When selecting bifold doors for your project, it's crucial to understand their energy efficiency. Here, we take you through the U-Values offered by Origin Bifold Doors and discuss why U-Values are important. We also answer common questions regarding Origin’s bifold doors’ energy performance.
In this guide:
Find out what is meant by a U-Value and how U-values are calculated.
We discuss the typical U-Values of aluminium bifold doors and how to find an energy efficient bifold door.
Find out more about the benefits and features of Origin Bifold Doors and the U-Values they offer.
We answer some common queries on thermally efficient aluminium bifold doors.
What is a U-Value?
The U-Value is a measure used to determine the amount of heat that passes through different parts of a building's envelope, including doors, windows, and walls. It is expressed in watts per square metre per degree Kelvin (W/m²K). A lower U-Value indicates better insulation properties, meaning less heat escapes during cold weather and less heat enters during warm weather. This efficiency is crucial for reducing energy consumption and maintaining a comfortable indoor environment. Luxury, reputable suppliers such as Origin offer competitive U-Values and excellent door features to ensure your bifold door is thermally efficient. You are also guaranteed the best-quality materials to ensure a practical and durable bifold door.
What U-Values do aluminium bifold doors typically offer?
Aluminium bifold doors are popular due to their durability, aesthetics, and slim profiles. However, aluminium is not naturally a good conductor of heat, which can be a disadvantage in terms of insulation. To combat this, high-quality manufacturers, such as Origin, use advanced technologies such as thermal breaks, multi-layered glazing, and high-quality seals to improve the U-Values of aluminium doors.
Origin offers a range of aluminium bifold doors designed to meet various thermal performance requirements. At Origin, our bifold doors feature polyamide thermal break technology, exceptional glazing and durable seals, significantly reducing heat transfer. These features collectively ensure that Origin Bifold Doors offer strong thermal performance, making them an excellent choice for eco-conscious homeowners.
At Origin, our aluminium bifold doors offer competitive U-Values, starting from only 0.87 W/m²K.
At Origin, our aluminium bifold doors offer competitive U-Values, starting from only 0.87 W/m²K.
At Origin, our aluminium bifold doors offer competitive U-Values, starting from only 0.87 W/m²K.
Our OB-36+ Contemporary External Door is a modern take on a well-loved design, offering impressive sightlines of just 36mm. This sleek and elegant design is a great option for futureproofing your home. Offering exceptional thermal performance, our Contemporary External Door is available with U-Values as low as 0.87 W/m²K.
![origin contemporary collection](https://origin-global.com/Media/Default/advice%20centre/origin%20contemporary%20(1).jpg)
Find out more about our Contemporary External Door here or contact your local installer today.
Key features affecting U-Values in Origin Bifold Doors
Thermal break technology: Polyamide sections within the aluminium profiles interrupt the thermal bridge, enhancing insulation
Glazing options: Double or triple glazing can be chosen, each having different U-Values, with triple glazing offers superior insulation compared to double glazing
Seals and gaskets: High-quality seals prevent draughts and improve the overall U-Value
Frame design: The design and thickness of the aluminium frames also influence the thermal performance
The importance of competitive U-Values in bifold doors
Selecting doors with competitive U-Values provides several benefits. Firstly, doors with lower U-Values reduce the need for heating in winter and air conditioning in summer, cutting down energy costs. Read our full guide to bifold door thermal efficiency here.
Better insulated doors also ensure fewer draughts and cold spots, contributing to a more comfortable living environment. Adhering to local building regulations regarding energy efficiency is also easier with doors that have optimised U-Values. Recent research has also shown that thermally efficient bifold doors can even help to increase property value.
View our full collection of luxury aluminium bifold doors here.
Origin Bifold Doors
By focusing on sophisticated design, advanced materials, and exceeding regulatory standards, Origin provides both aesthetically pleasing and highly energy-efficient door solutions. As environmental concerns grow, investing in thermally efficient bifold doors from a reputable, luxury manufacturer such as Origin is a wise and forward-thinking decision. Aluminium bifold doors are extremely secure and are known for their exceptional strength. Origin Bifold Doors are one of the most secure systems in the market and have passed PAS 24 tests. The unique 8-point locking system offers extra security.
Shop our full collection of aluminium bifold doors here.
Frequently asked questions
Can U-Values affect property value?
Yes, energy efficiency is increasingly becoming a significant factor in property valuations. Properties with high-efficiency doors and windows tend to have higher market values due to lower running costs and better environmental impact. Find out more about how bifold doors can add to house value here.
Are there financial benefits to choosing doors with lower U-Values?
Yes - although the initial investment might be higher for doors with lower U-Values, the reduction in energy bills can lead to substantial savings over time, offsetting the initial cost. Choosing a high-quality, reputable supplier such as Origin can help to ensure you choose a door with competitive thermal efficiency in mind.
Can the glazing of bifold doors affect their U-Value?
Yes, the type of glazing significantly impacts the U-Value. Double glazing or triple glazing can improve thermal efficiency. The use of coatings, like low-emissivity (low-E) coatings, and gases between the panes, like Argon or Krypton, can also reduce the U-Value. Read our full guide to bifold door glazing options here.
What improvements can be made to bifold doors to enhance their thermal efficiency?
Improvements can include:
Using doors with better-insulated frames, such as those with a thermal break
Opting for higher-quality glazing with additional layers or special coatings
Ensuring proper installation and sealing to avoid heat loss through gaps