Bi-folding doors will go further than just transforming your home’s appearance inside and out. They’ll also transform how you go about living your life in and out of the house, giving you incentive to open the building on every warm, sunny day and seamlessly cross the threshold to exit for the garden.
Exuding optimum style and a space-saving solution, we’re going to touch on some of the main features of a bi-fold, cover the installation process, supply maintenance advice and compare it to other feature door styles (our blog on bifold or sliding doors offers written guidance on this topic).
Not Just Left-to-Right — What Bi-Fold Configurations Are Out There?
Eden Windows has been entrusted with configuring bi-folding doors in Kent for the entire history of our existence and can confirm that the standard left-to-right opening is not the only opening style.
You could specify the reverse if manoeuvring from right-to-left would suit you more, or have the panels evenly split, fold externally and collect at either side of the track. A centre-split configuration so that the doors open at the middle instigates beautifully flowing symmetry.
Full walls can be removed with integration of a corner-opening bi-fold or pursue a curved system for an impressive arc that underlines any outdoor vista.
Internal vs External Bi-Fold Doors — What’s the Difference?
Amongst the many benefits of bifold doors is that they can be harnessed internally and externally.
Internal bi-folds tend to be chosen when a homeowner wants to establish a room divider for separating e.g. a kitchen and dining space or traditional living area and conservatory. They’re very much style-orientated and focused on flexibility.
Alternatively, external bi-fold doors are a usual gateway into gardens and onto patios from an adjoining indoor space, and for insulation and security grounds, feature weatherproof and resilient UPVC or aluminium frames, along with energy-efficient glass. For the prevention of draughts and to stop moisture creeping in, external designs contain thorough sealing and thresholds.
Got a Wall? Here’s What Needs Sorting First
In any conversation about the pros and cons of bifold doors, it should be brought up that structural preparation work is essential ahead of installation, particularly if a wall replacement is involved.
Home stability will be affected upon removal of load-bearing walls, needing a suitable lintel or steel beam for adequate weight support. Non load-bearing walls can also require some adjustments to supplement frame fitting and ensure a level opening.
Management of this can be controlled by Eden Windows, so it’s nothing to be concerned over, and with the correct prep, it’s almost certain we’ll be able to fuse bi-folds into your abode.
Do You Need Permission or Paperwork?
When pondering the adding of bi folding doors to your home, it may get you wondering are there regulations to consider in conservation areas or listed buildings?
Planning permission may come into play if wanting a rear bi-fold installation at a property situated in a conservation area, while building regulations approval could need obtaining if structural changes will be involved.
Building consent is mandatory for listed buildings, whatever a bi-fold’s size or desired location.
Talking to your local authority is advisable before any work gets underway, as the last thing you want to do is break any rules and land yourself in trouble. They will put you straight as to where you stand.
Are Bi-Folding Doors Actually Secure?
During an inspection of all types of doors, you ought to closely scrutinise their secure mechanisms, as you don’t want something that compromises your family’s safety.
Anyone who asks us what are bifold doors, we respond by emphasising many things, such as their impressive security, pointing to features like the multipoint locks, internal shoot bolts and anti-lift track as justification for this opinion. At the very minimum, they’re comfortably on a par with traditional single-lock doors from the point of security.
A high-security lock is normally embedded into the main access door panel of a bi-fold, with the subsequent panels locking into the top and bottom frames.
Commercial bi-fold applications come with reinforced frames, laminated glass and progressive locking technology.
What’s It Like Living With Bi-Folding Doors?
Visitors to our showrooms are always curious to learn what are bifold doors like to live with and highlighting their low-maintenance nature would be one of the first things to stress.
UPVC and aluminium bi-fold frames are resistant to weathering, so will never suffer warping and command only the occasional clean.
Our top maintenance tips would be to rid the track of any debris that ever gathers, keep the rollers lubricated and check that the weather seals remain intact.
With proper care, Eden’s bifolds in UPVC, aluminium and timber have often been known to last beyond their 10 year guarantee, so it’s worth looking after them, just as we’d recommend with our front door colours.