With the delayed publication of the new Part L of the Building Regulations now due in April, architects, specifiers and main contractors will be reassured to know that the Schueco ASS 70 FD – a tried-and-tested, thermally insulated folding/sliding door system from Schueco UK Limited – will meet the increased insulation standards expected.

The system is ideal for commercial and residential use and offers a variety of fold and slide opening combinations, thus giving complete flexibility. Leaf sizes up to a maximum width of 1200 mm and a maximum height of 3000 mm are possible. The leaves can be stacked so that they project inwards or outwards. Thanks to precision-made rollers and a top guide, even a door with multiple leaves is easy to open and close.

A flush threshold option – which obviates the possibility of tripping – makes the Schueco ASS 70 FD the system of choice for commercial sites like car showrooms, restaurants and hotels where the slim meeting-stile sight-line of only 120 mm (allowing the maximum area of glass) is another advantage. A turn-tilt door leaf to provide ventilation may also be specified.

The Schueco ASS 70 FD is water-tight up to Class 9A EN 12208, depending on specification and, with inward-opening versions, optional security fittings allow the system to achieve burglar resistance to Class 2 EN 1627. Fast, accurate fixing is assured by a unique built-in frame adjustment device.

For larger openings, there is an option of stainless steel rollers that can carry door weights up to 100 kg, while the glazing thicknesses available range from 6 mm to 45 mm. There is a wide choice of finishes, and different colours can be applied to the inside and the outside of the frames if required.

Where projects demand insulation levels to exceed the proposed new Building Regulations then the Schueco ASS 80 FD.HI version can provide U values as low as 1.3 W/(m²K).