Repairs and replacements are part of life. When equipment reaches a certain age, we replace it. When building structures become outdated or unsafe, we replace them. Doors are no exception. This holds true for standard walk-through doors, but also for overhead, oversized doors. Doors are one of the first things people see on buildings; therefore, they need to not only look good, but they need to operate safely and efficiently.
Why and how you should update to bi-fold doors
While the options may seem endless, a bi-fold door offers the best fit for many openings. Traditional sectional doors work in some cases, but most only accommodate an opening up to 40 feet wide. For larger openings—such as those to accommodate agricultural equipment—40 feet is simply too narrow. Bi-fold doors provide a better fit and a variety of benefits while also offering simple and efficient replacement.
Why Update to Bi-Fold Doors?
There are two key differences between bi-fold and sectional doors: size capabilities and how they open. Rather than retracting into the interior space like sectional doors, bi-fold doors mount on the exterior of the building and fold up and in half to provide full use of the opening, from the floor to the bottom of the building rafters. Bi-folds have a unique truss system that allows them to be used in openings as wide as 90 feet, making them an ideal solution for large buildings meant to house agriculture equipment or aircraft. This allows farmers to use the full height and width of the doorway when entering or exiting—ideal for retrofitting an old building to accommodate today’s large machinery.
Bi-fold doors, whether 16 or 90 feet wide, can also be custom designed to fit nearly any shop, Quonset, barn or other large building. The materials and paint can be customized to meet any aesthetic requirements, making them a natural fit on an existing building.
While sectional doors can be built to accommodate openings as wide as 40 feet, bi-folds often offer a more effective solution with less maintenance and problems. Sectional door designs operate with rollers and hinges, which aren’t optimized to handle both the static and dynamic load of a door that large. Over time, these larger sectional doors will require more maintenance than bi-folds, which have fewer moving parts and are designed specifically to handle the large loads.
How to Update to Bi-Fold Doors
The first step in replacing a traditional door with a bi-fold door is choosing a manufacturer. A dependable manufacturer understands the structural building requirements and communicates those to their customers early on. Work with a manufacturer that is familiar with bi-fold doors. Bi-fold doors have different load requirements than sectional doors, and often will require a more robust structural framework, such as a larger header, so engineers and contractors must know what will be needed to accommodate the door.
Other structural factors must be considered as well, including whether the building is new or existing, and if it’s made of steel or wood. This is why working with a manufacturer that considers all these details during the initial quoting process is important. They will take the time to ensure that the door they spec and the structural requirements needed to support that door are accurate from day one. Find a company that will take charge of the entire process, from design to manufacturing to installation and finish work. This ensures the door is done right the first time.
When it comes to choosing the door itself, there are few key things to look for. Consider a door that comes standard with just one latch for locking it closed. A single-latch system ultimately saves time from having to go to each doorjamb to lock and unlock the door, which is required with a double-latch system. In addition, look for doors with a safety switch, which eliminates the risk of damage that can be caused when a user forgets to release the latch. An automatic latch is an even more convenient option. It allows operators to open the door with the push of a button—even from the comfort of a vehicle.
Look for an all-steel door with solid welded construction. A heavy-gauge steel tubing and robust truss system provide optimal strength and durability even in strong winds and other harsh weather. Solid welded doors offer a strong frame design with minimal chance of parts loosening over time, resulting in virtually no maintenance.
Upgrading to Bi-Fold Doors
It’s always a good idea to replace an outdated, aged and potentially unsafe door. Upgrading to a bi-fold door means easier access to equipment, and the potential to store even larger pieces of machinery. Working with a trusted manufacturer from concept to installation means you’ll have a successful experience making the switch during your next door update.
Jason Myrvik is the general manager at Midland Door Solutions, West Fargo, N.D. For more information, visit www.midlanddoorsolutions.com.