Accordion Doors

Issues to Consider When Buying an Accordion Partition for an Existing Space

Hufcor offers a wide selection of operable and accordion partitions. Each has an array of options. With all these choices, selecting the right product for your needs can be confusing.

Before consulting your Hufcor representative or other design professional, we suggest you do some pre-planning which will help to narrow the choices and give you just the products you need.

Hufcor accordion doors are custom manufactured to fit your opening. They are purchased from local authorized Hufcor Distributors.

Here are some basic issues to consider:

1. Determine what space you want to divide
   

   If you wish to divide an existing area, determine what space you wish to divide. As you look at the space, notice the location of exposed sprinkler heads, columns, windows, chair rails, or any other mechanicals that could interfere with the installation or operation of the proposed partitions.

   Make certain the new space includes everything needed for the activities it will accommodate. Stand in the space and look around. Does it have adequate lighting? Heat? Ventilation? Electricity? Your plans may need to include additional or rerouted mechanical services.

2. Support needed

   Most partitions are supported from the building’s overhead structure. A check above the ceiling will need to be made to make certain if there are any obstructions in the area in which you wish to place a partition. A design professional may be consulted to determine if the overhead structure is adequate to support the partition.

   If inadequate, consider systems such as our Unispan self-supporting system that needs no overhead structure.

3. How many partitions will you need?
   

   Estimate how many partitions will you need and what is their approximate size? Your Hufcor Distributor can, of course, help you with design issues.

4. What type of activities will be held in the room?
   

   This will determine how much sound control is needed. A Bible study class will have much lower acoustical requirements than the band room! The higher the acoustical rating, the higher the price of the partitions.

   Customers often request the highest partition sound rating without considering the sound control of the entire room. The room in which the partitions are located must have a rating equivalent to that of the partitions to achieve optimum sound control. Hufcor’s acoustical lab technicians use state-of-the-art equipment and are certified to perform on-site noise isolation control (NIC) room tests. Independent acousticians are also available to conduct these tests.

   Click on Acoustic Education to learn more about Acoustics.

5. How much storage space is available?
   

   Location of the partition storage space affects what configuration of partition is needed.

   Determine the area where the partitions will be stored or "stacked" when they are not in the opening. Typically this is at one or both ends of the opening. If there is not enough space in the room, the partition can be moved to a remote storage area with the use of additional track. Panels can even be stored parallel with the perimeter walls if needed.

   Partitions are often stored in a pocket, which is a closet created for that purpose. Not only does the size of the pocket need to be large enough to hold the door when not in use, it needs to be wide enough so the partition does not rub against the sides when it is being moved and cause damage. Ideally, the pocket should have an access door which would facilitate installation and service, if needed. A pocket door (a door that covers the opening of the storage pocket) may be ordered and installed by others.

6. Do you have special finishing needs?
   

   The price of Hufcor partitions includes vinyl from our standard patterns and colors. Other colors, patterns, carpet, fabric, may be used for an upcharge.

7. What are the building codes in your area?
   

   Building codes vary by region, state, and community. We suggest that you consult a design professional to make certain you comply with the codes in your area. Hallways created with partitions may require fire code compliance.

8. Call your Hufcor Distributor
   

   Now that you have a rough idea of how you wish to use and divide the space, contact your Hufcor Distributor. S/he is ready to help you determine what partition system is right for you and provide layout and design assistance at no charge.

   Click on Find Your Distributor for the name of your local representative.

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