Motor-driven, bi-fold doors offer convenience, functionality and on-going maintenance savings
There were no doors in the first airplane storage structure. When Louis Bleriot crash-landed in a livestock enclosure in the early 1920s, the first aviation “hangar” was born. “Hangar” is Northern French dialect for “cattle pen.” Over the years the capacity to manufacture larger metal structures of all kinds grew, and a new industry was created: rolling and bi-fold doors for commercial, agricultural and aviation applications.
Since the industry’s beginning, doors have grown in width, height and capacity. As agricultural equipment grew larger, the line between the sizing of agricultural doors and aviation doors blurred. Where agricultural doors used to be 20 to 30 feet in width and aviation doors upwards of 40 feet, now large doors are common to both industries. Rolling and bi-fold doors grace buildings of all shapes and sizes from small marine boat slips to enormous commercial warehouses.
These industrial doors grew in functionality as well. Electric doors replaced manually controlled doors and features, such as remote operation, auto-lock and photo-eye enhanced convenience, safety and security for building owners.
Why specify a bi-fold door?
While manual and electric rolling doors still provide the most economical upfront choice, motor-driven Because bi-folds are constructed in only two sections, wear and tear on parts is minimized and extras such as walk doors and windows can be added to the custom door design. bi-fold doors offer many advantages in convenience, functionality and ongoing maintenance savings. Bi-fold door materials are generally stronger and more rigid, so they can withstand a greater wind load, will not rust or warp over time, and are generally unaffected by frost heave. Because bi-folds are constructed in only two sections, wear and tear on parts is minimized and extras, such as walk doors and windows, can be added to the custom door design. They require very little side or head room, offer a shade canopy when open, and allow closer parking than single panel doors.
Design-wise, bi-fold doors offer nearly unlimited covering options to accent any architectural design and fit any customer preference.
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Save space, time and money
In 1986, River Falls, Wis.-based Hi-Fold Door Corp. patented a higher clearance bi-fold door that offers 12 to 24 inches more door opening clearance than other bi-folds on the market. This clear height difference can save on labor and materials in new construction, and allows contractors to add a door to an existing building without sacrificing door opening clearance or changing the roofline.
Patented auxiliary arms on each side of the Hi-Fold Door enable it to open completely while requiring less overhead space. As the door rises, smooth rolling steel wheels on the arms contact the optional reinforcement rails on both jamb posts to provide strong, dependable support. A double-strength center hinge, welded-steel wind trusses and strong, vertical joints combine with the auxiliary arms to hold the door in the horizontal, sag-free, full position.
Each Hi-Fold door comes fully assembled, wired, and tested, with a self-contained electrical system and step-by-step installation instructions.
The state of the industry is hydraulics
In 2007 Hi-Fold introduced the first hydraulic bi-fold door to the industry, creating a faster and more efficient motion that puts even less wear and tear on door and mechanical parts. Choose hydraulic bi-fold doors for higher use applications and for heated buildings. The smooth, efficient hydraulic drive reduces cycle time in the door and saves money in heat loss.
No matter what kind of mechanics you choose, your project will benefit from a higher clearance, fully assembled custom bi-fold door. The creative possibilities for design are nearly limitless and the functionality continues to evolve with the industry.
Bill Bakalich is the sales manager at Hi-Fold Door Corp., River Falls, Wis. To learn more, visit www.hi-fold.com.
