TRADE SUPPLIERS | ALUMINIUM | BI FOLDING DOORS | SLIDING PATIO DOOR | COSTS | PRICES
YOUR GUIDE TO BUYING FOLDING SLIDING DOORS & PATIO DOORSOpen up the back of your house with folding or sliding glass doors.Folding glass doors are a great investment. They link the house and garden and will bring more light into kitchen/dining areas. Here's what you need to know before you start:Types of doors availableChoose from sliding doors, doors that just open out or folding/sliding styles. Folding or sliding is great as they really open up the back of your house, as there isn't anything blocking the view.Planning permissionIf your doors are a part of a small extension, your project may fall within permitted development rights. For bigger extensions, you'll require planning permission.As a guide, you'll need permission to add 10% of the property size if you own a terrace and 15% to a detached house, but check with your council first.Building regulationsYou're required to seek approval if you do any structural work to your house.The building regulation (Part L) deals with energy efficiency and renovations. Glass isn't very energy efficient and if your project has a negative impact on energy, it may not be allowed.Conserve energy by using triple-glazed or high-performance double-glazing. If most of your windows are south facing.You can also make use of 'passive solar gain' - where the house uses heat from the sun to warm it up, lowering energy bills.Construction periodInstallation of custom-made doors will depend on manufacturer, but installation of a wall of doors can take as little as a few weeks.Cost A decent sliding glass panel that replaces either brick wall or an existing patio door starts from £1,000.