Bi-folding doors can be used for both internal and external applications.

There has been a renewed growth in internal bi-folding doors, as the open plan space trend whilst been highly desirable, in recent years there has been a slight shift in the trend to a more 'broken plan' layout, with defined spaces within the open spaces being created by using glazing, storage units and larger items of furniture.

Internal bi-folding doors are a good way to alter internal open plan spaces, and now more people are using them to achieve privacy or a sense of cosiness, with the flexibility of being able to simply fold them away when the smaller space is not required, unlike fixed glazing units or larger items of furniture.

External bi-folding doors are the modern alternative to traditional patio and French doors.

Bi-folding doors are now a hugely popular choice with all kinds of homeowners, from self-builders and renovators to those extending their properties. Given the numerous advantages of this type of door, it is easy to see why.

External bi-folding doors do something that no other door can do. They provide unobstructed views of your garden and make the transition between the indoors and the outdoors completely seamless. They are the ideal choice for enhancing your home’s functionality without making any major changes to its structure.

As well as easily connecting indoor and outdoor spaces in the summer months, external bi-folding doors offer high energy efficiency to maintain comfort throughout the colder months of the year with the added benefit of winter garden views.

A major benefit of aluminium bi-folding doors is the very narrow frames, unlike their uPVC counterparts.  This means aluminium bi-folding doors are very versatile offering a sleek, contemporary aesthetic look.  Aluminium bi-folding doors can also be incorporated into a traditional project to suit your needs. Either style, combined with the durability of aluminium, will transform your vision into breath-taking reality that can last for decades.

Further reasons to invest in aluminium bi-folding doors include:

Made-to-measure sizes

Flexibility of sizing is one of the significant reasons to choose aluminium bi-folding doors rather than alternative materials which are generally restricted to standard opening sizes.

Incredibly wide and high panel sizes are made possible thanks to the strong, lightweight properties of aluminium.  If you need or want wider, taller, narrow, or small bi-folding doors then aluminium frames are the only option.

Slimmer & Lower profile design

Aluminium bi-folding door frames are slimmer than the chunkier frames of uPVC and timber, so more natural light enters your home.  You can order level thresholds for a seamless transition between interior and exterior spaces.  Fitting an odd number of panels is recommended for full easy folding as is the incorporation of an access door into the configuration when it is over 3 meters in length.

Unbeatable Thermal Efficiency

Aluminium frames have a thermal break to help keep your property stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer.  Within aluminium ultra-thin frames, most of the bi-folding door is formed of double or triple glazing to save money on heating bills and keep the heat of the sun out during the summer.

More colour options

Aluminium frames are widely available in any RAL colour, from white to black or any colour in-between, with textured, metallic, and wood effect finishes available too.  A different RAL colour can be chosen for the outside of the frame and for the inside, providing the ability to create a completely unique look that complements both the external and interior styles.  You can also choose from a range of different styles and colours of door handles.

Smooth and Flawless Operation

You can choose either “top hung” or “bottom rolling”; both refer to the way the weight of the doors is supported.  Whichever system you choose will benefit from a smooth and flawless operation with quality hardware installed and maintained.

Strength and Durability

Aluminium bi-folding doors have a high strength to weight ratio, so they can support large panes of glass. Not only does this mean more natural light enters your home, it also means there are a vast number of design configurations available to offer optimum design flexibility for any project.  Another advantage is that aluminium frames will not warp, twist, or rot as they age.

Security

Aluminium bi-folding doors are very strong and provided they are fitted with a good locking system they are also very secure too. The manufacturing and design of new bi-folding doors must now conform to PAS 24:2016 security standard as a minimum, which means they meet UKAS-accredited certification security requirements. 

An additional security accreditation is provided by the police approved Secured by Design standard, although this is not a current legal requirement.

Most new external bi-folding doors will be installed with a multi-point locking system along with an in-line tracking system with a choice of lock that includes twin point locks, drop bolts, deadbolts and childproof locks. 

Resistant to the Elements

Aluminium bi-folding doors are designed and manufactured to stand the test of time. The combination of aluminium’s long lifespan and its unique properties in that it will not warp, corrode, or flex over time, means that the investment can be measured in decades.

Easy Maintenance

A quick clean of the frames every few months should keep aluminium bi-folding doors looking their best.

The Green Choice - 100% Recyclable

Aluminium is 100% recyclable and so at the end-of-life stage the aluminium frames can be melted and put back into production with no loss of quality, ready to be used again. Therefore, any old frames will not end up in landfill.

Invest in your Home

Aluminium bi-folding doors are not the cheapest bi-folding door type available, but when it comes to such an important element of your home, they provide enhanced quality, longevity, thermal efficiency, and attractive aesthetics to enhance and benefit your home.  Remember the proverbs “buy cheap, buy twice” and “good work ain’t cheap, cheap work ain’t good”.