Bifolding doors have become incredibly popular in recent years as people look to modernise their home and understand the benefits of natural light more and more. They’re functional, providing people with the opportunity to flow from indoors to outdoors with ease, while accessibility to them has also improved, with more affordable options and sites like nowaluminium.co.uk building and installing them in all shapes and sizes. Of course, it’s a big decision and big investment to make though, and isn’t quite as simple as getting them bought and fitted. You need to consider a lot. So, before you make the plunge, here are five things to take note of… Space and Configuration First and foremost you do need to think about the space you have available and the configuration you need for the doors. Typically, bifolding Crittall doors are available in a variety of configurations, from two panels folding to one side, known as a single fold, to three panels doing the same, which is known as a French fold. There’s also options to stack to both sides, so thinking about how they’d best suit your inside and outside space is important to make sure there’s convenient access and moving from inside to out and vice versa is smooth. Material and Finish Selecting the right material is also important and one of the first considerations. You can get bifolds in a number of materials these days, from timber to uPVC. Aluminium is one of the most popular these days as they are lightweight, strong and low maintenance. Think about your home’s architectural character and what materials may suit best. Glazing and Thermal Performance Opt for bi-folding doors with high-quality glazing to maximise energy efficiency and comfort. Double or triple-glazed panels with Low-E coatings help to minimise heat loss in winter and reduce solar heat gain in summer, keeping your home comfortable year-round. Consider choosing doors with thermally broken frames to prevent condensation and improve insulation. Discuss thermal performance ratings with your supplier to ensure the doors meet building regulations and contribute to energy savings. Security Features While bifolding doors are incredibly secure these days, when selecting doors you should prioritise security, after all they are an access point to your home and contain a lot of glass. Keep an eye out for doors with multi-point locking systems and robust hinges, as well as toughened glass to provide durability against any potential forced entry. Alongside this, you may also want to invest further insecurity, with there plenty of home security cameras around these days to suit all budgets. Professional Installation and Warranty Finally, consider who you want to install them and the type of warranty you will have on the doors. Naturally, it’s always best to go with reputable suppliers and ones that offer comprehensive warranties on the off chance anything does go wrong. Consider all the above and your bifolding doors could really revolutionise the home and provide you with the natural light, air flow and space you need.

In South Florida, where the impacts of climate change are not a distant threat but a present-day challenge, commercial construction faces a pivotal moment. Rising sea levels and the increased frequency of extreme weather events demand a proactive approach to building design and construction. Admer Construction, a commercial contractor in the region, has positioned itself at the forefront of this adaptive movement. By integrating resilience into their projects, they aim to ensure that commercial structures can withstand the environmental stresses of the upcoming decades. Understanding that resilience in construction is not just about stronger materials but also smarter planning, Admer Construction collaborates with architects, engineers, and environmental scientists. Their goal is to incorporate features like elevated structures, flood-resistant materials, and natural barriers that can help manage the effects of water intrusion. This collaborative approach is critical in an area where the intersection of urban development and ecological preservation is a delicate balance. Understanding Sea-Level Rise Challenges Sea-level rise presents significant challenges to coastal regions, with South Florida’s commercial construction sector, including firms like Admer Construction, needing to adapt to these changes. Strategies must be informed by both climate science and risk assessment to ensure resilient building practices. Climate Change Impact on Sea Levels Risk Assessment for South Florida Coastal Construction Strategies for Resilient Construction Resilient commercial construction in South Florida requires innovative approaches to materials and building techniques, alongside prudent urban planning to mitigate the impacts of sea-level rise. This section explores actionable strategies for developing infrastructure that stands up to these environmental challenges. Innovative Building Materials and Techniques South Florida Commercial Contractors are increasingly turning to advanced materials and construction techniques to enhance building resilience. Admer Construction, for example, implements elevated structures and waterproof barriers that provide foundational integrity against floodwaters. Flood-resistant materials, like concrete additives that repel water and corrosion-resistant alloys, are incorporated into building designs. Key materials and techniques include: Zoning and Urban Planning Considerations The strategic development of urban areas is critical in combating the effects of sea-level rise. In South Florida, zoning regulations are evolving to prioritize developments away from high-risk flood zones. Admer Construction is knowledgeable about these shifts, focusing their efforts on sites selected for long-term sustainability. Urban planning strategies entail: