How does the “accordion” work?
Interior accordion doors are stacked narrow slats connected to each other by hinges. The structure is installed on guides located at the top of the opening. Less commonly used double fastening (top and bottom) to increase the rigidity of the structure. One section is attached to the door frame along the opening. The opposite bar is equipped with a roller, which sets the entire structure in motion. In the open and closed positions, the accordion is secured with stoppers-flags. Thus, the canvas remains stationary. For smooth operation of the mechanism, the design is equipped with synchronizers.
Cloth device
The accordion door differs from other models of folding structures in the absence of a solid leaf, and its opening mechanism is shown in the photo below. It consists of doors. These are also the only doors in existence whose leaf can be soft. The materials are simply stretched onto a frame of metal tubes that are connected to the mechanism.
Rigid canvases consist of sashes that are connected to each other using loops or strips of leather or fabric. In this case, each rail has a separate attachment to the guide.
The design of accordion door leaves can be panel, panel, glass, plastic or aluminum profile.
When creating folding door panels, manufacturers try to reduce the weight of the structure as much as possible. It is the weight that affects the speed at which the mechanisms wear out. Therefore, in panel models, a frame is used not on wood, but on an aluminum base.
If the accordion door has two leaves, then they open from the center along the edges. If the structure consists of one sheet, it opens only in one direction. There are also models that open in two directions.
These products look very interesting in interiors. There are a lot of doors for different modern and classic styles. Today, an accordion door can fit perfectly into the design of any houses and apartments.
Application in a modern interior
So, let’s consider the scope of application of “accordions”. Such structures are installed as interior doors. This is not surprising, because the models are resistant to mechanical damage. The designs are presented in all possible colors, in addition, they are lightweight and mobile. It won't take up much space. If you have to move such a door into another opening that differs in width from the previous one, it is enough to remove or add the required number of removable sections.
Another area of application is as folding interior partitions. If you need to divide a large room into two smaller ones or separate a certain area, an accordion-style interior partition is what you need. At any time, the structure can be folded against the wall, and the room will again take on its original appearance.
In addition to interior partitions, accordions are used as doors for closets. A sliding wardrobe is not always convenient to use, while a wardrobe with an accordion mechanism allows you to save more space.
Classification
Two-Section Book
Interior folding doors can be manufactured in the following options:
- two-section;
- four-section.
In the first case, such a door is formed by a pair of simultaneously folding/unfolding sections, and the sections often have the same width, as in the photo. In the second case, the number of sections is doubled, which makes it possible to reduce the width of each section, simplify the convenience of manipulating it and save free space in the room, as can be seen in the photo.
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The choice of the number of sections is determined by the size of the doorway. If the existing opening does not exceed 1.5-1.7 m, then it is enough to install a two-section door, otherwise you should think about a four-section door - the price of the product will increase accordingly.
To ensure clear movement of the book-door sections, it is necessary to have a reliable guide mechanism. Their number again depends on the width of the opening:
- if there are four sections, you will need to install two guides yourself - upper and lower;
- a double-leaf door-book will be quite satisfied with the presence of only the upper guide rail.
The price of accessories will also decrease. Installing a guide rail at the bottom is also possible in principle and, from a mechanical point of view, even more expedient. The possible distortion when applying force will be less than for the top rail. But the difficulties of arranging the threshold and sharply increasing operational hassles in most cases force the use of a mechanism with an upper direction.
What materials are used to make accordion doors?
“Accordions” are made from the following materials:
- plastic;
- tree;
- MDF, MDM, fiberboard;
- glass.
Let's take a closer look at the model options.
Plastic accordion doors
A common material for accordion doors. The primary reason for this is the price of the material. Many craftsmen create folding models with their own hands, and PVC plates are inexpensive and always in stock. Material in this category can withstand humidity levels up to 80% without deformation or loss of appearance. PVC is less likely to be scratched or chipped. Plastic is easy to care for. It does not require the use of special cleaning agents. PVC boards are environmentally friendly and do not harm the environment.
Wooden doors
The classic option is wooden. They look rich and create a feeling of comfort. Such fabrics are coated with special protective agents to increase their service life. Different tree species are used - from coniferous to mahogany. The material of manufacture affects the cost of the paintings.
Wooden accordions better protect against unnecessary noise and retain heat in the room.
But there are also pitfalls. Firstly, wooden structures weigh more compared to others, which leads to consequences. The rollers that move the door do not last as long as we would like. And it is extremely difficult to protect wood from drying out and cracking.
MDF, MDM, fiberboard
When choosing “accordion” doors made from MDF, you can immediately conclude that such doors have their own advantages. They weigh less compared to solid wood structures. Such folding models are resistant to moisture and mechanical damage. The fiberboard sections are fireproof. This material prevents the formation of mold and the proliferation of harmful microorganisms. The fittings on such accordions are often domestically produced by MDM. The quality is good and the price is low.
Glass folding doors
Such structures are made of especially durable tempered glass. The shutters can be made entirely of glass mounted on a metal frame, or of any other material with glass inserts. Glass is used not only transparent, but also with various treatments.
The glass is tinted, matted, and coated with mirror coating.
“Accordions” made from this material fit perfectly into the interior and visually increase the area of the room.
Positive aspects of using radius interior doors
This type of door system has many advantages. In standard radial-type designs there are practically no disadvantages, but there are a lot of advantages:
- Door slabs can organically complement any residential and non-residential design in buildings of various functions. The radius door will perfectly complement the existing furniture ensemble, but it looks exceptionally well in houses and premises created according to original design developments. Where it is necessary to emphasize the exclusivity of the interior design, doors of semicircular shapes will become indispensable in the arrangement.
- For decorative purposes, only high-quality finishing materials are used. Since the production of radius blocks is certainly not a “budget” option, the rationale for selecting a finish with improved characteristics seems obvious. In the vast majority of cases, when ordering radius doors, we are always talking about individual production according to the dimensions of the specific opening being equipped. The most popular finishing materials are rare wood veneers and natural wood. Sometimes, to give the interior exclusivity, radius panels are made using leather.
- The radius type is a favorite choice of customers who are keen on the meaning and application of Feng Shui. The design is such that it meets the basic requirements for housing from the point of view of Eastern culture - minimal angles, absence of sharp lines. Thanks to the possibility of using any finish from any material, the scope for imagination when combining the door with the interior is little limited.
- The ability of a radius design to visually expand the space is especially appreciated, which is useful when used in an apartment with a small area.
- Thanks to the radius type, effective zoning and special emphasis on style (“modern” or art deco) became possible.
The design feature not only helps to decorate the interior in an exceptional style. In some cases, a radius door system is the only correct design solution, allowing you to highlight zones and give a smooth outline to the geometry of the room. In order for the installation of a round structure to look impressive and elegant, the involvement of experienced craftsmen will be required. Your own efforts and knowledge may not be enough, since during the installation process you will need to make rather complex calculations and measurements, rather than with the standard installation of classic rectangular doors.
Design options
Sliding interior accordion doors come in two types: with one leaf or with two. The minimum size of one leaf is 50 centimeters. The width of one section is from 8 to 20 centimeters. On average, the width of the lamella is from 12 to 15 cm. If the accordion is intended for temporary zoning of a room, it is hidden in the wall and decorated. Depending on the materials from which the structures are made, the door leaf is coated with varnish, veneer, or paint.
According to their design, doors are divided into:
- Simple accordions. In the closed position they form a single piece. If the canvas is blank, the sun's rays do not penetrate through it.
- Radius folding models. An excellent option for budget redevelopment. Such designs will not only save the family budget, but will also save time and nerves.
Accordion doors open not only manually, but also automatically.
Types of arched openings
From the variety of doorways in the form of arches (see Arches in the interior), the following classification can be made:
Semicircular arches. They are the most common and are also divided into subtypes:
- Classic (semicircular) - they have a smooth radial shape.
- Ellipsoidal - made in the shape of an elongated oval.
- Modern - have intricate shapes with various protrusions.
- Romantic - shaped more like a rectangle, with the upper edges slightly rounded.
Horseshoe arches. They are shaped like a horseshoe. They can have not only a smooth semicircle, but also an elongated, pointed top. Most often, openings of this type are used to decorate premises in national styles.
Gothic (pointed) arches. These structures have an elongated, pointed shape, without smooth transitions.
Advantages and disadvantages of folding models
Any design has its advantages and disadvantages. Among the advantages are the following:
- No turning angle, which takes away precious centimeters of living space. Compact design is the most important criterion when choosing mounted doors.
- Environmental friendliness of the materials from which the product is made. Such materials do not cause allergic reactions and do not harm the environment.
- Accordion doors do not require special care. They are easy to use.
- There are all kinds of variations and styles of folding doors.
- The folding door does not slam shut due to drafts.
- Mobile structures can be easily moved to another location. If the new opening is wider or narrower than the previous one, there is no need to order a new door - just remove or attach the required number of sections.
- The structure is easy to install. This does not require special technical skills.
- The “accordion” does not damage the floor covering when opening and closing, since the canvas moves along the guides without touching the floor.
- Durability. The materials from which the doors are made are resistant to mechanical damage.
Unfortunately, folding doors have some disadvantages:
- The accordion provides little protection from noise and foreign odors.
- Some models are quite loud.
- The roller system must be constantly lubricated. Otherwise, it will quickly become unusable.
- The accordion door is installed exclusively indoors. The low sound and heat insulation characteristics of the products do not allow their use as entrance doors.
When choosing such a design, you should take into account all its features.
Selecting an interior panel
Interior panels are a universal product; you can divide the space of a room using sliding door systems. The most popular embodiment of this solution is used for large studio spaces or small apartments; this choice is determined by the requirements of compactness, simplicity and convenience of design.
There are other options for using interior partitions:
- A common bedroom for a girl and a boy can be divided into two separate smaller rooms, and each child will be given their own personal space.
- It’s quite easy to create a dressing room in your room, just allocate the necessary area and use the interior sliding partition as a separator.
- Some rooms have a common area for the kitchen and dining room; you can limit the kitchen, and leave unpleasant odors or dirty dishes in it by installing a sliding partition.
- Office space is another application; so, if you need to provide employees with personal space, create a conference room, a small kitchen, or a director’s office, you can use interior partitions.
How to choose the right accordion?
What you should pay attention to first of all when choosing interior folding doors:
- Accordion material. MDF or wood are more suitable for zoning a room. For the bathroom - moisture-resistant plastic.
- Room design. Doors are an integral part of the interior. They are constantly in sight. The model and color should be chosen wisely.
- Dimensions. It is very important to take correct measurements of the opening. Otherwise, there will be additional costs associated with adjusting the canvas.
- Accessories. The choice of fittings is an important point. No matter how high-quality and expensive the accordion door is, with poor fittings the service life will be reduced significantly. It’s better to overpay for good fittings than to change the entire structure later.
- Availability of fabric seal. This detail will increase the level of sound insulation.
And one more nuance. There should be no gaps between the slats. Debris constantly accumulates in the cracks, which is almost impossible to clean, and the appearance of such a structure is very unattractive. The overall impression of the home depends on the good appearance of the canvas.
Why do you need interior doors that fold in half?
This type of door has already gained popularity in Europe and the USA, but in recent decades folding mechanisms can easily be found in the CIS countries, where they have acquired the popular term “clamshell”. People prefer this type of design, as it allows them to most effectively save precious space in the room.
Just a fabulous view from the window
Most often, “clamshells” open almost silently and allow you to place a hanger or flowerpot nearby, which is impossible to do with classic models. Let us examine in more detail the characteristics of folding structures.
Useful tips
The book door needs care and compliance with operating rules. These components determine the service life of the product.
A budget option
After installation of the structure, the following recommendations should be followed:
- rollers and rails are periodically lubricated with machine oil. This will avoid unnecessary sounds when moving the door and will extend the life of the mechanism parts;
- You can't pull the door too hard. Over time this will cause damage;
- The structure must be kept clean, especially individual parts.
This door design fits into the surrounding environment and saves usable space.
Interior folding structures are distinguished by their convenience, beauty and functionality. They are made on the principle of blinds, which makes them easy to maintain and free from damage. These benefits can be achieved with proper installation.
