Sheerline has launched a new range of bi-fold doors, which extends its popular range of Sheerline Prestige aluminium windows and doors.

The new Sheerline Prestige bi-fold combines style, security, innovation and sustainability in a ground-breaking range of bi-fold doors.

Unfettered by legacy design restrictions, the company has pushed the performance boundaries, future proofing it against the proposed tightening of Part L of the Building Regulations. Sheerline’s new bi-fold achieves extremely low U-Values – 1.4 W/m²K double glazed and 1.0 W/m²K tripled glazed. This remarkable performance, exceptional for aluminium bi-folds, is down to Sheerline’s unique Thermlock^® technology. Closed cell multi-chambered cores ensure greater thermal performance compared to other aluminium bi-folds that use polyamide thermal breaks.

With four different threshold options, including one with an integrated cill, all featuring fully weather-sealed rebates, it offers up to seven pane configurations. With both inward and outward opening options, the bifold has a maximum height of 2.6m and a maximum width of 6.5m.

Bespoke hardware, based on proven ‘tried and tested’ designs is supplied by VBH, with a custom-made Winkhaus ‘Thunderbolt’ lock. It includes one-piece keeps and an integral finger-pull passive door for configurations that feature ‘French door’ style sashes with an uncluttered single handle. The new bi-fold also comes with the option of an Ultion 1* Plus 2* lock and handle combination and a unique folding Ultion key, that protects the frames from damage. There are 10-year mechanical operation guarantees on all hardware.

A one-piece stainless-steel track with integral drainage allows for controlled, reliable rolling, as well as being easier to fit and cut, and tri-material Garnalex gaskets feature low friction coatings, ensuring smooth operation.

Bringing many other benefits for fabricators and installers, the ancillaries used on the bi-fold doors are the same as for the standard Sheerline Prestige window and door system. This allows for simplified stock holding and fewer hold ups. Fabricators also save time and money using the same milling cutter as the rest of the Sheerline Prestige range. Incorporating Sheerline’s standard patented corner cleat construction, fabricators can adjust the mitre for a perfect joint every time. No more misaligned frames.

Clip in beads, an installer favourite from Prestige, are used on the bi-fold allowing for quicker, easier installation. The integral cill and ramped low threshold options also feature unique, one-piece end caps which act as frame jointers, saving time, and incorporating concealed drainage. Outer frames can also be supplied to installers as a flat pack, to make onsite assembly easier when access is difficult.

Roger Hartshorn, Garnalex CEO, says: “Aluminium is the ideal material for bi-fold doors as it’s inherently strong and looks fantastic. Our technical experts injected innovation at every level, and because we started from a clean slate we avoided legacy design restrictions. For example, the bi-fold door suites perfectly with the Sheerline Prestige range so the same clean balanced sightlines run right through from windows and doors to the bi-fold. The result is a beautiful bi-fold for beautiful whole-house installations. It’s only when you see these lines matching up that you realise nothing else in the market can do that. Homeowners love that, even if they don’t appreciate why until you point it out. That’s why we say it’s a trailblazer.

“We listened to our fabricator partners and then we designed a bi-fold to exceed their expectations and wow installers and homeowners. And because we make every major part here in Britain, our carbon footprint is reduced compared with aluminium systems that are imported from the other side of the world. Again, because we supply our standard range of colours from stock, and bespoke colours are made on site, the Prestige bi-fold is available in our standard range of 12 stocked colours within five working days, with bespoke colours in just 10 working days. That’s also pretty remarkable for aluminium.”

The full Sheerline range includes Sheerline Classic and Prestige windows and doors, S1 Roof Lantern, and the new Prestige bi-fold.

Call Sheerline on 01332 883960, email info@sheerline.com or visit www.sheerline.com. Follow @SheerlineSystem and @GarnalexSystems for the latest news and updates.