Aluminium bifold doors, also known as bi-fold doors or foding sliding doors, are an increasingly popular home upgrade that can dramatically improve your living space. With their ability to completely open up an exterior wall, these versatile patio doors flood interior rooms with natural light and seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor areas. If you're considering installing new exterior doors, bifold doors offer appealing benefits that make them a top choice for many homeowners.
Why Choose Aluminium Bifold Doors for Your Home?
Aluminium bifolds doors boast sleek contemporary styling and slim unobtrusive frames, maximizing the glass area for breathtaking views. Compared to alternatives like French doors or sliding patio doors, bi-folding doors give you the ability to open up entire walls, not just doorways. The accordion-style folding design means bifolds take up zero floor space inside while open. Bifold door systems come in a wide range of external and internal options to perfectly suit your needs and budget.
So what are the main advantages of installing lovely aluminium bi-fold doors in your home?
Do Aluminium Bifold Doors Allow More Natural Light?
Without question, yes! By installing lift and slide bifold patio doors across the back of your home, you can flood interior rooms with ample natural sunlight. The large glass panels, slim aluminium frames, and expansive opening potential give bi-folds the edge over traditional exterior doors when it comes to letting light shine in. The right bifold door solution can drastically brighten up living areas.
How Do Bifold Doors Create a Seamless Indoor/Outdoor Transition?
Thanks to their innovative concertina-style folding design, quality external aluminium bi-fold doors can open fully to connect interior and exteriorspaces beautifully. With the doors folded open, your patio, deck or garden flows right into the adjoining room, erasing boundaries between inside and out. Entertaining is easier than ever with seamless access in and out of the home. Retractable insect screens let you enjoy open-air living without unwelcome visitors.
Can Bifold Doors Increase My Home's Value?
Absolutely! Investing in upscale aluminium bifold doors is a smart move when it comes to increasing resale value. Not only do these doors immediately enhance curb appeal with sleek aesthetics, but they also make interior living areas brighter and more spacious. Potential home buyers take notice of quality finishes and contemporary style. By installing bifolds, you can recoup expenditure at resale while enjoying the benefits for years before selling.
What Style Options Exist for Aluminium Bifold Doors?
Bifold doors uk retailers offer today come in diverse styles, sizes and configuration options to fit any home design needs. Within the modern aluminium bi fold door category, you'll find models featuring:
What Frame Choices Are There for Aluminium Bi-Folds?
- Slimline thermally broken aluminium frames for energy-efficient insulation
- Available in a range of durable finishes like powder coating
- Can be customized with bespoke colours
How Large Can the Glass Panels Be?
- Individual glass panes up to 1200mm wide
- Narrow 20mm aluminium sections allow more glass area
- Minimize visible frame for breathtaking views
What Door Configurations Are Possible?
- 2 to 7 panel concertina-style folding
- Fold left, right or both ways
- Panels lift fully out of the way
- Tailor layout to your room dimensions
What Types of Thresholds Allow Access?
- Low-profile thresholds for seamless indoor/outdoor flow
- Flush sills for unobstructed wheelchair access
- Weatherproof for all-season use
What Additional Features Bring Added Value?
- Integrated retractable insect screens
- Upgraded security features
- Electric automation for effortless opening
Within the wide range of aluminium bifold doors on the market, you'll find products catering to every design taste and budget. Focus on narrow frame sightlines, durable low-maintenance construction, weatherproofing, and glass panel quality to select the best bi-fold doors for your home.
How Much Do Aluminium Bi-Fold Doors Cost?
As a major home upgrade bringing lasting value, aluminium bifold doors represent a significant investment like any major renovation project. Costs for bifold door systems vary widely based on:
- Overall dimensions
- Number of door panels
- Frame material (aluminium, uPVC, composite, timber)
- Glass type and thickness
- Added features like automation
- Customization of finishes/colours
- Professional installation services
To install beautiful aluminium bi-folding doors across a three-metre opening, you can expect to invest around £3,000-£5,000 including labour. Larger or more complex bifold systems climb higher in price. Select standard sized door sets to keep aluminium bifolds affordable. Obtain quotes from multiple suppliers for the exact project scope.
While not cheap, bear in mind that investing in aluminium exterior folding doors adds instant resale value by enhancing living spaces and curb appeal. Enjoy the benefits for years before seeing a profitable return at sale time.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Aluminium vs. uPVC Bifolds?
If you're trying to decide between aluminium and uPVC for your planned bifold doors, it's helpful to compare the inherent benefits and drawbacks. Let's explore key considerations:
Aluminium Bi-Fold Doors
Pros
- Slim, sleek aesthetic for modern style
- Durable and long lasting aluminium construction
- Excellent thermal performance with insulation
- Low maintenance thanks to powder-coated aluminium
- Customisable colour/finish options
- Maximize glass area with narrow frames
Cons
- Aluminium conducts more heat/cold than uPVC
- Generally a more expensive upfront investment
uPVC Bi-Fold Doors
Pros
- Budget-friendly price point
- Excellent thermal insulation properties
- Low maintenance uPVC material
- Cost-effective way to install bifolds
Cons
- Bulkier uPVC frames limit views
- Fewer customisation options
- More prone to expansion/contraction
There's no definitively "better" option for every homeowner. Selecting aluminium versus uPVC bi-folds comes down to budget, visual appeal, customisation needs and overall performance priorities for your specific home. An experienced bifold door supplier can advise the best solution.
How to Measure for Aluminium Bifold Doors
Getting accurate frame measurements is crucial when ordering tailor-made aluminium bifolds. Mind small details during the measuring process to achieve a perfect custom fit:
- Measure opening width at top, middle and bottom locations - use the smallest dimension
- Check opening height in multiple spots side-to-side
- Account for uneven floors with floor-to-ceiling measurements too
- Consider wall thickness when doors fold back
- Include overhead structures that may impact installation
- Capture interior and exterior measurements
Correct aluminium bi-fold door sizing ensures proper operation, weatherproofing and security once installed. Most quality suppliers offer free onsite measuring services for failproof customization.
Questions to Ask Your Aluminium Bi-Folds Supplier
As you vet potential suppliers for your aluminium lift and slide bifold door project, get answers to key questions before proceeding:
- How long have you offered bi-fold door supply and fitting? Look for established expertise.
- Will installation be handled by your own fully trained employees?
- Can I see product samples and portfolio images of past projects?
- What frame, hardware and glass warranties do you provide?
- Will my doors be purpose-built based on onsite measurements?
- Do you offer electric or automated bifold door options?
- What additional accessories, features and finishes are available through your company?
- What is your estimated lead time for manufacture and installation?
- Can you provide customer references I could contact?
By finding out detailed answers from potential aluminium bifold door suppliers, you can ensure you select both the right products and professional fitting services.
Maintaining and Cleaning External Aluminium Bi-Folds
Thanks to the resilient nature and protective powder coating of aluminium bifold doors, they demand very minimal maintenance to stay looking fresh. Avoid abrasive cleaners that could scratch the finish. Instead:
- Wash occasionally with warm soapy water and soft cloth
- Avoid pressure washing close up that drives water into joints
- Check and lubricate moving parts annually
- Inspect weather stripping and perimeters for infiltration
- Replace damaged glass panes promptly for weathertightness
- Consider touch-up paint if scratches penetrate coating
With occasional visual inspection and conservative cleaning when dirty, your aluminium bi fold doors should deliver flawless function for decades before needing replacement. Proactive care protects your investment.
Key Takeaways on Superior Aluminium Bifolds:
- Slimline thermally broken aluminium frames maximize views
- Folding door system opens rooms to natural light
- Aluminium bifolds blend indoors and outdoors beautifully
- Low-maintenance durable powder coated finish
- Add instant aesthetic appeal and value to a home
- Available in diverse custom sizes, features and accessories
- Require minimal upkeep to uphold performance
- Significant upgrade investment offset by added resale value
If boosting your living space with better natural light and effortless indoor-outdoor flow sounds appealing, high-end aluminium bifold doors deserve a top-of-list spot during your exterior renovation planning.