I am finding that more and more customers are asking for bi-fold doors in their conservatory these days. The only problem is that they expect to be able to fit them across the full width of their conservatories which can be up to 6 metres wide!

As there is no lintel above the doors, but only unsupported ringbeam with the weight of the roof on top, there is a limit to how wide you can go.

Obviously this limit is dependant on certain factors, for example, conservatory roof style, conservatory roof glazing material (polycarbonate or glass), and conservatory projection.

These factors effect the weight of the roof on the ringbeam and consequently on the bi-fold doors – and just 10mm deflection of the top frame can prevent the doors operating. Typical examples would be a lean-to roof with a large projection, a gable frame and glass roof glazing all increase the weight on the unsupported ringbeam.

I know that Eurocell are in the final stages of developing a ‘ringbeam reinforcing bolster kit’ for this purpose which I believe will fix to the underside of the ringbeam and rests on specially designed reinforced corner posts, to form a goalpost-like structure to keep the weight off the doors.

What I do not know however, is the maximum width of bi-fold doors that this system will allow to fitted in any particular style conservatory. Ideally, we need to be able to achieve a full 6 metre span for bi-fold doors in conservatories of any size, design or specification.

I have been told that the launch of the ring beam bolster kit by Eurocell is imminent and I will report further once we have had some experience using it.

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