GET THE ANSWERS TO ALL YOUR BI-FOLD QUESTIONS.
Bi-fold doors are a hugely popular choice for both new extensions and existing rooms. What makes bi-fold doors the number one option for many people is that they can open a whole wall to the garden in moments, blurring the line between indoors and out.
Bi-folds consist of panels that concertina together to create an unobstructed opening. But they'll also allow great views to the outside and bring plenty of daylight into the room. They can even be used on more than a single wall - opening up a whole corner of the room with bi-folds is achievable, too.
They can suit newer and older homes with a choice of frame materials and colours. We've put together all you need to know - plus plenty of design to inspire you.
What do I need to consider when I'm choosing bi-folds?
Both off-the-shelf and bespoke bi-fold doors are available, with the latter, as you'd expect, requiring a bigger spend. Generally, off-the-shelf bi-folds doors are sold in widths of up to around 6m.
Another consideration is height. Standard bi-folds might be 2-2.4m high., but some manufacturers can make them an impressive 3m high.
The configuration of the doors is an issue you'll want to think about. It is advisable to have what's known as a lead or traffic door in the set. This works as a day-to-day access door operating independently of the rest os the panels.
Also important to consider is wether the doors open to the outside or the inside, and wether they go from left to right or vice versa.
Bi-folds doors can be either top hung or bottom rolling. the latter are easier to install and operate smoothly, although dirt could impede the track. Top-hung doors aren't affected by this issue but need strong beam overhead.
2. What are the materials and colour options?
Aluminium bi-fold doors offer slim framing that maximises the glazed area, and they can have wider panel sizes than timber bi-folds. They're low maintenance option and there's a huge choice of colours available that makes them easy to match to the rest of your home's glazing. They have a sleek, modern appearance.
If your home has a traditional look, engineered hardwood or softwood timber frames could be the best choice. Choose from stains or paints to get the finished appearance you prefer for the doors.
There's also the option to choose composite bi-fold doors that are made using both aluminium and timber, so the interior of the room has a warmer appearance.
Bi-folds are also manufactured with uPVC framing. Their advantage is their lowers cost and low maintenance requirements but, on the downside, framing will be more bulky.
3. Are bi-fold doors energy efficient and secure?
Modern glazed doors are designed to be energy efficient and provide insulation against noise too. You can select from double or triple-glazed bi-fold doors when you're buying.
Triple glazing is more efficient, but it can be significantly more costly. Always check the U-value of the doors you're contemplating buying when weighing up the options. Low numbers are what you are looking for.
For safety, look out for multipoint locking systems and a secure door lock, and ask the supplier about the security of the handles and hinges.
4. Will I need planning permission?
Often, installing bi-fold doors will be a permitted development (PD) project, so you won't have to apply for planning permission if you live in a house. However, if you live in a flat you will need to apply.
You can find full details on the Government's planning portal (planningportal.co.uk), and you should check your particular situation with your local authority.
5. How much do they cost?
Whether you go for standard-sized doors or bespoke designs will influence what you pay, as will the framing material, along with wether you opt for double or triple glazing. You could expect to pay from around £800 to £1,500 plus per panel for quality aluminium bi-fold doors.
6. When should I choose bi-fold doors over sliding doors?
Both bi-fold and sliding doors are fantastic for maximising the amount of natural light in a home and seamlessly linking the inside and out. Bi-fold doors are more versatile to suit homes with more unusual configuration. Sliding doors can typically be installed in two, three, four, or six-door sets and corner set-ups, while bi-fold are configured with any number of panels and can also be installed in bays. Plus, they can be designed to open in one direction, in the middle or in various arrangements. as a result, bi-fold doors are increasingly seen in traditional homes as well as contemporary houses.
Bi-folds can offer a level threshold, so the inside and outside are on the same level. This removes trip hazards and creates a seamless transition between the indoors and outdoors. Flush thresholds are good for those looking to make their homes as accessible as possible. Plus, bi-fold doors usually have smaller glass panes, making them lighter to open for households with children and those with mobility issues.
The bi-fold style of door will concertina back to fully open the aperture, so are ideal for those looking for an uninterrupted, wide-screen view of the outside. Sliding doors slide behind the other panes, meaning at least one is always visible and the view is slightly interrupted when they're open.
Depending on the material chosen, both bi-fold and sliding doors can be designed to complement a huge range of property styles. Premium aluminium doors are particularly versatile as they can be powder coated in hundreds of variations, ensuring there is a finish to suit every style of home, wether you opt for bi-fold or sliding doors.
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