Fabric blinds for large bifold/patio doors? Do they help with insulation? Or use Luxaflex duette?

NeilAFawcett

FaceHead said:

Modern double glazing is a decent insulator - blinds aren't going to add much to that, as that's not their purpose. Also a big glazed door, particularly if not facing north, gives quite significant solar gains. A blind will reduce this, and might do less than nothing in terms of keeping the need for daytime heating down.  

Duette blinds are specifically aimed at thermal insulation, with figures of something up to a 50% improvement.

But if the doors themselves are only a small insulation hit (when it's cold outside) then obviously it's upto 50% of only a small number.

NeilAFawcett

I think given:-

• The standard roller blinds will be neater (disappear entirely into their cartridge) vs the duette which will hang down (even below the glass by an inch or two)
• The roller blinds are £600 cheaper.
• I would hope a wall of (roller blind) fabric lowered across the doors would at least offer some thermal improvement/insulation, even if it's not as good as what duette would offer.

...I think we'll go for the roller blinds...

carefullycautious

Why have bi fold doors if they are causing your home to be cold?

Rosa_Damascena

carefullycautious said:

Why have bi fold doors if they are causing your home to be cold?

To maximise the light and view, I would imagine.