Bi-fold doors are expensive, but they’re worth the investment if you’re considering renovations. Your home opens up to the garden and creates an amazing aesthetic when these doors are installed. It pays to exercise caution and care in the selection of doors and to consider various factors.

price is not everything

The cheapest is not the best and the most expensive is not necessarily the best either. A folding door is not just panels assembled; it is a complete system where design, engineering precision and hardware choice play as much a role in the appearance and performance of the door as they do in the installation of the bifold door. Buying a well-known international brand with local support is a good option.

door material

The folding ones can have wooden, steel, uPVC or aluminum section frames. Wood can obstruct the view and be heavy. The uPVC material may flex and distort which will affect the operation of the door and there is also a size limitation. Steel can be heavy. Aluminum is the best material for sections. It is relatively stable and does not tend to distort with variations in temperature. From a maintenance point of view, aluminum also scores because powder-coated or natural anodized aluminum does not need frequent painting or maintenance.

Top hanging or bottom rolling?

Bi-fold doors are available as top hung or bottom roll up. If there is a strong enough beam, then the top hanging type is better because it doesn’t collect leaves or debris and the frame hides the mechanism from view.

hardware and installation

Hardware is complex with bi-fold doors and must be precisely engineered from quality materials as well as fit properly during installation. Improper alignment can affect performance and cause stress on the frames as well as making it difficult to open and close the door. Quality systems have wheels that run on flat rails and pivot doors for smooth movement even when the leg doesn’t allow much adjustment. Installing bi-fold doors is also important when it comes to getting the sill right to prevent rain seepage while also creating a smooth transition that doesn’t cause you to stub your toes. Rain penetration is a major issue, especially if the door is exposed. This is where the experience of the installer comes into play to provide a perfectly lowered waterproof threshold. Security is another aspect to consider when it comes to bi-fold door hardware and a typical secure door would have a multi-point latching system for mid-panels.

Single or double glazing

Energy conservation is important, so double glazing is recommended. It will also provide some degree of sound insulation. Quality manufacturers provide U-values ​​of 1.8 w/m2K or less for these energy efficient bi-fold doors.

put on screen

There are times when one may want an unobstructed view and there are times when one may want to turn off the light. Curtains are good but can impede the view. Venetian blinds that roll up to the top can be ideal. If you choose a double glazed door, the shutters can be built into the panels, but at the cost of blocking the view. It is better to coordinate with the installer and clarify this point as well before ordering a folding door.