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Our Complete Bi-fold Doors Buying Guide
Lifestyle
If you’re thinking of installing new external glass doors into your home, your first decision will often come down to whether or not your new view is securely protected by a set of sliding or bi-folding doors.
To help with making your decision, we always recommend heading down to one of our showrooms and speaking with our experts. However, in the meantime, we’ve created this in-depth bi-fold door buying guide to cover everything you need to know.
WHAT ARE BI-FOLD DOORS?
Although bi-fold doors and sliding doors share numerous similarities, it should come as no surprise that they’re mainly differentiated by the way they open. As the names imply, sliding doors slide, while bi-fold doors fold.
And by fold, we mean that a set of bi-folding doors has the ability to stack each separate pane on top of each other in an accordion-like manner, allowing you to swing the door to one side once fully folded to provide you with an unbroken view and exit to the outdoors.
HOW DO BI-FOLD DOORS WORK?
While simple in principle, there’s more that goes into enabling this type of door to fold in on each other than you might think.
First and foremost, the frame of each door pane is joined by a set of durable hinges, designed to take the weight of either adjoining frame once it’s removed from its holdings.
But that’s not the only weight-distributing feature. Like doors that slide, bi-folds are still connected by a set of runners that glide along the bottom track, ensuring they’re supported properly when fully open. Each system is slightly different but it is opening and closing bi-folding doors with a traffic door where people sometimes do so incorrectly.
We have an operations and maintenances page with videos such as this one that shows how to properly operate our products including bi-folding doors.
WHAT MATERIALS ARE BI-FOLD DOORS MADE FROM?
As with any type of bespoke window or door, the frames of bi-folding doors can be constructed using a variety of materials that cater to different aesthetics. The following are the most common:
- Aluminium
- Timber
- PVC
- Composite
All of these have their pros and cons as construction materials. However, it’s important to note that, here at Express, we exclusively produce our bi-folding doors from aluminium in order to give our customers a product that’s long-lasting, looks great and performs well for many years.
ALUMINIUM
In most cases, aluminium is considered to be of the best materials for constructing bi-folding doors, mainly due to its versatility and strength.
There are a lot of moving components with a bi-folding door so strong yet light aluminium profiles ensure that aluminium bi-folding doors can contain slim profiles and sightlines, which look great while coupled with inherent strength that means the doors will stand the test of time,
Aluminium bi-folding doors are durable enough to support large panes of glass that provide truly panoramic views, plus the material doesn’t expand and contract in harsh weather making it the ideal for the any climate and for a huge palette of colours and finishes.
TIMBER
With its classic, rustic feel, it’s clear why timber is another favourite for those interested in getting bi-folds. And if the wood is used alongside aluminium, it can help to reinforce the strength of the doors themselves, meaning they will ultimately last longer.
However, timber tends to require more maintenance than other materials to avoid warping and requires chunkier and heavier profiles to operate correctly. Timber bi-folds manufactured and installed by a specialist Company can provide a stylish alternative to aluminium but are best suited to traditional properties as they don’t provide the slim sightlines or wide folding panels that can be achieved with aluminium.
PVC
PVC might be the cheapest material option, but it’s also perhaps the least practical. PVC often expands and contracts as a result of temperature change, making opening and closing doors more difficult, and it may become a security issue if improperly closed.
PVC is also much weaker than other materials and is less able to hold large panes of glass as a result. As a concept PVC bi-folding doors don’t really work, which is why specialist PVC Companies are adding aluminium bi-folding doors into their range. A bi-folding door is a specialist product to manufacture and install so we would always recommend buying from a specialist aluminium manufacturer like ourselves or our more reputable competitors.
COMPOSITE
For something that seamlessly combines a traditional appearance with the practicality and performance of aluminium, composite bi-folds are sometimes a popular choice.
Offering a traditional timber-clad finish with all the benefits of an aluminium door on the outside of a property, composite is a strong candidate for period properties where homeowners don’t want a modern aluminium aesthetic. Composite bi-folding doors, like their timber counterparts are expensive, heavy to operate and don’t offer slim sightlines.
BI-FOLD DOOR GLAZING OPTIONS
One of the biggest parts of making any set of bi-folds is the glass that’s used. Making your home look that much lighter, warmer, and inviting, it’s no wonder why so many people take their glazing so seriously.
There is a large range of options available to homeowners when it comes to door glazing as bi-folding doors can house any type of glazing specification.
Below are some of the terms you need to look out for:
- Soft coat, thermal performance and U values – A ‘soft coat’ is applied to modern glazing units and this is what prevents heat from escaping from your windows. This soft coat will have a U value rating, the lower the U value the better the glass is at keeping the heat in. Low E glass is another common term used.
There are some naughty Companies in the glazing industry and some Companies will give you the U value of the glass only. When talking about u vales or thermal performance, it’s the overall U value of the bi-folding door and glass that is needed for building regulations so make sure you always ask for the overall U value.
- Triple glazing – There is a debate in the industry about whether this offers good value or not. It is heavy and can be expensive so the focus needs to be on those all important overall U values.
The thermal performance of bi-folding door products varies greatly so a really efficient double glazed bi-fold door system might achieve a better overall U value than a less efficient bi-folding door system that is triple glazed.
Here at Express all our bi-folding doors surpass building when double glazed with a good quality softcoat low E glass, but if you want to push down your U values further then triple glazing is available across our full range.
- Laminated glass – This is another common word you might here as it is stipulated by building regulations from a security point of view. Laminated glass is essentially two pieces of glass bonded together and this central ensures that the glass cracks rather than shatters if it is attacked. Similar to a car windscreen or commercial shopfronts, laminated is definitely worth considering if you are concerned about security of if you need your new build or extension signed off by building control.
What about keeping the heat out?
Living in the UK and potentially adding a wall of glass automatically makes you want to keep the heat in but glass enhances solar heat gain into a property so if you’re south facing a solar control coating can be added to the external pane of glass to reduce the suns heat when it comes into your property.
Integral blinds
A great and contemporary option that works wonderful well with bi-folding doors. The blinds are sealed within the glass and never need cleaning and when the bi-folding doors are opened the blinds just sweep to one side along with the door, no curtain rails or blinds blowing in the wind as they are sealed and protected within the glass units. The blinds are available in a range of colours and manual and remote operation so a great way to add privacy and light control into your bi-folding doors.
Visit the glazing section of our website to learn more about glass ranges and technologies, all of which can be installed into bi-folding doors.
WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS OF BI-FOLD DOORS?
As you might expect, there are plenty of benefits of bi-fold doors. Not only do they provide a real wow factor to your home, but they can provide a huge source of natural light throughout the year.
THE BENEFITS OF BI-FOLD DOORS
The following are just some of the major benefits associated with bi-folds:
Security – our bi-folding doors are extremely secure thanks to multi-point locking systems and steel shoot bolt locks. They can also be combined with shatterproof laminated glass for enhanced security measures.
Light – big panes of floor to ceiling glass mean plenty of natural light can be welcomed into your home all year round.
Air circulation – fully opening your bi-folds allows you to quickly freshen up the room and welcome in clean air.
Easy maintenance – thanks to their aluminium construction and commercial grade power coating, our folding doors are exceptionally dirt resistant and easy to maintain.
Eco-friendly properties – unlike other materials aluminium is 100% recyclable.
Use as a normal back door – bi-folding doors can contain an everyday access door that can be used as a normal door without having to open up all the panels.
Indoor and outdoor living – bi-folding can complete transform a space as when closed they look contemporary and strong but when open they immediately blur the boundaries between inside and outside.
Make your home desirable – flexible and open spaces are common requirements in todays housing market so bi-folding doors will increase your homes desirability and value should you sell it.
Luxury views – with reduced frame sizes and huge panes, you get fantastically wide views over your garden.
THE DRAWBACKS OF BI-FOLDING DOORS
The great benefits listed above also come with what some will consider drawbacks, of which the main ones include:
More frames – although the frames of folding doors are slim, the nature of their construction does mean that they include more frames than sliding doors, breaking up your view to a larger degree. So if you want the slimmest possible sightlines sliding doors might be the best option for you.
Space – depending on how your new folding doors need to be installed, the panels will fold into the house or most commonly out and into the garden. This method may very well take up more space than desired once fully open, making them less than ideal for small garden or compact patio areas.
Operated incorrectly – bi-folding doors are easy to use once you’re shown how but guests to the home and children might open or close them incorrectly, which can damage the bottom tracks of the door.
This video shows how to open the door correctly and we have more informative videos on our maintenance and operation page.
COMMON BI-FOLDING DOOR FAQs
To ensure you get all the information you need to help make your decision on purchasing bi-folding doors, the following are our most frequently asked questions. Be sure to reach out to our team if your question isn’t answered below.
Are all bi-folding doors the same?
Most definitely not, the principles on how they open might be the same but there are huge differences in the quality of varied bi-folding door systems.
When should I start looking for bi-folding doors?
When carrying out any home improvement project its best to start looking as early as possible. The internet is the perfect way to start and then inevitably your phone will start feeding you company adverts. This can be the start of your journey as you can start looking at company websites and learning about what products are available. Exhibitions are a great way to check out various products in a short space of time and then of course you should always visit a showroom to see the quality of the doors first hand.
What should I look out for when buying bi-folding doors?
There are lots of things to look out for, a bi-folding door will play such a key role in your property its important to find a good product that will keep your home secure, keep your home warm and of course operate effortlessly for years. The quality of the hardware and the rollers is crucial. Data sheets will give you the thermal performance of the door but its important that you look into where the product will be manufactured because you don’t want to buy from a third party who will put a mark up on your doors and have no control over it quality. When buying a bi-folding doors its also important that it will be fully installed and guaranteed. Bi-folding doors can move over time and sometimes need minor adjustments, they’re not a ‘fit and forget’ product so it’s important to use a reputable Company who has been trading for ever ten years as they’re much more likely to honour the guarantee.
From an aesthetic point of view, the sightline is crucial, the maximum weight per panel is important because that gives an idea of the strength of the rollers. Cheaper is definitely not better, you want quality lock cylinders, steel rollers and a bi-folding doors that feels light and easy to use.
Can I have a flush threshold?
Yes it is possible to have a flush threshold. Many bi-fold door systems offer a completely level threshold but a slight rebate is better from a weather rating point of view. If the door is bespoke your internal floor can be set against this rebate so it has a flush finish floor level but with excellent weather ratings.
When should I ask for a survey?
Your finished floor level is crucial because no one wants a large step or trip hazard. Your finished floor level is determined by your choice of floor, tyle, underfloor heating etc, but once that is set we can measure your doors to ensure the top of the bi-fold door track hits your finished floor level perfectly.
Can bi-folding doors replace existing doors and windows?
Of course, the depth of most bi-fold door systems is similar to PVC doors and windows so replacing existing French doors, sidelights and other window system is a fairly straight forward installation – the difference in natural light once the bi-folding doors are in is fantastic as well.
HOW SECURE ARE BI-FOLD DOORS?
At Express, we take security very seriously. All of our bi-folding doors are made using a multi-point locking system designed to provide several points of contact within the frame. This prevents intruders from lifting the door or prying it open.
All our doors also feature anti-snap and half-lock cylinders to maximise lock security, and our sturdy double-gazing prevents panes from being easily breached.
HOW DO YOU OPEN BI-FOLD DOORS?
For those still unsure how to open bi-fold doors, the process is very simple. Once unlocked, you only need to gently lift the door up, allowing you to effortlessly fold the door panes in on each other. Once folded, you need only swing the door to one side so it’s out of the way
HOW CAN I STYLE BI-FOLD DOORS?
Like with every aspect of your home, we know you’ll want it to complement your personal tastes with your new doors. And when it comes to the aesthetical extras for bi-folds, there are many options to choose from with Express For both our doors and aluminium windows, we provide over 200 RAL colour options, as well as metallic and textured finishes, each of which uses a powder-coat paint that is baked onto the frames to prevent peeling and fading for up to 10 years.
HOW MUCH ARE BI-FOLD DOORS?
The price of your folding doors will depend on several factors, including how many panes you want to install, the type of glazing you choose, and the size of the doors themselves. For an idea of how much your new set of doors might cost, it’s best to get in touch with us for a quote.
Are express bi-folding doors bespoke?
Yes, all our bi-folding doors are completely bespoke to each individual order. Our sister Company expressbifoldsdirect.co.uk offers stock and pre-made bi-folding doors that can be ordered online on a supply only basis.
What is the guarantee like?
The guarantee from Express is the most comprehensive in the industry. Five year guarantee on any integral blinds because we don’t manufacture them and then ten years on everything else except glass breakages. We can offer ten years on everything because our products are so good that if there is an issue when they’re installed its usually just a small adjustment or a ten minute job on site to rectify.
The difference between our ten year guarantee and even twenty year guarantees that some companies mention is that ours is fully comprehensive. As we survey, manufacture and install the product there is no grey area, it’s all cover by Express. And as a family company that’s been trading since 2007 and with more than 300 employess Nationwide we have the infastructure to back this up thanks to our dedicated aftersales team and field engineers. If you bi-folding door is catching, a handle is loose, or there is a slight draft as it needs adjusting all you need to do is e-mail aftersales@expressbifolds.co.uk and within a week or so one of our engineers will attend site to rectify the issue and this service is in place for ten years from the day complete the installation.
Is there much maintenance with bi-folding doors?
Aluminium bi-folding doors are not far from being maintenance free, they just need the odd clean down and the parts need to be lubricated frequently, we also recommend opening and closing the door fully, once a month, even in the winter months and keeping the tracks clear of course.
Why should I buy from express bi-folding doors?
There are lots of reasons to buy from Express Bi-Folding Doors. We’re a family owned Company who have been manufacturing aluminium bi-folding doors since 2007. In fact, we were the first in the UK to offer bi-folding doors with a quick lead time – hence our name.
Our lead times are not our USP now, instead the fact that we have a world class 200,000 square manufacturing facility making aluminium products only is. We have the worlds leading CNC machinery and what we believe is most skilled workforce in the industry, many of whom have been with us for nearly two decades.
Are guarantees are second to none, as are our showrooms where all our products can be manufactured but one of the best things about Express is that we offer various bi-folding door systems all of which are manufactured in-house and come with the same guarantees. We can simply talk through your requirements and your budget and you can choose the product that is perfect for you and compliment with our wider range of window and door products.
Take the next step
We know that there’s a lot to take into consideration when making any modifications to your home, but we hope that the information provided in this buying guide gives you a better idea as to whether or not bi-folding doors will suit your home.
Of course, if you want to learn more about your bi-folding door options, then you can always request a brochure from us. And to see each of our doors in person, it’s always a good idea to head down to your nearest showroom. Finally, don’t forget to visit our blog for more detailed articles and buying guides like this one!
