In today’s energy-conscious world, homeowners are increasingly seeking ways to improve their home’s thermal efficiency and reduce energy bills. As a window and door installer, it’s crucial to provide your customers with the most up-to-date and accurate information about the energy performance of the products you offer, from uPVC French doors and patio doors to aluminium bifold doors. But are you truly giving them the best advice when it comes to U-values? Read on to explore how you can better serve your customers while positioning yourself as an industry expert.
Bifold doors U-value advice – Why U-Values matter for bifold doors
Aluminium bifold doors are an increasingly popular choice for homeowners looking to create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. However, large, glazed areas can potentially lead to significant heat loss if not properly insulated. This is where U-values become essential. A bifold door with a low U-value will retain much heat more effectively, keeping homes warmer in winter and cooler in summer, ultimately leading to reduced energy bills and improved indoor comfort.
Are we doing enough to educate homeowners?
While the industry has made great strides in developing energy-efficient products, there’s still room for improvement when it comes to educating consumers. Many homeowners may not fully understand the importance of U-values or how they relate to energy efficiency. As professionals, it’s our responsibility to bridge this knowledge gap and provide clear, concise information that empowers customers to make the best choices for their homes. By understanding and effectively communicating U-values to your customers, you can help them make informed decisions that will have a positive impact on their home’s energy efficiency for years to come.
What U-Values should you be promoting?
When discussing bifold doors with your customers, it’s important to highlight the following U-values:
Whole door U-value: This measures the overall thermal performance of the entire door, including frame and glazing.
Centre pane U-value: This specifically measures the thermal performance of the glazing unit.
From the June 15, 2022, Building Regulations for thermal performance (Document L) in the UK was amended for bi-fold doors with a >60% glazed area. Any door set must be at least: 1.4 W/m2K when replacing any existing doors. 1.6 W/m2K for new build doors or extension doors.
The long-term benefits of low U-Value bifold doors
When discussing U-values with your customers, it’s crucial to emphasise the long-term benefits of choosing energy-efficient bifold doors:
Reduced energy bills: Lower U-values mean less heat loss, resulting in lower heating costs over time.
Improved comfort: Better insulation leads to more consistent indoor temperatures and fewer draughts.
Increased property value: Energy-efficient features are increasingly attractive to potential buyers.
Environmental impact: Lower energy consumption means a reduced carbon footprint.
Double glazing vs. triple glazing: Which should you recommend?
For the main types of glazing, double glazing has been the standard for many years, while triple glazing is gaining popularity due to its superior thermal performance. Here’s a comparison to help you guide your customers:
Double glazing: Typical U-values range from 1.2 to 1.6 W/m²K
Triple glazing: Typical U-values range from 0.8 to 1.0 W/m²K
Triple glazing offers excellent thermal efficiency, but it comes at a higher cost. Advise your customers to weigh the initial investment against long-term energy savings when making their decision on bifold door glazing.
The role of gas filling in improving U-Values
Another factor that affects U-values is the gas used to fill the space between glazing panes. Argon and krypton are commonly used gases that provide better insulation than air. When discussing glazing options with your customers, be sure to mention:
Argon-filled units: Offer good thermal performance and are more affordable
Krypton-filled units: Provide superior insulation but at a higher cost
How does frame material impact U-Values?
The choice of frame material also plays a significant role in the overall U-value of bifold doors. As well as being durable and low-maintenance, modern aluminium bifold doors incorporate thermal breaks to improve their insulation properties. When discussing frame options with your customers, highlight the following:
- Aluminium frames with thermal breaks can achieve U-values comparable to other materials
- The slimmer profiles of aluminium frames allow for larger glass areas, maximising natural light
- Aluminium’s durability ensures the doors will maintain their performance for many years
Setting the standard for energy efficiency
At TWR Group, we pride ourselves on offering some of the most energy-efficient bifold doors on the market. Our range includes the Visofold 1000, a versatile and high-performance aluminium bifold door system with thermally broken aluminium profiles for excellent insulation, and the Visofold 1000 Slim Bi-Fold Door for those seeking a more contemporary look. Both door systems can be customized to meet specific U-value requirements, ensuring that your customers receive the most energy-efficient solution and specification for their needs.
How can TWR Group help you provide the best U-Value advice?
As a trusted manufacturer with years of experience in the industry, TWR Group is committed to supporting installers in providing the best possible service to their customers. Here’s how we can help you:
Product knowledge: We offer comprehensive training on our bifold door range, including detailed information on U-values and energy performance.
Technical support: Our team of experts is always available to provide technical advice and answer any questions you or your customers may have about U-values and thermal efficiency.
Customisation options: We can help you specify the right glazing and frame combinations to meet specific U-value requirements for your customers’ projects.
Ongoing support: We keep you updated on the latest developments in energy efficiency standards and product innovations, ensuring you’re always at the forefront of the industry to provide the best customer service.
Empowering your customers with knowledge
As the demand for energy-efficient homes continues to grow, it’s crucial that we, as industry professionals, take the lead in educating homeowners about the importance of U-values in bifold doors. By providing clear, accurate information and recommending high-performance products like those offered by TWR Group, you can help your customers make informed decisions that will benefit them for years to come.
Remember, a well-informed customer is more likely to appreciate the value of investing in energy-efficient bifold doors. By positioning yourself as a knowledgeable advisor on U-values and energy performance, you’ll not only increase your sales but also build long-lasting relationships with satisfied customers.
Get in touch with TWR Group now
At TWR Group, we’re committed to supporting you in this effort. With our range of high-performance aluminium bifolds, comprehensive technical support, and years of industry experience, we’re here to help you provide the best possible advice and products to your customers.
Don’t let your customers miss out on the benefits of energy-efficient bifold doors. Partner with TWR Group today and start offering unparalleled expertise in bifold door U-values, whether your project requires replacement doors or aluminium bifold doors for a new build. Together, we can create more comfortable, energy-efficient homes while growing your business.
Contact our team now.