expensive at first glance, were much easier to prepare and maintain, and they looked great. We also liked the idea of being able to choose the colour, as we wanted to use greys throughout the house to provide accents.

We approached a number of different companies, and were immediately impressed by SunSeeker Doors' price and communications. I had a number of discussions with Bob at SunSeeker Doors, and he was able to translate my often abstract questions into concrete answers.

Once we had decided to go ahead with SunSeeker Doors, the process moved very smoothly. When surveying the site, the guys worked well with our builder and were in regular contact prior to installation. Even my last minute requests for a change didn't throw a spanner in the works.

The installation took place in no time and, whilst the house project isn't quite finished, the doors look great and are a fantastic addition to our home. They are really practical, allowing us to pop in and out of the garden with the traffic door, and are great when they are fully open, giving us the maximum opening to the garden whilst using the minimum of space.

I would certainly recommend SunSeeker Doors to anyone, and am looking for any excuse to use them again!

Julian K, Beckenham, Kent.

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For more information regarding our bifolding doors, please visit our web site, http://www.SunSeekerDoors.co.uk

Old, New, Green, Blue ...

2008-09-05T02:05:00.000-07:00

Making your choices.

Taking advantage of natural light: the best ways of bringing light into a room is to create a glass wall, a sun-room extension or a conservatory that is warm – or cool – enough to use all year round. Insulation and ventilation are important factors.

SunSeeker bifolding doors are supplied with Pilkington "K" (or Low E) glass as standard - one side of the glass has a low emission (Low E) coating. Almost indistinguishable from clear glass, a microscopic metal coating allows light to filter through and reflects heat away – keeping hot sun outside and central heating inside. Additionally, the coating helps reduce condensation because the glass temperature is not so cold on contact. Pilkington K Glass is a leading brand of Low E glass that can provide up to 30% better insulation than double-glazing that uses ordinary clear glass.

Argon filled double-glazing has superior insulation qualities – about as good as solid walls when used with K glass – an option that doesn’t cost the Earth.

Classy Glass is Practical.

You can choose anti-sun/ tinted glass for south facing expanses of folding doors. In addition to its heat-reflecting properties, the hint of bronze, grey, green or blue can look very attractive from inside and outside.

Or, if you want to benefit from natural light and keep your privacy - perhaps between rooms - obscured glass could be the answer … a kitchen with an open view to a conservatory/ dining room is perfect when hosting a dinner party and conversing with guests yet even more perfect when the doors are pulled closed with the obscured glass partition hiding a kitchen of aftermath!

Old meets New – a successful partnership.

Traditional Homes can retain their charm and still benefit from the spaciousness and convenience afforded by today’s folding doors because SunSeeker Doors offers their UK-manufactured, made-to-measure, high quality folding doors in both Georgian and leaded-light options. Yes, even a 16th Century thatched cottage can be benefit from a virtual wall of glass to complement existing leaded-light windows - subject to the relevant permissions, of course.

Aluminium Frames. Go green. Go blue.

Standard white or traditional brown too tame for you? Country living can be enhanced with a green frame surrounding your garden view, matching the green-framed greenhouse, perhaps. Or if your town house balcony view is green–free and you yearn for the hint of a mossy green lawn … why not choose SunSeeker folding doors with green powder-coated low-maintenance sturdy aluminium frames?

Of course, green gardens might need a bit of contrast – how about blue? Modern and stylish – particularly for the contemporary apartment or Mediterranean-style villa – the deep cobalt blue of the sea is a perfect complement to sunny azure skies or moody cumulus. The powder-coated aluminium frames will not crack or flake and will not require re-painting (unless you want to, of course).

Be different. Be bold. Go blue. Or green. A range of colours is one of the options at www.SunSeekerDoors.co.uk, including bronze, silver, graphite and slate grey: 01582 492 730

...

bifolding doors on conservatories

2008-08-14T13:33:00.000-07:00

If you like conservatories you probably like light and space - what a pity to restrict the space by putting in sliding patio doors which overlap, only leaving a partial aperture, or having a small space to walk through, as with traditional style French doors.

With bifolding doors, either between house and conservatory or conservatory and garden, you can have a virtual glass wall that opens up two, three, four or more metres of space and, when closed, provides a panoramic open view.

Available to complement your conservatory, whether white, green, brown, grey, silver or blue, SunSeeker's bifolding doors are easy to open and close, made in hard-wearing, low-maintenance powder-coated aluminium, finished to the colour of your choosing, with a choice of glass finishes and styles, including Georgian and leaded-light.

The SunSeeker Doors price includes professional measuring and bespoke made-to-measure manufacture, delivery and fitting: a one-stop-shop solution with no middle men.

Stonger than PVC, the threshhold or cill is lower and the frames are less prominent, leaving more glass to see through. Like PVC, coated aluminium needs no painting and, unlike wooden doors, is not prone to warping in hot, cold, wet or dry weather.

Other options include horizontal venetian or folding blinds sealed within the double glazing so there is little risk of breakage and no dusting required whatsoever!

As it is a legal requirement for doors to be fitted between house and conservatory, why not maximise the amount of glass to see through and the amount of space to walk through?

For a no-obligation quotation, visit www.sunseekerdoors.co.uk or call us on 01582 492 730 and we promise you that you will not be hounded by salesmen or be subjected to high-pressure selling.

Case Study: Hertfordshire

2008-07-31T05:37:00.000-07:00

Mr & Mrs P from Herts have kindly agreed to share their SunSeeker Doors experience.

“We have a south facing garden and decided to maximise our natural light by using a full width of six folding doors from our new extension onto the patio and garden. During the planning stage, this changed to an 8ft width (three folding doors) with a large tilt & turn window either side.

“The 60s-built house had been upgraded at some point from Crittal metal windows to white PVC so we decided to match the existing style, discarding any thoughts of wooden frames. We had bought wooden framed French doors in our previous home with a south facing garden and were constantly re-varnishing, trying to stuff gaps against winter draughts where the wood had presumably shrunk and struggling with aligning the warped doors to lock them in place every summer!

“Using the Internet and our builder’s experience, we discarded PVC in preference to powder-coated white aluminium which looks like a neater version of PVC and therefore matched in with our existing windows. (This all sounds very technical for people who knew nothing about this a few months ago!)

“Again, using the Internet and our builder’s connections, we short-listed six companies. We began narrowing our choice based on total price of product + delivery + installation and, amazingly, there was less than 15% difference between the top and bottom prices. We threw in other criteria, such as: Can they supply and fit doors AND windows? Can we have integral blinds in both doors and windows? Can they install within six weeks?

“Two companies met our criteria then one found that they could not meet our deadline. The winning company, SunSeeker Doors, offered a product that was manufactured in the UK and could have been installed within three weeks if we hadn’t wanted the integral blinds (which are from Italy, increasing the delivery time); we decided to wait the whole six weeks as south facing glass really needs to have blinds in the summer and we wanted them inside the double glazing to eliminate the need of constantly dusting ten square metres of horizontal slats!

“So, the doors and windows were installed just before Christmas whereas other companies would have delivered January or February – the ones who import from some countries said that the factories closed for a month over the festive period. How nice for the workers. Visitors to our house have been impressed with the view, the access and the integral blinds."

"We are very happy with SunSeeker Doors’ product and service."
Mr & Mrs P, Hertfordshire.

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For more information regarding our bifolding doors, please visit our web site, http://www.SunSeekerDoors.co.uk

An Alternative Design

2008-06-09T07:04:00.000-07:00

Our old web site at www.SunSeekerDoors.com has served us well during our many years of business on the 'net but we thought it was time to update it a little and we are testing our new design on

www.SunSeekerDoors.co.uk

(fully functional, with some new gallery photos). Please take a look and let us know what you think!

The launch coincides with our new range of Open View bifolding doors - improved technical bits with the same great views of your garden and beyond.

Choosing new doors & windows

2008-02-04T03:21:00.000-08:00

When choosing new doors and windows, the right choice will not only look good but will be functional, durable, provide good insulation and security and, if the time comes to sell, enhance your chances of selling quickly for a good price.

Frames are generally made from wood (softwood or hardwood), plastic (PVC-u) or aluminium.

The low budget option is to use softwood; it looks good when new and can be stained or painted to suit your taste. The disadvantages are that it soon deteriorates if not painted regularly and it has a tendency to warp with changes of temperature. Hardwood, whilst more expensive, has the same good qualities, is far more durable and offers good thermal insulation. Both softwood and hardwood surfaces, especially those exposed to harsh weather (such as all-day sunshine!) may need to be treated every year.

PVC-u frames usually come in white, brown and in wood-grain finish. Prices vary with quality, the cheaper ones costing little more than softwood and the stronger ones comparable with hardwood. Maintenance does not include painting but cheaper frames may be prone to twisting, particularly on opening patio doors, rendering them difficult to use.

Aluminium is the strongest material and is maintenance-free. On its own, it would look ugly and be a bad insulator but most manufacturers incorporate a thermal barrier and provide a powder-coated finish, usually basic white but often a choice of industry standard colours, e.g. silver, green, blue.

Glass can also help reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency. The air between the two glass panes in standard double-glazing acts as an insulator. Suppliers who manufacture to order may have options to increase thermal performance by replacing the cavity air with an insulating gas and/or coating the glass facing inside the house with a reflective coating. Reflective coating is also useful for south-facing patio doors and windows, to reflect the sun and keep temperatures down in summer.

The glass cavity has many uses: it may be increased to minimise sound or it could house window blinds, usually horizontal slats or pleated, which would never need dusting and would be less prone to damage from everyday wear and tear.

Doors to the garden or balcony are no longer restricted to sliding panels and double doors (aka French doors).
French doors are traditionally wooden but are also available in PVC-u and aluminium, with the same benefits and drawbacks as listed above.

Patio doors, traditionally, have comprised of at least two large panes of glass with PVC-u or aluminium frames, where one or more door can slide across to provide a walk-through opening. Wide doors can offer unrivalled views from the house but sliding panels restrict access by at least 50% of the potential opening.

The sliding method has been prone to eventual operational difficulties, giving rise to the rolling patio door mechanism – a series of rollers (like miniature in-line skates) are fitted to the bottom of the door panels so that the doors glide open and close easily. The rollers are usually made from steel or nylon; steel wheels may eventually cause wear to the runners whereas nylon runners may be the casualty against harder (e.g. aluminium) runners. Note that the wheels are easier and cheaper to replace than the runners.

Folding-sliding or concertina-style patio doors are becoming increasingly popular. Optionally made from hardwood, PVC-u or aluminium, with a number of different folding options available, virtually the whole of the aperture gives access between indoors and outside – or between the house and conservatory, providing one big bright party room! Additional advantages of aluminium over even the best quality PVC-u are the lower threshold and narrower frames.

Finally, when choosing your supplier, factors to consider are: price, quality, glass options, finish options, flexibility, delivery dates, stock size or made to measure, fitting service, guarantees, locally (UK) sourced, manufacturer or agent reputation and after-sales service. Beware the hard-sell!

SunSeeker BiFolding-Sliding Doors

2008-01-29T07:43:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our News and Views section.

Our flagship product, SunSeeker's innovative British-designed, British-manufactured, made-to-measure, quality aluminium bi-folding-sliding doors can usually be installed within four to six weeks and often within two to three weeks. Full details, including colour options, glass options, handles, hinges and integrated blinds options, can be viewed on our web site:

http://www.sunseekerdoors.com

Other products available include:
- glass folding partitions for internal or external uses)
- traditional sliding-rolling-gliding patio doors
- plus windows and doors,
all constructed in alumnium with a choice of finishes

Alternative web site to be launched this year!

Our News and your Views may be posted here; if you have any questions regarding our products, please email us: info@sunseekerdoors.com or telephone: 01582 492 730