Blog: A Beginner’s Guide to Bi-Fold Doors 2020
In this guide, we’re going to cover everything you need know about Bi-Fold Doors, In our Beginner’s Guide to Bi-Fold Doors 2020. Let’s begin.
Table Of Contents
What are Bi-Fold Doors?
Bi-Fold doors usually have a minimum of 2-6 doors that are joined together with hardware that allows them to slide and fold together easily into panels. They are also known as Concertina doors, as they fold together resembling the musical instrument! You may also be more familiar with other names such as folding sliding doors and folding patio doors. It is only more recently that the term ‘Bi-Fold Doors’ has been utilised by manufacturers and consumers alike.
Where can Bi-fold doors be used?
Bi-Fold Doors.
can be installed inside or outside your home. For example, Bi-Fold doors can be installed on an extension as a gateway into your garden or conservatory, or even as a way to split a larger room without losing out on that sense of space. Bi-Fold doors are popular within homes, but can also be used in bars, restaurants and shops on the high street.
Why Choose Bi-Fold Doors?
1. Increase Natural light
The concertina design can literally open up an entire wall of glass. When the doors closed, the expanse of glass allows for much bigger views in comparison to a standard window or door, allowing for more light to flow through the property using both external and internal Bi-Fold doors.
2. Increase the feeling of space
Bi-Folds are often used to l give the illusion of even more space as your eye can continue beyond the back of your property. Even smaller properties and rooms can benefit massively from this.
3. Blur Boundaries
Using Bi-Fold Doors, it is easier to create a seamless free-flowing effect between two areas when the doors are open. This can be great for larger special occasions, or even to allow for more space between two areas.
4. Energy efficient
Modern Bi-Fold Doors do not only have many aesthetically pleasing benefits but they actually more energy efficient. They easily outperform old-style patio doors when it comes to thermal efficiency, which will save you money on heating bills in the long run.
5. Easy to maintain
Keeping Bi-Fold doors in good condition is very easy as they just require an occasional wipe down with everyday cleaning fluid. Aluminium particularly does not need as much care, whereas Timber does need to be repainted every few years to have the best aesthetic appearance.
6. Secure
As previously mentioned in some of our other blog posts, Bi-Fold doors feature multi-point locks on the access door making them more secure that traditionally used patio doors.
7. Family Friendly
Bi-Fold doors can be installed with a variety of safety finger-safe and anti-bump features to prevent accidents which is a good idea for homes with small children. As the doors are fitted on tracks and have several folding points they will stack neatly when opened.
8. Easy to operate
High-quality Bi-Fold door hardware is very easy to use, sliding and folding open and closed in seconds. They are not heavy or difficult to open.
9. Add value/saleability
Installing B-Fold doors in your home can even increase the value of your property. While at the same time allowing you to reap all of the above benefits of using them whilst you are living there!
10. Quick and easy to install
Bi-Fold doors are quick and easy to install, which could even save you time and money on the installation of your new doors.
Do Exterior Bi-Fold doors need planning permission?
Generally speaking, you rarely need to apply for planning permission to install exterior Bi-Fold doors in an existing opening in your home.
If you are creating a new opening or enlarging an existing opening you should be covered under UK Permitted Development Rights. You will be able to find out more information if you click here.
However, it’s worth contacting your local authority first anyway if you are unsure before undergoing any work. If you live in a listed building, conservation area or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) then you would need to get the appropriate planning permission.
How much do Bi-Fold doors cost?
The cost of an external Bi-Fold door will vary depending on the:
• Overall width
• Material used in construction
• Number of doors
• Glazing e.g double glazed, triple glazed, laminated glass
• Installation labour may also be a cost to consider.
Fully Assembled or Non-Assembled?
Here at U Fit Sash Windows Ltd. we are able to provide you with both fully assembled and non-assembled Bi-Fold doors, depending on your requirements. For example, if we are unable to take the fully assembled through your house due to size, we would have to assemble them ourselves on-site
Timber or Aluminium Bi-Fold doors?
There are pros and cons to both Timber and Aluminium Bi-Fold doors.
Timber
When it comes to Bi-Fold doors, there’s nothing quite like timber installations that bring a real sense of elegance and class. For traditional looking homes, timber is often the material of choice, blending seamlessly with the rest of the property. The latest timber Bi-Fold doors come with modern security features to give you peace of mind and keep intruders and burglars out. Unlike other materials, Using timber for your Bi-Fold doors is a great way to maintain environmental friendliness. Older trees are used in construction, making way for younger trees to be planted and provide more oxygen. Additionally, manufacturers use a significant amount of energy to produce other materials like uPVC and aluminium Bi-Fold doors. In comparison to aluminium, Timber will need to be re-painted every few years to keep them looking their best.
Aluminium
Aluminium Bi-Fold doors offer both high performance and superb thermal efficiency. Aluminium is extremely strong which makes it ideal for a Bi-Fold door your home will be kept safe and secure. Due to its strength, aluminium boasts slimmer frames and sightlines compared to other materials. They won’t rust or corrode and have that stunning modern look that suits so many homes. A contemporary grey is the most popular colour choice but we are able to produce most colours and finishes to suit your home décor and taste. Take a look at our ‘Aluminium Smart Bi-Folding Doors’ page for some more info.
Is there an alternative to Bi-Fold doors?
The alternative to Bi-Folding doors is sliding doors. Subject to design and type they can cost more but it is worth considering how often the doors will be fully open. Sliding doors are usually made up of two, three or four panes with one or two panes fixed in place. When shut, your views of the outside are pretty much uninterrupted as there will be a less vertical frame within your eye line compared to Bi-Folds. Some patio doors now have sightlines as little as 20mm! Space for the stacking of the doors when open will also not be required but there is always a fixed area reducing the overall opening.
If you would like to discuss the possibility of investing in Bi-Fold doors in your property, please do not hesitate to give us a call on 020 7965 7299. Thank you for reading our Guide to Bi-Fold Doors.