Are you looking for a premium-quality home upgrade? Perhaps you’ve done your research and have bifolding doors in mind, or maybe you’re just delving into the world of this popular home renovation. However you have come across bifolding doors, there’s no doubt that the options can be overwhelming. Whether you’re choosing bifolding doors to blend indoor and outdoor living or you want to bring sophisticated style to your home, they are a smart investment to make. But what do you need to consider when choosing bifolding doors? From the style and colours to configurations, materials and more, there are so many decisions to make. This is where Essex Window & Door Centre come in.
We are the preferred industry experts for quality bifolding doors and can guide you on everything you need to consider when choosing bifolding doors. What’s more, if you decide that bifold doors are for you, we can take you from consultation to completion with ease. We can help you choose the right option for your home. So, if you’re looking for a contemporary and affordable way to elevate your home, get in touch with the experts at Essex Window and Door Centre today.
What are bifolding doors?
Before we look at what you need to consider when choosing bifolding doors, let’s explore what they are. Bifolding doors have found favour among homeowners in recent years and, given the many benefits they deliver, it’s no wonder they’re finding a surge in popularity. Bifolding doors boast an innovative construction comprising several panels (in a choice of configurations) which are set in runners in the floor and the upper beams of a doorway. This manufacture and installation facilitates simple and seamless opening and closing to collapse the door panels against internal or external walls like a concertina. Bifolding doors are available in a huge range 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.
Types of Bifolding Doors
Here at Essex Window & Door Centre, we offer a multitude of bifolding door types to suit the requirements of any discerning homeowner. From internal bifolding doors to patio bifolding doors and more, we’re confident that we’ll have the right type for your home and lifestyle.
Smart Bifold Doors
The Smart Visofold 1000 bifolding door is one of the UK’s 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, and 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.
Origin Bifold 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.
Schüco Bifold 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.
With so many bifolding door options available, it can be difficult to decide which type is right for your home, lifestyle and requirements. Fortunately, we have put together a comprehensive list of things to consider when choosing your bifolding doors. Read on to find out more…
Things to Consider When Choosing Bifolding Doors
Choosing the right bifolding doors for your home is a highly personal decision based on your property type, your lifestyle requirements and your tastes and style. When choosing bifolding doors, there are several things that you need to consider, here are some of them…
- Space & Configuration
We recommend assessing the space you have available for your bifolding doors. Bifolding doors can work in a range of spaces including smaller and larger properties, however, it’s still worthwhile to consider the configuration options, such as the number of panels and how they will fold back, to ensure they fit your space effectively.
- Material Types
At Essex Window & Door Centre, we offer high-profile aluminium bifolding doors from leading manufacturers. Although there are other types of material available such as uPVC and timber, aluminium stands as a leading material for bifolding doors due to its robustness, durability, slim frames, aesthetic appeal and lightweight function.
- Style & Design
Our bifolding doors are available in a huge choice of styles and designs which complement various architectural styles and personal design preferences. We recommend exploring all the options available for bifolding doors and selecting a design that best enhances the overall appearance of your property and accurately reflects your style.
- Security Feature Considerations
Many of our bifolding doors come with multi-point locking mechanisms as standard. For example, our Origin bifolding doors feature a high-profile eight-point locking system. Consider the level of security you require for your bifolding door system and select an option that best aligns with your requirements.
- Energy-Efficiency
Bifolding doors are highly energy-efficient and we advise considering an option that delivers the best efficiency to keep utility costs low and boost the performance of your home. Many of our bifolding doors come with thermal break technology and quality insulation to keep your property warmer and protected for longer.
- Privacy
If you want to add privacy and style to your bifolding doors, why not consider built-in Venetian blinds? These high-performance blinds allow you to have full control of light and shade whilst providing a sleek finish. Our built-in Venetian blinds are sealed within the double-glazed unit, meaning they will remain clean and functional, well into the future.
- Budget
We advise having an idea of your available budget before you go ahead with the bifolding door design and installation. We recommend considering factors such as material costs, customisation extras, installation fees, and long-term maintenance expenses. Get in touch with Essex Window & Door Centre today for a FREE quote, tailored to you.
By carefully considering these factors, you will be on the right path to selecting bifolding doors that enhance your home’s aesthetics, functionality, and value for years to come. If you’re still not sure what to consider when choosing bifolding doors, the expert team at Essex Window & Door Centre are here to help. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you have any further questions.
The Benefits of Bifolding Doors
- Panoramic Views & Natural Light
As they are designed to fold away against internal or external walls, bifolding doors allow you to use as much as 90% of a doorway area. This makes 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.
- Customisation Options
We offer a huge range of aluminium bifolding doors from leading manufacturers. Our bifolding doors are 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
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 need not worry. Bifolding doors feature robust 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.
- Thermally Efficient
As many of our bifold doors are made from aluminium and feature double-glazing and thermal break technology, they are proven to be more thermally efficient. This means that you can enjoy more comfortable indoor temperatures. What’s more, you will see the cost of your energy bills significantly lower with the addition of 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. Bifolding doors will boost the resale value of your home, whether you’re selling soon or in the future.
In Conclusion…
There are many things to consider when planning your bifolding door installation, but with the help of our blog, we hope that we’ve covered everything. From your customisation options and budget to space optimisation and additional security features, by considering everything in this blog, you will achieve the bifolding doors that you’ve always dreamed of. We’re confident that we will have the perfect bifolding doors for you, so please don’t hesitate to contact us today for your FREE quote!
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 this type of door for exterior entrances is that they can seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor spaces.
Are bifolding doors easy to maintain?
Yes, they 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 bifolding 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 bifolding doors add value to a property?
Yes, our doors doors can add around 5-10% to the sale value of a house.
Are bifolding doors weather-resistant?
Yes, our doors are designed to withstand a range of weather conditions.
Can you customise bifolding doors?
We offer an extensive range of styles, colours, finishes and fixtures for your doors! This means that we can design your 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 bifolding doors?
Our 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 bifolding 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.
How long do they last?
If properly maintained, our doors can last for over 20 years. This makes them a durable and long-lasting investment for your home.