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When upgrading your home’s doors, choosing options that contribute to the efficiency of your property is a must. With sustainability and rising energy costs at the forefront of many homeowner’s minds, there can be no better option than bifolding doors. In the realm of home improvements, bi-folding doors excel as a modern, high-performance and energy efficient installation to make. In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about bi-folding doors, including answering that all-important question: Are bi-folding doors energy efficient?

Firstly, what are bifolding doors?

Before we delve into their energy efficiency, let’s understand exactly what bifolding doors are. Bifolding doors are a popular and innovative way of achieving a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor areas. Set on runners in the floor and the upper beams of a doorway, bifolding doors collapse against internal or external walls like a concertina. This clever construction means that bifolding doors are available in a choice of configurations, materials, colours, styles and finishes for total customisation. If you’re looking for a stylish way to save space or merge indoor and outdoor living, bifolding doors are the modern and affordable solution for you.

What types of bifolding doors are there?

Here at Essex Window & Door Centre, we offer an extensive range of bifolding doors, all of which include specialist technology to support energy efficiency. Here are some of the types of premium bifolding doors that we can design and install in your property.

Smart Bi-Folding Doors

The Smart Visofold 1000 bifolding door is one of the UK leading bifolding door types. Installed in thousands of homes, Smart bifolding doors are designed by the UK’s largest aluminium systems company. As a result, they benefit from a slim profile, a fully weather-rated threshold and can be manufactured up to 2300mm high and 1100mm wide. What’s more, they can fold internally and externally and are available in a choice of colours to perfectly complement your home.

What are the benefits of Smart bifold doors?

  • Smart bifold doors are aluminium and boast a low carbon footprint.
  • Variety of opening configurations to suit your needs.
  • Can be applied in residential and commercial environments.
  • Wide selection of colours and customisation options.
  • Enhanced security with a multi-point locking system.
  • Fully weather-rated threshold.

Origin Bi-Folding Doors

Origin is another of the UK’s top specialist manufacturers of bifold aluminium doors. In addition to being high-quality, premium bifolding doors, Origin’s doors boast impressive security mechanisms. They feature an eight-point locking system and high-security hinges for robust, long-lasting security. They are also available in several configurations including single doors and eight-door configurations. They also offer a variety of colours, finishes and fixtures for complete customisation.

What are the benefits of Origin bifold doors?

  • High-profile eight-point locking system.
  • Wide selection of colours and customisation options.
  • Colour-matched gaskets and hinges.
  • Available in single, French door, bifold and corner bifold configurations.
  • Ultra-strong aluminium profile boosting security and appearance.
  • Up to a 20-year guarantee.

Schüco Bi-folding Doors

Schüco’s award-winning bifold doors offer large panel sizes, precision engineering, and outstanding thermal insulation. These doors can combine up to six glazed frames which run soundlessly on corrosion-free stainless-steel tracks for a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living. Schüco bifold doors are available in panes sizes up to 2300mm high and 1200mm wide and applications include residential and commercial settings.

  • Variety of opening configurations to suit your needs.
  • Enhanced thermal efficiency properties.
  • Easy to use sliding system.
  • Choice of threshold options providing ease of access.
  • Fingersafe gaskets.
  • Wide selection of colours and customisation options.

Are bifolding doors energy efficient?

The simple answer is yes, bifolding doors are energy efficient. Many modern aluminium bifolding doors are designed with energy efficiency in mind. This means that you can enjoy more comfortable indoor temperatures and may even see the cost of your energy bills reduce significantly. Here are some of the reasons why bifolding doors are energy efficient…

  • Thermal Break Technology

All our high-quality bifolding doors are manufactured by leading brands such as Smart, Origin and Schüco. These state-of-the-art bifolding door systems are equipped with thermal break technology which works to create a barrier between the interior and exterior sections of the door frame. This innovative design prevents the transfer of heat, which in turn keeps your property warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

  • Double or Triple Glazing

Modern bifolding doors feature double or triple glazing which delivers outstanding insulation compared to single glazed doors. Double and triple glazing consist of layers of glass separated by a spacer, creating a sealed unit. The space between the glass is filled with either air or inert gas, such as argon. With this innovative design, double and triple glazing act as a powerful insulator, providing a barrier against heat loss.

  • Weatherproof Seals

Modern bifolding doors, particularly those manufactured by leading brands such as Smart, Origin and Schüco feature weatherproof seals along the edge of the door panels. These fully weather-rated thresholds are designed to stop draughts and air leakage in their tracks, therefore further enhancing the energy efficiency of a range of properties throughout the year and in all seasons.

  • Environmental Sustainability

Not only do bifolding doors contribute to bettering the energy efficiency of your property, but they also deliver several benefits to the environment. In a world focused on improving our impact on the environment, bifolding doors reduce your energy consumption, therefore lowering your carbon footprint. What’s more, Aluminium can be recycled repeatedly without losing its properties, making it a highly sustainable material.

So in answer to your question: Are bifolding doors energy efficient? The answer is a resounding yes. But there are many more benefits that come with bifolding door installation…

The Benefits of Installing Bifolding Doors

  • Panoramic Views & Natural Light

Did you know that bifolding doors allow you to use as much as 90% of a doorway area? Bifolding doors are designed to unobtrusively fold away to expand your space, making them a great option for small spaces or those seeking streamlined sightlines and panoramic views. Bi-folding doors also allow natural light to flood into your home for a brighter living environment.

  • Sleek, Contemporary Appearance

Bifolding doors provide a huge range of customisation options, whether you choose Smart, Origin or Schüco bifold doors. Essex Window & Door Centre design and install aluminium bifolding doors available in an extensive range of styles, colours, finishes and fixtures. This means that we can design your bifolding doors around your property, lifestyle and design tastes for results that are sleek, contemporary and tailored entirely to you.

  • Easy to Maintain

We know how busy your life can be and finding time to clean in your busy schedule can be difficult. Bifolding doors are a great way of keeping maintenance requirements low and hassle-free. Bifolding doors are incredibly easy to maintain and aside from an occasional wipe-down and clean with a cloth, require little maintenance. This means that you can enjoy a seamless and stress-free addition to your home.

  • Enhanced Security

If security is a concern for your home, then you don’t need to worry. Bifolding doors feature exceptional security extras including enhanced security profiles with multi-locking systems. This means that you can rest assured that your home safety is seamlessly integrated into your bifolding doors to keep your home, family and belongings safer for longer. What else could you want from your bifolding doors?

  • Add Value to Your Home

Did you know that bifolding doors can add as much as 10% to the value of your property? Prospective buyers look for home renovations that add to the ambience, aesthetics and function of a property and bifolding doors do just that. As space-saving, contemporary and thermally-efficient additions, bifolding doors will boost the resale value of your home, whether you’re selling soon or in the future.

Are you ready to take the step to improve the energy efficiency of your property and install bifolding doors? If so, get in touch with us today for your FREE quote! Here’s how the process works…

How does it work? 

Are you ready to take the step to designing and installing your very own bifolding doors? The journey to your new bifolding door installation couldn’t be easier. Here’s how we do it in 6 simple steps…

  1. Contact & Quotation

Contact us for a quote over the phone, via email or visit our showroom in Brentwood, Essex.

  1. Ordering

Once you have confirmed the specifications of your bifold doors, we will contact you regarding your order.

  1. Site Survey

We will undertake a full site survey before manufacture to guarantee a perfect finish and to ensure your satisfaction.

  1. Manufacture & Installation

We will tailor-make your bifold doors. If installation is chosen, our fitters will install your products efficiently.

  1. Completion

After installation and payment is made, we will issue your guarantee.  Aluminium comes with a 10-year guarantee.

  1. Aftercare

We will be on hand from the beginning to the end. If there are any issues, please don’t hesitate to contact us. 

Enhance Your Property’s Energy Efficiency With Bifolding Doors…

If you’re looking for a home renovation that contributes to the energy efficiency of your property, then we recommend bifolding doors. With their state-of-the-art design, clever use of aluminium and double or triple glazing, weatherproof seals and more, bifolding doors are a smart choice for homeowners looking to improve both the look and performance of their properties.

If you’re considering bifold doors for your home, look no further than Essex Window & Door Centre!

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are bifolding doors suitable for all home types?

Yes, our doors are versatile and are suitable for all types of homes. Whether you choose Smart, Origin or Schüco bifold doors, you can choose from a huge range of options that will suit your property and requirements.

Can bifolding doors be installed as an exterior entrance?

Our doors can be installed as interior and exterior fixtures. One of the top benefits of bifolding doors for exterior entrances is that they can seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor spaces.

Are bifolding doors easy to maintain?

Our doors are incredibly easy to maintain and aside from an occasional wipe-down and clean with a cloth, require little maintenance. This means that you can enjoy a seamless and stress-free addition to your home.

What security features do bi-folding doors have?

Our doors come with advanced safety features. For example, our Origin bifold doors come with an eight-point locking system and high-security hinges for your complete peace of mind.

Do bi-folding doors add value to a property?

Yes, our doors can add around 5-10% to the sale value of a house.

Are bi-folding doors weather-resistant?

Yes, our doors are designed to withstand a range of weather conditions.

Can you customise bi-folding doors? 

We offer an extensive range of styles, colours, finishes and fixtures for your doors! This means that we can design your bifolding doors around your property, lifestyle and design tastes for results that are sleek, contemporary and tailored entirely to you.

What’s the difference between sliding doors and bi-folding doors?

Bifold doors are designed to fold up against internal or external walls like a concertina. They typically use two to seven panels which are set on runners in the floor and the upper beams of a doorway. Sliding doors are commonly made of two or more large panes of glass which slide sideways to the end of the door frame.

How much do bi-folding doors cost?

The cost of our doors will vary depending on several factors. We recommend getting in touch with us today for a FREE quote.

What is the average lifespan of bi-folding doors?

If properly maintained, our doors can last for over 20 years. This makes them a durable and long-lasting investment for your home.

If you’re looking for for energy efficient bi-folding doors to elevate your space, contact us today!

Need more info? Check out our most frequently asked questions.