5 things to consider when buying a bifold door

Do you want to transform the look of your home and add a touch of sophistication? Then look no further than an aluminium bifold door! Bifold doors offer a sleek and modern look that is perfect for many homes. But with so many options available, it can be hard to know where to start when purchasing a bifold door. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the top five things to consider when buying an aluminium bifold door, so you can find the perfect one for your home.

1. The cost of a bifold door

Bifold doors are available in a range of materials – wood, upvc and aluminium. So the budget you have for the project is one of the first considerations. If you purchase you door from bifold-door.co.uk you will be getting competitive prices on an aluminium bifold door. Aluminium is generally more costly than upvc, (but generally less than timber) but it is worth the investment for its durability, strength, and sleek appearance. Unlike timber doors, aluminium bifold doors do not require the same level of maintenance.

The cost of aluminium bifold doors will depend on the size, design, and additional features such as glazing and security locks. It’s important to consider the cost as a long-term investment that will add value to your home and provide energy efficiency. Make sure to set a budget and research different options to find the best value for your money when purchasing.

2. The Installation process

Number two in the list of the top 5 things to consider when buying a bifold door is to remember that you will need an installer for your bifold doors. Make sure to choose one who has installed these types of doors before as it can be a complex process. You should also consider the cost of installation and factor it into your overall budget. It’s important to choose an experienced and reputable installer to ensure that your newly purchased bifold door is installed correctly and functions properly. Download our guide which includes information about the installation process.

During the installation process, it’s important to make sure that your door frames are level and plumb. This will ensure that your doors operate smoothly and properly. Your installer should also make sure that all hardware, such as locks and handles, are properly installed and functioning.

Overall, the installation process of a bifold door can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day depending on the size and complexity of your door system. But with the right installer and proper preparation, your bifold door can transform your home and provide many benefits for years to come.

3. Space available

One of the first thing to consider is the size of the space where the bifold doors will be installed. This will determine the number of panels required and the size of the opening and obviously affect the cost of the door.

Ensure you have enough space for the doors to fully open and fold back. You need to consider the width of the panel when the bifold door is open and folded and that there is enough room for the folded panels. You may have to have more panels so that they are not as wide but can be accommodated when folded. If your garden slops upward from your door and you only have a small patio area this needs to be taken into account.

4. Number of Panels

Aluminium bifold doors can come in a range of panel configurations. The number of panels you can have is dependent on the space you have available. You can choose from two panels up to seven or more panels, depending on the size of your opening. The number of panels you choose will impact the width of each panel and how your door operates. There are limits to the size of a bifold panel, mainly due to the weight of a panel – you want it to open smoothly and not be difficult to open and close. The dimensions of the panels of the bifold door is also affected by your location, obviously if you are facing a windy seafront the design may need to be different than a sheltered back garden.

The maximum number of panels recommended going one way is seven. Anymore than seven and you will struggle to have the power to open them all. You also need to decide which door will be come the master door which will be used when exiting ( when the bifold is not fully opened). Generally it is better to have an odd number of panels as from a design point of view they are more aesthetically pleasing and work better as the odd door becomes the master opening door.

5. Glass Type

The glass used for your aluminium bifold door can greatly impact the overall look and function of your door and also the cost of the door. Clear glass is the most common option, but you can also choose from tinted, frosted, or laminated glass. There are many types of glass available that cover lots of qualities – like noise reduction. If you have a particular concern or requirement make sure you discuss it to ensure that the bifold door once installed does what you expect.

Double glazing is the norm for bifold doors but it is possible to have triple glazed panels to improve insulation and reduce outside noise. A triple glazed panel is very heavy, and will affect the size of the panels within the door and also more costly.

So when you are buying a bifold door, we can confidently say that it will change the way in which you use your home, especially on a sunny summers day, so spend a little bit of time before going ahead, planning how the flow of traffic will differ in your house once they are installed.