10m bi-folding or patio door?

ericnh

I had a similar confusion when we changed our rear door a few years back due to some termite issues. I was confused between a sliding patio door ( windowchoice.ca/patio-doors ) and a normal door. Many recommended me to go with normal doors at rear side as sliding doors may cause issues after a couple of years. But I loved a good view to my rear garden. So went with sliding patio doors and never regretted. Great unobstructed view to the rear garden itself worth it. Just having a look at sliding mechanism occasionally can prevent it getting stuck as there are chances something getting in at the sliding track obstructing the movement.

Brewboy

The house we moved into has I-D-Systems wooden folding doors. They were fitted in 2006 and in 2011 we found that the wood was rotting on the bottom section. After trying to contact ID systems and not being very successful because no one would return my calls and the warrantee may have just expired, I gave up. In September 2014 we had the doors repainted and on inspection found that there was a huge amount of rot on the bottom section and spending up the doors. On the advice of a tradesman I contacted ID systems and sent some photos of the problem because he could not believe how bad the doors were, I had a response the same day and I thought that they would be able to help. However after a couple of emails I could not get any response from ID systems. All I wanted was some advice on how to deal with the issue but no one bothered to help out, it appears that they would hope that I would just go away. I would not recommended ID systems because from my experience with them, the product is of poor standard and the customer service is a disgrace. If I can work out how to add photos on here then I will post them.

ey143

Hi all,

Roll forward nearly one year and I thought I would just update you all on the progress (or lack of!) since the last 12 months.

I fired the previous architect as our PD plans were refused by the council on several grounds. We had an existing balcony and because we were trying to do a wrap around extension with the infill, this cannot be done under PD. We would have had to leave a few inches gap and build two flank walls between the left and right side extensions. Anyway, I changed architects and got a local semi retired architectural technician who is also a qualified structural engineer (as his first qualification). We just had planning approval given last week. The new plans can be seen below (no nice fancy colour 3D images here - only fashion style).












Some points to mention:
1. We were forced or rather told, that the application would be looked at more favourably if we have a setback on the left side extension - so this is set back 450mm. This has totally in my opinion, ruined the aesthetic effect of having a continuous run of bi-folds or patio since we now have that kink that you see. That said, blackshirtuk's extension is similar with a centre column that will take the weight of the beams above.

2. We were told that the previous proposal was bottom heavy, so we have now proposed a second storey extension to replace the balcony to get marginally more space (taking into account the 45 degree rule) and convert the other side of the loft with a gable feature.

3. Other minor changes to the front

Anyone have any views on the rear patio / bifolds now? Looks like we will be having two openings, 4m each. So I was thinking of having a set of 3 patio doors on each set. I was looking at Fineline Aluminium has they have the lowest profile frames at 22mm, but are very expensive.

System

Looks very like its been designed by a technician...

Why the obsession with the slim profile, very contemporary glazing system? It really doesn't look like it suits the rest of the property at all, what's going on with the gables on the roof on the front ele? will go back and see what's existing and proposed...
Just noticed the chimney too...

ey143

We have a wide and long garden so want few lines of sight. Two front gables are existing except for the new central one with feature window. Rear chimney is to support the ground floor wood burner (architect thinks we can have a flue as it will blow into neighbours yard.