How aïr bifolding and lift & slide doors are made

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Nick Dardalis

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At the heart of aïr bifolding and lift & slide doors is more than 35 years experience, aluminium know-how and manufacturing excellence. What goes into creating aïr aluminium doors and how do they differ from other bifolding doors on the market?

aïr bifolding and lift and slide doors

Aïr. More than quality aluminium doors and a strong brand.

The supplying of some of the best bifolding doors, and brand to quality door installers selling to consumers wanting the best door they can find is complicated.

Selling premium aluminium doors is far more involved than simply working with an existing aluminium system that has a ‘high-end’ perception in the trade. This is what many aluminium manufacturers have done in simply adopting a high specification aluminium system and launching a new ‘luxury’ brand.

Aïr bifolding and sliding doors have been designed from the outset to offer a unique selling proposition to the trade. Aïr doors are unlike others on the market. They are unique and made differently to other high-end aluminium systems. The company behind them is also substantially different.

The businesses supplying air products are also some of the most established in the UK.

How are aïr doors made?

everglade windows are a multi-award winning manufacturer and exclusively provide air doors.
Everglade Windows are a multi-award winning manufacturer and exclusively provide air doors.

Behind aïr doors are multi-award winning Everglade Windows. Fabricating aluminium since 1981, Everglade Windows are at the cutting edge of aluminium fabrication in the UK. Other reputable trade manufacturers have just ‘added’ aluminium into their product ranges, capitalising on the growth in aluminium. Everglade, have massively invested in aluminium.

In designing and bringing aïr doors to market, Everglade Windows used their vast experience in aluminium to create a suite of doors that were to be different from others on the market. This experience came about as a result of many years manufacturing aluminium and understanding the features a door needed to be better than the mainstream and a real luxury door.

Also important was the vast experience Everglade Windows possess in the complex commercial sector as well. The commercial sector typically moves far away from a ‘standard’ window or a door found in a dwelling. Commercial glazing is required to be better performing, more resilient, is more technically challenging. It is also harder to make and harder to fit.

All this experience and know-how enables Everglade Windows to create Aïr doors that differ in their design, engineering, quality, specifications and in how they are made.

The aluminium extrusions in aïr doors

All modern door systems today feature a thermal break. The thermal break in an aluminium profile is not only necessary for profile insulation, but it also provides structural integrity and enables doors to have a different colour inside and out.

Aïr doors take the thermal break concept a little further. It offers better insulation (U-Values) thanks to its design and as part of the overall product.

The thermal break found in aïr doors is engineered as a D shape. This provides the following advantages over a simpler straight thermal break arrangement found in many other doors.

  • It is stronger, reducing movement within the aluminium section.
  • Its design enables larger than average doors to be manufactured.
  • It contributes to the class leading thermal performance of aïr doors.

Sophisticated powder coating of the finest quality.

Aïr doors feature as standard sophisticated powder coating exceeding what other door systems provide as standard.

Aïr doors are powder coated with a marine grade 60-micron thickness as well as being available in a textured powder coated finish that is dirt and scratch resistant.

The sophisticated powder coating process found in aïr doors is just one of many features that enable these advanced sliding doors to have an industry leading 25-year guarantee.

The Emmegi Quadra Cutting and Machining Centre.

emmett cutting and machining centre.
Everglade have invested in the state-of-the-art cutting and machining centre – one of only three in the UK.

A recent £1m investment in aluminium fabrication and service includes a new Emmegi Quadra cutting and machining centre. Machining centres today not only represent the most cutting edge way make aïr doors in the most technically advanced way, but they are also substantial investments.

The Emmegi Quadra used by Everglade Windows is one of only three in the UK. It is the top of the range and most advanced machine of its kind, enabling hugely complex cutting and machining processes. The cutting and machining needed to create a highly sophisticated folding or sliding door need the very best machines in the world.

Advanced machinery is more than just about making doors quicker. Quality is improved and is always consistent. Wastage is also substantially reduced as every aluminium bar is optimised in the most efficient way.

making a bifolding door.
Every aïr folding and sliding door is hand assembled and hand finished.

Air doors. Hand assembled and with hand finished.

Aïr doors are precision assembled by hand with stringent checks at every stage of the production process. Part of this process includes all door and frame joints finished with a specialist glue for superior strength at these critical corner joints.

Less elaborate doors may only feature a much simpler joint assembly with only small gap sealant in the corners.

aïr MOD aluminium windows

aïr MOD windows come designed as a new system for homeowners and with several different window types. A fully integrated system comprising:

  • Chamfered and Ovolo windows
  • Contemporary aluminium windows for modern extensions
  • Flush casement windows
  • Tilt and Turn windows for added functionality
  • Steel look available for heritage, art-deco and industrial looking windows
  • Flush sash heritage aluminium windows. 

The one key feature around aïr MOD series aluminium windows is their integration. While available in different types of casement designs and styles, aïr MOD series provides installers the variety of multiple windows but the simplicity of everything within one system. As a result, there is no confusion over using different systems to meet the project requirement. 

For the trade, selling this new suite of windows brings substantial sales, specification and product benefits.

Air doors meet the needs of the ‘customers of the future’.

air folding door showroom in london
Proving aïr doors can meet the needs of companies wanting to sell the finest quality doors to discerning customers.

Premium brands exist in all market sectors. The competitive door market is moving towards the ‘higher value’ door where consumers may not always fully understand what goes into making a quality door. What customers will know, is why they should buy a product if it demonstrates something over and above other folding doors on the market.

There will always be consumers who only want a new door at the lowest possible price. There will also be the customers who carefully study what is behind a new door, its features, specifications and its desirability before they buy.

All modern bifolding doors will meet basic industry standards for quality, performance, security and weathering. Doors such as aïr take these standards and improve on them substantially. Air doors remain unique in having 25 year manufacturers guarantee.

Some of the longest established and biggest home improvement companies in the UK have chosen aïr doors as their premium product. These are enterprises that want to sell the best doors they can to consumers who want the best doors they can find.

Contact us if you would like more information about aïr bifolding and sliding doors.

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Andrew DOBSONAndrew DOBSON
16:42 30 Oct 23
Nick responded incredibly quickly to my enquiry (on a Saturday too!), and was able to offer invaluable advice on both aluminum systems and manufacturer / suppliers. Thanks Nick!
chris steerchris steer
16:18 09 Oct 23
Had a meeting with Nick during the grand designs show. Was extremely helpful and professional would highly recommend
Chris WesthorpChris Westhorp
19:55 13 Sep 23
Extremely helpful with pointing us in the right direction to find the products we required and suggesting firms that could reliably fit them.Nick was quick to reply and very detailed in his advice.Highly recommend reaching out to them.
Cathy GreenwoodCathy Greenwood
07:03 11 Sep 23
Update - A second email to nick for help on bifolds resulted in a detailed informative reply even on a Sunday ! This guy is so knowledgable and helpful .I approached Nick for an independent view on sliding doors v bifold and the different brand options . His reply was extremely detailed and prompt and allowed me to navigate this often confusing world in a much more informed way . Thanks so much Nick
Anthony CraigAnthony Craig
12:45 05 Sep 23
This is a must site for anyone looking for advice. Great service and very quick answers to questions. Nick has been of great help quiding us through the maze of aluminium products. Thank you
Philip DuffieldPhilip Duffield
20:24 26 Jul 23
I contacted Nick @ ATS for guidance on what aluminium sliding door systems would be suitable for an opening in an extension that is going to be both wide and tall. He came back really quickly with very detailed and incredibly helpful advice. He is clearly extremely knowledgeable about the systems on the market and their respective features and capabilities. If you’re feeling a bit lost by the overwhelming range of choices out there, I’d definitely recommend contacting him.
Dariush HekmatDariush Hekmat
17:25 19 Jul 23
Nick's advice is great. He is always quick to respond and spends time on responses, which really help to make an informed decision.
Alan FosterAlan Foster
07:51 12 Jul 23
Absolutely fantastic. Asked for advice about replacing Crittall (?) windows late last night and early this morning received 3 great suggestions and contact information for suppliers
Rachel LauRachel Lau
09:24 16 Jun 23
Fantastic website full of valuable and pragmatic advice about product selection and comparison: no other website gives information like this. Truly written for public interest. Don't hesistate to reach out to Nick via the mailing system. He responds very quickly, is friendly, and has very sound and high knowledgable advice. I have already shared this with my friend planning her own grand design.
guard Charlieguard Charlie
12:28 14 May 23
I emailed this company just on the off chance they could help me with new magnetic sliders for my patio door. They were not able to supply those but were so very helpful providing me with the name of a company who could. I am so very grateful at the great service. Dare say customers must be very happy. thank you so much.
Benjamin LewisBenjamin Lewis
10:06 04 May 23
Nick is very helpful indeed. Extremely knowledgeable on bifolds which was in relation to my query. Great website as well, some very useful articles. Particularly appreciated the article that lists all the major bifold options in order of their sightlines! Thank you!
P JonesP Jones
08:07 15 Apr 23
I asked Nick some questions about an installation we were considering and he replied within hours with some very useful suggestions that will probably lead us to using a different make and supplier. Thanks, Nick. Great work.
Nicholas WallNicholas Wall
13:18 02 Apr 23
Looking for fair and honest expert advice on all aspect of aluminium windows and doors? These guys will arm you with all the information you need to make the RIGHT choice in a highly complex, crowded marketplace. post a question and you will get a very quick professional answer you can rely on being based on fact. Thanks guys!
Giorgia SiriacoGiorgia Siriaco
16:25 21 Mar 23
After a lot of research to find doors that would meet our unusual size requirements and feeling increasingly uncertain about the best way to spend our small budget, I stumbled on the ATS website, and I'm so glad I did! I contacted ATS to request advice and Nick promptly replied with a wealth of information, providing us with options and relevant contact details. I only wish I'd found them sooner!
Carol NortonCarol Norton
10:01 17 Mar 23
I've been so confused about how to achieve the look I'm after, and going round in circles with various window/door companies, trying to get away from the huge chunks of plastic currently around my windows. I didn't expect an email to a company found through a Google search to really help - but I was desperate, so I tried. I'm SO glad I did. Finally I have clear explanations from ATS of where I've been going wrong, exactly what I'm looking for, and a list of local companies that might be able to provide it! The response has excelled my expectations and I feel as if I'm finally inching closer to a home with which I'll be happy and comfortable: thank you.
David NunnDavid Nunn
20:54 14 Mar 23
It is rare that I write reviews, however after my very positive communication with Nick - enquiring about suitable slim sash aluminium windows for my project, I felt that a review was definitely warranted. I can reinforce the many positive reviews posted so far, Nick was very quick to respond, providing comprehensive detail, with excellent independent advice.In summary, great service, thank you Nick.
Chantal AuerbachChantal Auerbach
13:04 09 Mar 23
Nick from Aluminium Trade Supply was incredibly helpful informative and pleasant to deal with. He responded quickly to emails and was very knowledgeable. Highly recommend being in touch with Nick if you are considering new aluminium windows or doors.
Lee JonesLee Jones
20:21 22 Feb 23
I dropped Nick at Aluminium Trade Supply an email re high security slim sightline bi-folds and their alternatives and he responded that quickly (and so comprehensively) that I felt bad I’d not paid him for his time!Nick Sir your product knowledge is outstanding and you are providing a level of service that goes wayyyy above and beyond expectations. I’ll definitely make sure I mention Aluminium Trade Supply to anyone I encounter looking for a fenestration solution 🙏🏼
G JG J
15:13 13 Feb 23
We are looking to replace some old UPVC patios doors with aluminium ones. The ATS website is a great source of advice in an area where clear information is sorely lacking. Having used the website, I then followed this up with a number of specific questions relating to our search, and Nick came back very quickly with clear, detailed and very useful advice.I have been very impressed with both the website and with Nick's advice. My only regret is that I didn't come across ATS before replacing various windows in 2021 - I'm sure it would have saved me a lot of grief and money! Thanks again Nick.
Azza McCabeAzza McCabe
17:47 01 Feb 23
So impressed with this company.Responded to my query quickly andgave valuable advice. Nick was extremely helpful and we were able to move forward with our project.
Adri LoloçiAdri Loloçi
11:21 08 Jan 23
Nick was super fast to respond and provided some great recommendations. I would recommend this website to anyone looking to find bifold or sliding aluminium doors.
Stephen HoustonStephen Houston
16:16 03 Jan 23
Looking for aluminium crittall style internal door and external patio French doors. Noted good reviews and thought would ask for advice. Comprehensive reply with excellent independent advice and lists of fitters who could provide products and installation. Great service.
Inga GeachInga Geach
08:25 21 Dec 22
Nick from Aluminium Trade Supply has been extremely helpful with navigating the jungle that is aluminium glazing for our upcoming extension project. His advice was prompt, detailed and always impartial. Very grateful for your input, thanks Nick!
Amanda BurtonAmanda Burton
10:54 16 Dec 22
Brilliant website and an excellent service. Nick provided not only detailed advice and supplier contacts, but highlighted the considerations of various products so I could make an informed choice. Our Sunvista minimal sliders were fitted this week and I couldn't be happier, stunning. Thanks once again for your advice and recommendations, invaluable!
Keith BarnesKeith Barnes
17:18 10 Dec 22
Very helpful advice given to my question, including the name of 3 different companies that i could try for the product being enquired about. Many thanks
Munim ChowdhuryMunim Chowdhury
11:45 13 Sep 22
Nick has been very helpful on signposting me to a number of partner organisations for steel/aluminium doors.
SUSAN wallaceSUSAN wallace
17:26 31 Aug 22
My experience with this firm was exceptionally good and this is notalways the case as a female, dipping a toe into technical waters.I was spoken too with courtesy and at a level that helped me consolidate what was needed .On top of that I was given a list of companies and places where I could obtain the type of product I needed.I could not thank them enough and would certainly go there again and reccommend others do too.
Paul SalterPaul Salter
22:39 22 Aug 22
Contacting Aluminium Trade Supply is like contacting the Oracle direct. Advice is always comprehensive and balanced. On multiple occasions they have provided me with options that fully meet our objectives. Many thanks.
Nick McCormackNick McCormack
20:25 14 Aug 22
Really helpful and useful came back to me on a Sunday with some invaluable information. Highly recommended.
ray addisonray addison
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received a prompt reply to my query,and helpful information from ATS
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