Aluminium bifold doors have become a popular choice for homeowners looking to enhance their homes with a modern, sleek, and functional door solution. These versatile systems offer numerous benefits, such as improved thermal efficiency, smooth operation, and a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Here, we answer some of the most common questions surrounding the quality and features of aluminium bifold doors, helping you make an informed decision.
In this guide:
Material comparisons
What are the main reasons homeowners choose aluminium bifold doors over other materials like uPVC?
Aluminium is often considered the best material for bifold doors due to its durability, strength, and modern appearance. Unlike uPVC doors, aluminium bifold doors offer slimmer door frames, which allow for larger glass panes and more natural light. Aluminium is also highly resistant to weathering, ensuring long-term longevity and minimal maintenance.
Additionally, aluminium bifolds feature advanced thermal break technology, which helps reduce heat transfer and improves thermal efficiency. This makes them suitable for both internal doors and external bifold doors, where energy efficiency is a key concern.
Read more about how aluminium compares to other materials here.
Are aluminium bifold doors better than uPVC?
Aluminium bifold doors are generally considered more durable and aesthetically pleasing than uPVC. While uPVC is cheaper and provides good insulation, aluminium offers slimmer frames, greater strength, and a modern, sleek look. Additionally, aluminium doors are more resistant to weathering and won’t warp or discolour over time like uPVC. Modern aluminium doors with thermal breaks also match uPVC in energy efficiency.
Do aluminium bifold doors cost more than timber?
Yes, aluminium bifold doors are usually more affordable than high-quality timber bifold doors. While timber offers a classic, natural appearance, it requires more maintenance and is susceptible to warping, rotting, or damage from moisture. Aluminium, on the other hand, provides long-term durability with minimal maintenance. Though aluminium may have a higher upfront cost than uPVC, it tends to be a good balance between timber's high price and uPVC's budget-friendly nature.
Thermal efficiency
What is a thermal break, and why is it important in aluminium bifold doors?
A thermal break refers to a barrier, typically made from a less conductive material, inserted between the inside and outside aluminium surfaces of the door frame. The purpose of this thermal break technology is to reduce heat transfer between the inside and outside environments, significantly improving the door’s thermal efficiency.
In aluminium bifold doors, thermal breaks help maintain a consistent indoor temperature, making them energy-efficient and reducing heating and cooling costs. They are especially beneficial for external bifold doors and patio doors, as they ensure that your home remains comfortable throughout the year.
How do aluminium bifold doors compare to other types of doors in terms of thermal efficiency?
Aluminium bifold doors, particularly those equipped with triple glazing and argon gas-filled glass, provide excellent thermal efficiency. Thanks to thermal break technology, these doors can offer comparable, if not superior, insulation to uPVC doors.
While uPVC is known for its insulating properties, modern aluminium bifold doors with thermal breaks and glass options such as double or triple glazing provide excellent energy savings. This makes them ideal for reducing energy costs, particularly for external doors.
Are aluminium bifold patio doors warm?
High-quality bi-fold doors have a thermal break; a component that enables them to keep heat in and cold air out. Choosing a reputable supplier can ensure your door is high-quality.
Read more about thermal efficiency and U-Values.
Aluminium bifold door features and options
Do aluminium bifold doors come with customisation options?
Yes, one of the key features of aluminium bifold doors is their wide range of design options. Homeowners can choose from various RAL colours, with anthracite grey being a popular choice for a modern aesthetic. In addition, you can select from a variety of threshold options, glass options, and handle styles to suit your home’s décor.
Furthermore, bifold door configurations can be customized to fit your specific needs. Whether you’re looking for a traffic door for quick access or multiple panels to cover a large size of the opening, there’s a bifold door system that can be tailored to your space.
What security features do aluminium bifold doors offer?
Aluminium bifold doors are equipped with top-tier security features, including multi-point locking systems and high-security hinges, ensuring that your home remains safe and secure. Many models are certified to PAS 24 standards, which means they have been rigorously tested for security performance.
The strength of aluminium itself also plays a role in enhancing the door’s security. With a robust structure and secure locking mechanisms, aluminium bifold doors are ideal for both external doors and internal bifold doors where safety is a priority.
Strength and durability
Are aluminium bifold doors durable?
Yes, aluminium bifold doors are incredibly durable. Aluminium is naturally resistant to rust, corrosion, and warping, which means the doors can withstand harsh weather conditions and require very little maintenance over time. The powder coating applied to aluminium doors further enhances their durable finish.
Most reputable manufacturers offer a year guarantee on their aluminium bifold door systems, typically ranging from 10 to 20 years, which speaks to the material's long-lasting nature. This makes aluminium bifold doors a great addition to homes in terms of both style and durability.
Are aluminium bifold patio doors easy to break in to?
The best-quality aluminium doors are designed to be as secure and reliable as possible, with the material offering exceptional durability. Doors such as Origin Bifold Doors are equipped with certain features that make them safe to operate and invulnerable to break-ins.
Read more about what features make bifold patio doors secure.
Configurations and locations
Can aluminium bifold doors be used for internal and external spaces?
Yes, aluminium bifold doors can be used for both internal and external doors. For internal applications, they are ideal for creating seamless connections between living areas, such as between the kitchen and dining room or conservatories. When used as external bifold doors, they are perfect for connecting indoor living spaces to outdoor areas like patios or gardens, allowing for easy access and improved flow between spaces.
Their sleek design, smooth operation, and natural light-maximising features make aluminium bifold doors a great addition to any home’s layout.
What glass options are available for aluminium bifold doors?
When it comes to glass options, aluminium bifold doors can be fitted with various glazing choices to suit your needs. Options include double glazing, triple glazing, and even low-E glass, which improves thermal efficiency.
For homes where temperature control is important, triple glazing with argon gas can be an excellent option, as it minimises heat transfer and enhances energy savings. Other glass options include frosted or tinted glass for added privacy or UV protection.
How much weight can aluminium bifold door panels hold?
Aluminium bifold doors are designed to hold significant weight, with most systems capable of supporting a maximum panel weight of up to 100 kilograms per panel. This makes aluminium bifold doors ideal for large fold door systems where multiple glass panes are needed to cover wider openings.
Are you looking for a Soho-style bifold door? Explore our Origin Soho External Door
Our all-new Soho Collection epitomises the pinnacle of luxury and style. With sightlines of just 36mm, the Soho External Door provides extensive glass panels for maximum light and eye-catching aesthetics for any property development. The sought after steel-look seamlessly merges cutting-edge design and ultra-slim sightlines with unparalleled functionality.
Contact your local installer today to bring your vison to life.
