Fold up window hardware

[Rocketdc]

I was asked to quote a fold up window, basically a horizontal bifold where the sashes fold up into the room.

Is anyone familiar with what balance/mechanism is used in the jamb for this style of window?

 

[stephen thomas]

have you seen one/have an actual example?

I'm from MD and used to buy window hardware from Blaine.

Online Catalogs – Blaine Window Hardware, Inc.

blainewindow.com

That said, it is commodity stuff, generally not high end custom.
It does look like their line gets ever deeper, though.

Swissco is similar; i've used a few products from big-box stores:

Replacement Window Operator Accessories : SWISCO.com

www.swisco.com

smt

 

[apoet]

Is anyone familiar with what balance/mechanism is used in the jamb for this style of window?

I've built bifold doors and windows with Centor hardware. I've used their F3, E3 and E4 systems, but the E2i system might work for your application.

 

[Rocketdc]

have you seen one/have an actual example?

I'm from MD and used to buy window hardware from Blaine.

Online Catalogs – Blaine Window Hardware, Inc.

blainewindow.com

That said, it is commodity stuff, generally not high end custom.
It does look like their line gets ever deeper, though.

Swissco is similar; i've used a few products from big-box stores:

Replacement Window Operator Accessories : SWISCO.com

www.swisco.com

smt

Stephen, here's an example:
I remember from some previous posts you're from Maryland! I'll check those sources you listed. This window will open up over an indoor/outdoor bar on a covered deck so it's pretty well sheltered, I just want to make sure I'm using the right balance and slide mechanism so it functions well. Doesn't have to be high end hardware, just needs to work. It probably won't get a ton of use compared to a commercial version in a business setting.

 

[Rocketdc]

I've built bifold doors and windows with Centor hardware. I've used their F3, E3 and E4 systems, but the E2i system might work for your application.

Thanks, I'll check that out.

 

[stephen thomas]

Thanks for posting -
Don't think i've ever paid attention to that style, probably never even seen it outside of pix.
Guessing it would be more common in "Mediterranean" climates?
It makes sense because you can open the whole space, windows out-of-the-way more or less completely, and have a screen on the outside?

apoet: the Centor products do look a little more higher-end focused.
Thanks for that, too.

smt

 

[Rocketdc]

I wasn't really familiar with the style except in some commercial settings or concession type windows.

In this application the deck is actually a screened in porch so they can leave it open without any issues. The bar overhangs both ext & int so they plan to have barstools on both sides.

I don't do a lot of mill work, but I have the machines to knock it out and it seemed like an interesting side job. Just need to figure out the hardware. Blaine wasn't familiar with it, still waiting to hear back from Centor and Swisco.

 

[henrya]

Interesting design. Seems it would be better if it folded up outside.

 

[Rocketdc]

Interesting design. Seems it would be better if it folded up outside.

Yep, they can go either way. Probably just a matter of personal preference, it should function fine folding in or out.

 

[stephen thomas]

If screens are used, it is probably easier to operate them if they fold toward the inside.
Still a lot less bulk in the room than other options that actually clear the whole opening.

Commercial casements usually swing out with inner screens, and i like casements.
But outward, they tend to get weathered both sides over time.....

From another perspective, maybe the "look" from one side or another is preferred?
Those bifolds do have a nice, airy holiday effect.

smt

 

[Rocketdc]

That's true, from the function of a standalone window with a screen it would make a lot more sense to swing up inside.

The application I've seen them in and similar to what the client was planning is geared towards an opening for a functional counter/bar top. They initially asked me about a single pane option with the gas struts on either side to hold it up. That doesn't appeal to me. Don't like the aesthetic of having a 4' x 6' sheet of glass suspended only a few feet above the bar top on one side in a relatively small enclosed space and it would cause issues with lighting.

Still waiting on a response from Centor, Swisco didn't recognize it. If I can't find the balance and sliding jamb insert soon, I'll probably have to pass.