When to spec a bi-parting automatic door vs single slider

Choosing Between Bi-Parting Automatic Doors and Single Sliders: Optimising Functionality and Efficiency

The evolving design trends favoring larger doors are reshaping modern architectural facades. However, within this trend lies a crucial consideration: the impact of door size on environmental control and operational efficiency.

According to BS EN 16005 regulations, the size and weight of a door significatly influence its energy consumption and operational force. As doors grow larger and heavier, they approach limitations on force, compelling slower movement to comply with regulations.

Imagine a 1.5m wide, 2.5m high single-slider door. Such dimensions imply a relatively sluggish door movement, creating a substantial opening in your building's facade, potentially leading to heat loss. This setup proves impractical, especially for high-traffic environments like retail spaces.

But switch to a bi-parting doorset – featuring two door leaves moving shorter distances away from eachother. This design alteration essentially doubles the opening speed while simultaneously reducing the weight of each door leaf. 

Bi-parting automatic doors offer a practical solution to mitigate the drawbacks associated with larger and heavier single sliders. Their enhanced speed of opening and reduced weight not only align with regulatory requirements but also cater to the demands of high-footfall applications, ensuring seamless functionality without compromising environmental control.

So, if you’re specifying a doorset over 1.2m wide, consider the bi-parting options.