Everything You Should Know About Bifold Doors

On Instagram, Pinterest, and in glossy magazines, you will see stunning open-plan designs with bifold doors looking out onto the garden. These days, it is rare to see a kitchen diner extension without them.

If you are undergoing some renovations, replacing your windows or considering some upgrades, you may be tempted by the popularity of Bifolds, but it isn’t just the fact they are in vogue that should attract you.

Homebuilding UK considers that the popularity of Bifold doors is primarily thanks to the amount of light they let into a room, connecting the inside to the outdoors seamlessly.

Of course, another advantage of Bifold doors is that they fold back neatly, allowing the maximum opening when the weather is good.

Before placing an order, check out our handy guide on everything you should know about Bifold doors, which will answer your most frequently asked questions.

1. What are Bifold Doors made from?

Bifold doors are made from uPVC, aluminium or wood frames. UPVC is the most economical choice, and they come in an excellent selection of shades. Aluminium provides a sleeker and more lightweight frame.

Wood frames will require the most maintenance.

2. How many panels should I have?

The number of panels required will depend upon the size of the opening you have. Three or five are traditionally the best number of panels for a stylish practical look.

Fewer panels will look better and will fold away more discreetly.

3. What track should I choose?

The perfect track will allow your bifold doors to glide effortlessly when opening and closing. External bifold doors require a bottom track to prevent heavy rain from entering your room.

A flush track that sits in a floor recess is the most seamless design that will help to prevent trips, but it will provide less protection against bad weather. Low flush or raised tracks protect against poor weather conditions and can provide more efficient and silent channels.

4. How does a Bifold Door open and close?

Bifold doors use pivots and hinges to open and close. The pivots are two short rods connected to a carriage that runs along the track. They allow each door to fold, creating the familiar concertina effect.

The hinges, mounted on each door frame, allow each door to open and close independently.

It is vital to have good-quality pivots and hinges to support the movement and smooth running of the bifold system.

5. Are Bifold doors secure?

External bifold doors include a multi-point locking system for additional security. This superior locking system ensures that intruders are kept out.

6. Are Bifold doors weatherproof?

Choosing an expanse of glass instead of a wall compromises insulation. However, building regulations insist that replacement bifold doors must have a U value of 1.8W/(m2k) while new bifold doors must be 2.0W/(m2k).

These stringent regulations help to conserve energy, while weather tightness regulations ensure the doors are sufficiently watertight and windproof.

If you are looking for stylish external bifold doors, please get in touch with us at Colne Valley Windows for a no-obligation quote. We are a team of experienced professionals supplying innovative doors and windows and are passionate about providing exceptional customer service.