Folding interior doors are a modern solution for saving space, as well as temporary zoning of the territory. These doors are great for both residential and office space. An important feature is the standard sizes, which can exceed 6 meters in length. Reliable fittings will ensure safety in use and durability of doors.
The functioning of the doors is based on the principle of blinds: they consist of small sections that are interconnected by hinges. Thanks to this design, it becomes possible to fold the canvas like an accordion.
Modern manufacturers offer a wide range of doors - from the most primitive wooden structures to the most unusual, which are made of reinforced glass.
An interesting solution is the pendulum door opening mechanism.
Interior doors: main types
There are many stores that make profitableproposals for the purchase of folding interior doors. Leroy Merlin, Castorama and other budget stores provide a wide range and offer selection according to a variety of criteria and characteristics.
Folding doors can consist of one or more wings. Moreover, the second model can be divided into any number of sections. Depending on the attachment to the opening, two types of doors are distinguished: those that are hinged to the frame, and those that are installed on a special structure. The second type of doors is mounted to the floor and ceiling beam.
By the number of sections, all doors can be divided into two types:
- Folding interior doors-books. They consist of several wide sections.
- Accordion door. In this design, an unlimited number of narrow sections are installed. This option is more presentable and reliable.
Among other types of interior structures, the following are distinguished:
- single and double sided;
- symmetrical and asymmetrical.
Material in production can be used in a variety of ways: plastic, metal, wood. There are quite often combined designs. For example, wood with glass inserts.
Depending on what the doors are covered with, they are divided into:
- laminated;
- toned;
- painted;
- veneered.
Important! For people with lung diseases, it is better to choose doors made from natural and safe materials.
Folding doors: materials and design
Modern manufacturers offer a variety of types and designs of folding structures. The most popular models include glass and wooden doors. A combination door made of glass and light-alloy material can also be a creative and up-to-date solution.
Deaf folding doors-books (interior) are perfect for spacious rooms and offices. Leroy Merlin and other stores offer a wide variety of similar designs.
Important! Ordinary doors can also be made sliding. To do this, remove them from the hinges and install them on the rails.
Nuances in selection
When creating folding interior doors, it is necessary to take into account many subtleties that are invisible at first glance to the consumer. When choosing a design, you should pay attention to the following nuances:
- Number of canvases. It must be a multiple of two. In this case, the length of the first canvas should always be greater than the rest.
- Subtract structural clearances from the height of the opening: 10 mm above and 13 mm below.
- Various bulges and inserts on the canvases will prevent the door from closing tightly.
When choosing a performance material, please note that:
- MDF - is not afraid of moisture, so the design of it can be installed even in the bathroom.
- Plastic and aluminum are popular and budget materials, easy to use.
- Fibreboard and chipboard - inexpensive moisture resistantmaterial.
- Glass is an expensive material, heavy constructions and not best suited for installation in rooms where there are children and the elderly.
- Masonite structures are very light, because there is emptiness inside them. Among the negative characteristics - poor sound and heat insulation, moreover, they are easily damaged.
The package must include:
- several canvases (depending on order);
- lock for closed rack;
- box;
- fittings (for example, handles, hinges, lock, etc.).
Folding door installation
Installation of folding interior doors is quite simple, and can be performed without the participation of craftsmen. The main requirement is the correct selection of fittings and high quality materials.
The main quality requirements are as follows:
- fasteners must support the weight of the structure web;
- guides made of steel are considered more reliable;
- It is better to choose a rubberized mechanism for opening and closing doors.
The installation process comes down to several steps:
- Before installing a new door, you must first dismantle the existing one, while leaving the box in place.
- Next set the guides.
- After that, the extreme sections of the folding structure are fixed.
- In the end - the installation of the middle sections of the doors.
Advantages of folding interior doors
These doors have a number of advantages:
- Space saving. To open the door, an area is required, which is equal to the width of one section.
- Quiet. There is no sound at all when opening and closing the door.
- Safety. Folding doors are much lighter than conventional doors, so the risk of injury is significantly reduced.
- No need to mount a threshold.
- Wide range of designs.
- A large number of sizes: the length of one product can be up to 6 meters, and the height - up to almost 3 meters.
Disadvantages of folding designs
Folding accordion interior door is very convenient to use, but still has a number of disadvantages:
- Insufficient density. The result is a design with low thermal and noise insulation. Also, the presence of gaps between the sections affects the insulation. Seals can be used to improve parameters.
- Low strength. The door is not designed for frequent opening, so it breaks down very quickly.
- High cost.
Important! The width of the opening should also be taken into account, because when folded, the door can take up most of the space. Door book and accordion are not suitable for installation in the opening in the form of an arch.
