Your comprehensive guide to Bi-Fold doors.
A popular choice when looking to maximise space & light in your home!
This increasingly popular concertina design offers an ultra modern upgrade, more space, lots of light and undeniable bragging rights over your neighbours. Win, Win, Win!
When closed up, the massive expanse of glass offers a much wider view of your garden space when compared to a standard set of garden doors and windows. If you are limited on space, bi-folds will give the illusion of space as your eye continues beyond the back of the property.
The appeal is easy to see but you should consider a few things before taking the plunge.
The frames themselves are usually made of aluminium, timber or a combination of both. An aluminium frame will always be lighter and more durable than timber, they also boast a higher thermal efficiency than timber frames. All this longevity and performance of course comes with a higher cost, but in the long run, you’ll be better off.
Along with the frame material you will need to consider the usability and size of your bi-folding doors. The number of leaves (the panes of glass) need to be thought about before you make that all important decision. Where there is an odd number of leaves, its possible to open the first leaf like a standard door - perfect if you need to let the dog in and out or hang the washing out. An even number of leaves will mean they operate in pairs, opening one will in-turn open the second. - Make sure you factor this in, usability is important, you’ll be living with this for some 20+ years!
Another alternative to the famous Bi-Folds, sliding doors. Subject to the design and type they can cost more but it is worth considering how often the doors will actually be fully open - we only get a handful of sunny days a year in the UK after all. Sliding doors are usually made up of two, three or four panes with one or two being fixed in place. When closed, your view is virtually uninterrupted as there is less vertical frame than with Bi-folds.
If you are still unsure, give the team a call, we are always happy to help!