The Liniar ModLok PVC-U bi-fold is reportedly the first product to successfully pass testing for a new scheme to ‘tackle the reputation of poor quality bi-folding doors in the marketplace’.
Devised by independent testing and certification company, Build Check, the Folding Sliding Door Scheme has been designed, in part, to encourage bi-folding door companies to ‘raise their standards’. According to Liniar, many aluminium systems (which, the company says, are often perceived as much stronger and more durable than PVC-U equivalents) have so far ‘fallen short of the mark’ during testing for the scheme, while the Liniar ModLok bi-fold ‘passed with flying colours’.
Richard Bate, Build Check’s technical director, said: “There are a lot of poor quality bi-folding doors available out there at the moment. We decided to launch this scheme to assist homeowners in being able to choose a product that would be robust and fit for purpose.
“This makes sense for companies too. If they can provide a quality product then it will save them time and money in the long run on call-outs, repairs and replacement parts.
“We set the scheme up in August 2014 but have been unable to publicise it, as we have been waiting for a product to successfully pass our stringent requirements – and we’re very pleased that the Liniar ModLok bi-fold door is the first to achieve that.”
There are three main sections to the test. Each product is put through 5,000 cycles by Build Check’s articulated robot, weather tested to 800 pascals (a wind speed of more than 80mph) and must be able to achieve a minimum ‘U’ value of 1.8.
“We’ve put several other bi-folding doors through the test, including aluminium doors as well as PVC-U – and Liniar was the first to pass,” said Richard. “People might be surprised to hear that some of the doors did not even achieve 10% of the required cycles!
“Our whole intention for this scheme is that it will be difficult to pass. There would be no point in launching it unless it was going to encourage companies to raise their standards and aim for their product to be the best.
“Now that Liniar has achieved the required test levels, it can cascade the evidence to its fabricators. The fabricator will then be able to apply to Build Check to join the certification scheme and, subject to successful auditing of their quality system, manufacturing, installation processes and documentation, will be able to use the Build Check Folding Sliding Door Scheme mark.
“We believe that Liniar’s success will set the benchmark for other companies to aspire to.”
