Frequently asked questions
futurefold Folding Sliding Doors are designed and manufactured in Germany to the highest of standards and have been supplied to many countries throughout the world for in excess of 20 years. Recognised as setting the benchmark in both design and technology, the standards of our product testing far exceed those required by the Irish Regulations, i.e. weather rating, insulation, safety and security. The advantages of our systems are detailed throughout this website for you to browse at your leisure, if you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
We have a showroom in Ballymount Corporate Park, where you are welcome to visit and inspect our doors and windows.
All our systems are custom manufactured to your specified dimensions; please view the individual products for maximum and minimum panel sizes.
To achieve a single access door you would require an odd number of panels to stack in one direction i.e. 3, 5 or 7 etc or to split the stacking to both sides in order to achieve an odd number configuration to at least on side, i.e. 2:1, 5:1, 5:3 etc. To achieve a French door opening, you would require an odd number configuration to both sides, i.e. 1:3, 3:3, 7:3 etc.
All of our folding systems have the option of opening either internally or externally with no cost implication, including the FF80 Timber on the inside with external aluminium cladding, a feature currently not offered by others.
Handles and hinges are made of cast alloy; handles are sprung-loaded and flush-fitted to enable door panels to stack flat when fully opened. Optional lever handles are available upon request for single access door or lead doors. Alternatively there are a wide variety of aftermarket chrome and brass handles that can be fitted if required.
All our folding sliding doors systems have been rigorously tested and provide a severe weather rating when used with the weathered track option. (Tested at the Institute of Window Technology Rosenheim: - Achieving DIN18055, Category B&C performance for wind loading and water leakage). Only trust certified systems that have been laboratory tested.
The flush track option is recessed into the floor providing an uninterrupted floor finish. The bottom seal between the door and the flush track is via double, twin nylon brush piles separated by a fin seal, giving an effective seal. It is recommended that some form of drainage and a slope away from the doors, such as a sunken drain with a grill above be fitted, to avoid pooling of water. Please be aware, the flush track reduces weather rating. Panels can be manufactured to in excess of 1 meter wide.
Our Timber folding sliding doors are manufactured from triple laminated solid timber sections. These sections have been stabilised at stress points and bonded back together with opposing grains, which create added strength whilst preventing warping and twisting. Whilst the profile of our timber door system is solid timber from front to back, the lamination process makes it far more stable.
The advantage with a bottom running system is that unlike a top running system, should there be any structural movement above, the doors will not snag. With a bottom running system the weight is at the base, enabling the guide at the head to have a degree of tolerance. The fact the wheels of the running mechanism sit high on the track minimises the risk of the operating system fouling should any dirt or debris build up in the bottom of the track. Even though our other systems can offer either top or bottom running, we would still recommend a bottom running system due to these benefits.
The locking as standard offers a very high level of security that provides a quick, smooth and easy operation. It consists of a 3-point top and bottom shoot bolt mechanism, which is incorporated into the framework within each intermediate panel. Where there are an odd number of panels, a 5 lever profile cylinder is fitted to the end lead door; or to the first opening pair, in an even number of panels, to either the inside only or both internally and externally, meeting the requirements of Irish Insurers. For improved security all futurefold Folding Sliding door systems are internally glazed as standard with interlocking gaskets and locking centre external hinge pins.
It is possible to have a cat flap fitted into a solid glazed panel by cutting a circular hole into the toughened glass unit or by incorporating a midrail and a solid infill panel below with an integrated cat flap.
Venetian or pleated blinds are available, incorporated inside the sealed double glazed unit. These are very popular, especially on internally opening systems where curtains are not practical.
These integrated blinds can help prevent the build up of excessive heat during the daytime, whilst providing privacy at night. The ingenious magnetic control device which is bonded to the outside of the glass enables the double glazed unit to remain sealed, ensuring a totally dust-free environment and therefore requires no cleaning. The blinds will always look new and be protected from damage, unlike external blind systems. At present hey are available in three colours. |
