August 2, 2017 - Doors & Hardware
By Jason Myrvik
Hydraulic and bi-fold doors make it possible to quickly and easily load and unload bulk materials or have access into and out of buildings with large and oversized equipment. But with large doors, as with any opening into a structure, often comes the risk of energy losses and increased heating and cooling costs. Whether it’s a door for a new educational building or a replacement unit for an existing facility, a door that’s built and installed with energy efficiency in mind will not only save costs but will also last longer.
When looking for a hydraulic or bi-fold door, you’ll see that most, if not all, are customized options. A bi-fold or hydraulic door that’s made precisely for the opening it’s intended will be one of best lines of defense against energy loss.
It’s important that the manufacturer understands the needs of the facility and expectations of the project. For example, if temperature fluctuations are unacceptable due to the door’s proximity to sensitive materials, a swing-open hydraulic door with a fast open and close time might be preferred over a bi-fold door.
Some door manufacturers offer variable frequency drives for their bi-fold doors that decrease the door’s open and close cycle times by as much as 30 percent. Some VFDs also convert single-phase power into three-phase power, which is more economical because it doesn’t require as much conductor material.
In addition to minimizing how long the door takes to open and close, choosing to insulate the door can also have a big impact on controlling energy loss. Take a look at the insulation options and choose an R-value, which measures how well the material can resist heat flow, that will be appropriate for the climate and building needs. For example, R-values of R-18 in bi-fold doors and R-22 for hydraulic units are ideal in climates with extreme temperatures. Insulation materials also vary and include white-faced blanket, board, or spray foam. Blanket insulation is the least expensive and also has the lowest R-value of the three options. Spray foam on the other hand provides the best R-value, but costs the most. When considering windows, be sure to look for insulated glass options to maximize efficiency.
A malfunction or broken part can have a big impact, especially in the dead of winter. A door that is solid, durable, and built with quality components ensures optimal performance and contributes to energy efficiency. All-steel designs provide greater stability than doors made with wood and steel. Heavy-gauge steel tubing and jig-welded construction enhance durability and dependability.
Working with a manufacturer that fabricates the door offsite and ensures materials are delivered to the site before the project can expedite the installation process and minimize heating and cooling costs during replacement projects by ensuring a quick and smooth installation.
Doors are exposed to the elements every day, so it’s important to occasionally inspect them, especially before winter. Take a look at the seals and weather strip, which are the door’s only defense against air infiltration where it meets the ground and building.
Minimizing building energy loss and costs can be challenging when large building openings are needed, but knowing the ins and outs of installation and design will open the door to efficiencies and savings.
Jason Myrvik is the general manager at Midland Door Solutions, which manufactures and installs bi-fold and hydraulic doors for new and existing buildings. He can be reached at Jason@MidlandDoorSolutions.com.
