Bi Fold

Learn More About Bifold Doors

For homeowners who want to increase space and let more natural light in their homes, bifold doors are a popular option.

Bifold doors are made up of multiple panes that stack as they open. They allow you to have more space in your home and let in more light. Bifold doors are often found at the rear of a home, opening out to a garden. This blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor, but they can also be installed inside to increase the space between rooms.

This guide will help you decide if bifold doors are right for you.

Why are Bifold Doors different?

Bifold doors, also known as bi-folding or room dividers, slide open with the panes folded up. This opens up a large space that can transform 2 rooms inside into one large room or let the outside in through the back.

You can also use the ‘traffic doors’ to allow you to pass through them without needing to slide all of the panes one way. This allows you to be flexible in how you use them.

These can be mounted externally or internally and are often made of glass.

Bifold Doors advantages

Installing bifold doors can open up your home and provide security.

Versatility

You can slide the bifold doors to one side to create a large opening in the back of your house that you can use to access the garden during the summer. This luxury is only possible with bifold doors. Sliding patio or french doors don’t allow for the full space to be opened up.

You can convert 2 rooms into one large space with internal bifold doors. This is ideal for hosting guests.

Natural light

Bifold doors, whether they are open or closed, allow more light into your home and make it feel more inviting.

Security

Bifold doors are highly secure and feature multi-point locking mechanisms. Other doors may only have one.

Aesthetics

Bi-fold doors provide a luxury element that is not available with other doors. You can find the right bi-fold door for you home with the wide range of colors and styles available.

Is DIY an option for Bifold Doors?

Bi-fold doors are a great option for anyone looking to expand their home and create more space. Bi-fold doors can be quite expensive, but the benefits outweigh them and the right material will ensure that they last for many years.

Security is a major concern with bifold external doors. However, with the right glass and multi-locking system, they are just as secure as any other door.

Bifold doors can be installed either internally or externally.

Bifold Doors Pricing

The table shows that there is a wide range in the possible prices. This is due to a few factors that can impact the final cost.

Size

There are many sizes of bifold doors. The larger ones will often be more expensive than the smaller ones because they have more folding panels. These doors will be more expensive if you need bespoke doors made for your home.

Energy Efficiency

The price of a more efficient door will be higher. The window energy rating (A++ to G) and u-value (which measures heat transfer through the glass), can help you determine how efficient a glass door is.

Glass

Double glazing is recommended for bifold doors to make your homae more efficient. However, triple glazing will cost more. There are many types of glass available, and you don’t have to choose from the same number.

Low emissivity (Low E glass) – This glass is designed to retain heat in your home.
Solar control – Get the sun’s light without the heat.
Self-cleaning: A thin layer made of titanium dioxide breaks up dirt and can be used to clean windows when it rains.

If you don’t need clear glass, you can choose from different colors, patterns, and frostings. However, this will increase the price.

Bifold Doors Security

Bifold doors offer security, which is why they can be fitted to a multi-locking system. Bifold doors are made largely of glass so it is required that they be fitted with toughened/tempered safety glasses. This glass is extremely strong and difficult to break. Double glazing can increase security for any door or window, including bi-fold doors. This is because two panes are more difficult to break than one.

Different Bifold Door Styles

You will need more panels depending on how big the space is for your bifold doors. Bifold doors come with 3 numbers that look like football formations (5-4-1 and 5-3-2), but instead of having 5 defenders between your house’s back and the garden, you will actually have 5 panels.

The first digit represents the total number, while the second identifies how many are open to the left. The final digit indicates how many panels are open to the right. A 5-4-1 is 5 panels with 4 openings to the left and one to the right.

Bifold doors do not have to be placed in a straight line at the back of your house. Depending on your property, they can be installed in corners.

Considerations

It’s important to weigh the possible downsides and the benefits of these products to make sure they are the right fit for you.

Less glass is needed than patio doors

Bi-fold doors are great for letting in more light, but they don’t maximize the amount of light entering your home. Instead, the frames on each pane make sliding patio doors a better choice.

Potential cost

Bifold doors can be quite expensive, especially if you want to use aluminum or timber frames. However, they are durable and will last for many years.