123 Locks & Building Hardware Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk THE door industry journal winter 2025 Blending Function and Style with Folding Door Hardware Folding door systems go beyond the means of traditional hinged doors and can offer greater flexibility, accessibility and superior visuals whilst maximising the usable space of a room. Folding doors can be applied in a variety of settings too, with interior applications focusing on aesthetics, space efficiency and sound insulation and exterior systems prioritising the flow of movement, thermal performance and enhanced natural light. To translate design ideas into viable, functional spaces requires an understanding of how different folding door systems are configured and their suitability for projects. In operation, a folding door will call upon its hinges and hardware to slide multiple panels along a track system, stacking them to one or both sides. With that, there are two key operational methods to consider. Top hung systems are commonly found in interior applications and are designed to suspend panels from a head track for seamless operation, also reducing the need for a continuous floor track which can be an issue if a space has underfloor heating or ceramic tiles already installed. Bottom rolling systems, on the other hand, are ideal for projects where the overhead structure may not be strong enough to support the complete system. Decision makers must also review the primary design variations of folding door systems. For instance, a Multifold 30 system - known as an inline system - is simpler to understand as panels typically share the same centreline as the top track and channel. Whilst being easier to install, these systems may not always be compatible with rebated frames. In contrast, Interfold systems - known as an offline system - typically has panels on a different centreline to the top track, allowing doors to open away from and back into a rebated frame. This option is better suited to external systems to improve weather resistance, as well as for internal systems that require acoustic, thermal or light reduction on one side compared to the other. www.allegion.com Evolving Standards and Why They Matter As new cylinder lock attack methods emerge, security must keep pace with them. By raising standards, the industry can stay ahead of threats and support the security industry in protecting homes and businesses. The latest revision of national standards for enhanced security performance shows how the industry adapts to evolving risks. In 2024, TS007 was updated with the support of BSi and Sold Secure, which now includes protection against the latest forms of cylinder manipulation, such as freezing and glueing. Following this, accreditation for SS312 Diamond and TS007 was also updated, becoming SS312 Diamond 2024 and BSi TS007-1:2024, with both coming into full effect from January 2027. How Compliance Works in Practice The framework of standards may appear complex, yet each plays an important and complementary role. • BS EN1303:2015, provides the technical foundation by setting out clear criteria for durability, resistance and security. Its grading system allows cylinders to be measured and compared in a consistent way, giving an objective benchmark for product performance. • TS007-1:2024, created by the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) and the Glass and Glazing Federation, applies a star rating system to cylinders and hardware, with three stars indicating the highest level of resistance. • SS312 Diamond, managed by Sold Secure, subjects cylinders to prolonged and sophisticated attempts to compromise them. Together, these standards ensure cylinders are evaluated against a broad spectrum of risks. The credibility of these measures lies in the organisations behind them. The British Standards Institution (BSi), Sold Secure and the DHF all develop requirements with input from locksmiths, insurers, and the police. Many insurance policies require TS007-three-star or SS312 Diamond approval, for cover to remain valid. Overlaying these standards is Secured by Design, the police-backed initiative recognising products proven to reduce crime. A cylinder awarded with this Police Preferred Specification has been reviewed for its contribution to reducing actual crime. www.mul-t-lock.com
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mzg2Nzk=