Origin's Experts Answer Your FAQs About Bi-Folding Doors

Author Profile
Product Proving and Testing Manager, David Ginger has worked at Origin for over 9 years. Over this time, he has amassed a wealth of experience in aluminium architectural solutions.
During his time at Origin, he has worked in several different roles and departments within the business, including installation, manufacturing and research and development, which has given him expertise in every technical aspect of Origin’s product portfolio.

By David Ginger

Aluminium Bifold doors are an excellent option for bringing the outside in, and can add a modern, sleek aesthetic to any property. However, before purchasing a bifold door, it is important to be aware of the different bifold door features and how to install, maintain and clean your door.

Here, we answer common queries on buying and installing bifold doors.

Click on a question to jump to the answer:

Bifold door security and benefits

How secure are bi-folding doors?

Origin's bifolding doors are one of the most secure systems in the market and have passed PAS23/24 tests. Manufactured and assembled here in the UK, the unique 8 point locking system offers extra security, as most doors come with 4 or 6 points of locking on the lead door.

Chamfered 20mm linear bolts offer smoother operating when engaging the lock, as well as giving maximum compression for increased security and weather resistance. Add deep throw 25mm security hooks - the deepest engagement available on the market today - and the lock delivers the best in both security and weatherproofing.

The weakest point of a locking system is often the cylinder. However, our combination of solid cast Yale security handles with high performance fixing bolts and a British Standards accredited Magnum security cylinder, proven to protect against snapping, picking, drilling and bumping, offers a proven defence that is second to none.

Our unique vertical locking shootbolt completes the full quota of impressive security features and locks into the top and bottom track. Our industry leading twenty-year manufacturer's warranty ensures durability and resistance against all the elements.

Read our full guide to bifold door safety and security.

Are bifold door hinges secure?

The hinges of a door are often overlooked as a security weak point, but this isn't the case with Origin's products. The hinges are made of solid cast zinc and designed to withstand attack from even the most determined.

Shop our complete range of aluminium bifold doors here.

How do bifolding doors work?

Bifolding doors work by folding upon themselves and then gliding along the track they are fitted into. The secret behind this smooth motion can be found in the top and bottom section of every door. An intelligently engineered carriage with six wheels, manufactured from a high-grade Acetal, moves the doors seamlessly along the track, enabling them to open and close with ease.

The slim line carriage has been designed to ensure a quiet and efficient operation, meaning that with a gentle push, a new living space and panoramic view is revealed.

Discover Origin's range of aluminium bifold doors here, or contact your local installer for more information.

Do bifolding doors add value to a property?

The current trend of allowing more light into our homes has resulted in bi-folding doors becoming one of the most popular methods of adding value to properties. Find out more about how bifold doors can increase natural light in the home.

Find out more about bifold door safety and security here.

Origin Aluminium Bifold Doors

Origin Aluminium Bifold Doors

Unlike any other door, our aluminium bifolds provide a completely uninterrupted view when open, and the flexibility to enjoy your indoor and outdoor space as one. Our doors are also available in 150 RAL colours, allowing you to find the perfect option for your home.

Shop our aluminium bifold door range.

To find out more about installing Aluminium Bifold Doors in your home and to find the right door type for your needs, please contact your local installer today.

Aluminium bifold doors

What are the benefits of aluminium doors compared to timber and UPVC?

Aluminium bifold doors offer the following key benefits:

Can match or exceed aesthetics of wood
More durable than uPVC and timber
Less maintenance than uPVC or timber
Thinner frames for a better view
Available in wide variety of colours and finishes
Over 150 different colour options
Don’t expand or contract as much as the alternatives
Stronger material so larger panels are available
Increased security.

Aluminium bifolds can match or exceed the aesthetics of wood, but far surpass both wood and uPVC in terms of performance and durability.

Aluminium is much stronger than UPVC and timber, which means that the frame profile can be slimmer and overall panels wider, giving you a larger expanse of glass and therefore a better view. Because of aluminium's innate strength, it means design options are increased. So much so, that it is possible for corner or bay bifolds to be achieved.

The material is also very easy to maintain, particularly when compared to timber, and will only need periodic cleaning with a soapy non-abrasive cloth (washing up liquid is not recommended). Ensure you do not use solvent based cleaning materials.

Aluminium bifold doors can also be very stylish and can be powder coated in a huge range of RAL colours so you have the option to match or contrast your home's surrounding. Read our full guide to aluminium bifold door colours here.

Find out more about the benefits by reading 8 Reasons Why Aluminium is the Best Material for Bi-fold Doors.

What are custom-made aluminium bifold doors?

While uPVC or wooden bifold doors can be custom-made, as it’s a more premium material, most aluminium bifolds are made to measure. This means they’re manufactured to your exact specifications, ensuring they fit your specific opening. Read our guide to uPVC vs aluminium bifold doors here.

The benefit of having custom-made bi-fold doors is that they can fit any aperture, even if it is not conventionally shaped. High-quality manufacturers of aluminium bi-fold doors, such as Origin, are very flexible in the options they can offer.

Installation

Can I have a fixed door or window next to a folding set?

Yes, no problem. Many people opt for fixed doors either side of a French door set. Just discuss your requirements with your local Origin installer and they will give a recommendation suited to your specific requirements.

How do I install the bi-fold doors?

When buying an Origin Bifold Door, you will purchase your bifold doors through your local trade partner, who will also survey and fit your doors for you.

Watch our video to find out more.

What size aperture can the doors be fitted into?

There is a huge range of bi-fold configurations available which means you can install doors into an opening of any size from 1400mm and 9000mm wide and above. Configurations can open in one direction or split to fold into opposite sides of the opening. You can speak with your trade partner about what you think would work best for your home.

Do you need planning permission for bifolding doors?

Replacing existing doors with bi-folding doors doesn't normally require planning permission. However, if you are in a conservation area you will need to consult with your local council. If you are building an extension which incorporates bifolding doors, we would always recommend reviewing your local building regulations before any action is taken.

What do I need to do to prepare my home before bi-fold doors are installed?

Your home renovation expert or one of our trade partners will arrange for the preparation of the space where the doors will be installed - this ‘hole’ is called an aperture. If necessary, your expert will arrange for an RSJ to be fitted before the doors are installed, to ensure the aperture is strong enough to support the doors.

You can prepare your home by creating a clear space for the installers to work in and by covering up or moving any furniture. For more information on how to prepare your home for the installation of your new doors read our ‘Practical Guide to Bifold Doors’ for comprehensive advice.

Can bi-fold doors be fitted into small rooms?

Yes, bi-fold doors can actually make small spaces look much bigger by opening up the area to the garden outside and by letting natural light flood into your home. If you're unsure if your space is suitable, contact us to find out what options are available.

Find out more about bifold door safety and security here.

To find out more about installing Origin Aluminium Bifold Doors in your home and to find the right door type for your needs, please contact your local installer today.

Bifold door styles and colours

What are my options for the colour of the bifold doors?

Aluminium bi-fold doors come in a multitude of colours, with black, dark grey and white being particularly popular. Black is a classic, stylish colour that works alongside a wide range of colour schemes, while the neutral white provides lightness and calm where darker colours are unable.

There are over 150 RAL colour options available for Origin's Bi-fold Doors, including metallic and realistic wood effect finishes. If you have a modern interior with a traditional exterior, Origin doors can be customised with a dual colour effect.

This means that the interior and exterior frames can be any combination of two different colours, so whilst the outside matches the external style of the house, the interior frame can be a different colour to match its surroundings.

What are wood-grain bifold door finishes?

Having doors painted with a wood-grain effect gives you the look of hardwoods such as oak, but with none of the associated problems that come with natural timber, such as its need for maintenance and its tendency to warp and expand in certain weathers.

See the RAL range—including wood-grain shades—in our bi-fold doors colour guide.

Origin Bifold Doors –FAQs and ordering Origin Bifold Doors

Can I buy bi-fold doors direct from Origin?

No - Origin sell through accredited Trade partners who specialise in renovation projects and bi-fold installation. Our products are supplied by agents nationwide, so contact us to find your local showroom or complete the form on https://origin-global.com/visit-your-local-showroom.

How quickly will my doors arrive?

Standard industry lead-time for bi-fold doors is normally around 6-8 weeks but nobody wants a hole in their wall for longer than necessary.

Origin's innovative 'Your Lead Time, Not Ours' promise means you can have your bespoke, made to measure doors manufactured and delivered within 24 hours, providing peace of mind that your house is secure and protected in the quickest possible time.

This is the best lead-time in the industry and applies to all popular colour doors. Please note though that these timings will be dictated through by how busy the trade partner is to fit in your installation.

How do I get a quote?

All quoting will be done through your chosen Origin partner. They will be able to visit your home and undertake a survey on your property to advise you on the best solution for you and your home. Contact a local installer for more information.

Where are Origin's products made?

All of Origin's products are manufactured in our factory in High Wycombe. By using a UK based manufacturer, you are immediately ruling out the massive issue of items needing importing. This is one of the reasons that Origin can offer the 'Your Lead Time, Not Ours' promise, as they have ultimate control of the products supplied and quality of product.

How do I clean my Origin bifold doors?

As the doors are made from aluminium, they are really easy to clean and maintain. You can clean the glass in the frames as you would your windows and the frames themselves just need a wipe down every so often with a soft cloth or sponge soaked in warm soapy water (washing up liquid is not recommended).

Do you manufacture the doors as well as supply them?

Yes, all of Origin's products are manufactured at our High Wycombe factory.

Are timber effect aluminium doors available?

Yes, there are two wood effect finishes available on our doors including Natural Oak and Golden Oak.

Are your doors available to buy 'off the shelf'?

All of Origin's bifolding doors are manufactured bespoke to customers' exact requirements so they are not available to buy in standard sizes 'off the shelf'. However, we are still able to supply the product as quick as off the shelf solutions.

What type and size of glass can be fitted in Origin products?

Origin Bi-fold Doors allow for both double and triple glazing and can accommodate 24mm, 28mm or 32mm units. Windows will allow for a 28mm and 44mm unit.

How thin are Origin bifold door frames?

Due to the strength of aluminium, the frames on Origin's doors are thin and measure 75mm front to back and the door sashes come in both 72mm and 49mm wide.

Can bifolding doors be used on balconies?

Yes - Origin Bi-fold Doors are incredibly versatile. They are tailored precisely to your requirements and can suit any property type, ensuring they meet the functional as well as stylistic demands. Apartments and traditional cottages through to multi-million pound mansions or new builds, there will be a door and style to suit.

Bifold door sizes and configurations

What's the difference between dimensions and configurations?

Dimensions cover the size relating to the doors, including the overall size of the aperture and individual sizes of the door panes. Configurations relate to how the doors open.

For example, if you have a 6-door set, you could have the following configurations: 3+3 (3 doors folding in each direction), or you can have a 6+0 (all 6 doors folding in one direction), or even a 5+1 (5 doors in 1 direction and the other 5 doors folding in the other direction). The configuration will also relate to whether all the doors fold to the left or right, or whether they are open-in or open-out doors.

Can bi-fold doors fold inwards and outwards?

Origin's doors can be specified to open either inwards or outwards. Your option will be influenced by how much space you have available inside or out. This can be a huge factor in opening up areas with limited space.

What size are bi-folding doors?

Origin Bi-Folding Doors are completely bespoke and can be manufactured to match your requirements. Our maximum panel is 1200mm wide x 3000mm high. However, we can manufacture taller doors if required, but it would mean a narrower maximum width. You can check out the full range of configurations available on our ‘Information for Professionals’ page.

Size limitations

	Width	Height
Minimum door panel (mm)
Even No. Same Direction	700	400
Odd No. Same Direction	400	400
Maximum door panel (mm)
Standard	1200	2500
Oversize	variable	>3000
With multi-point lock
Minimum (mm)	n/a	1125
Maximum (mm)	n/a	3000

What is the minimum and maximum height and width available for individual doors?

Door leaf width can range from a minimum of 400mm to a maximum of 1200mm and the height can be manufactured from 400mm – 2500mm. However, the smallest bi-folding doors are 2 door sets which start from 1200mm wide.

What configurations are available?

Origin can manufacture anything from a single door, all the way up to a 10 door set and beyond, each with different opening configurations. View our online brochure or our online configurator to get an idea of the options available.

Our full range of configurations is available on our ‘Information for Professionals’ page.

Do larger or unusual sizes affect cost?

Unusual sizes or configurations won’t necessarily be more expensive, but larger doors will be. This is simply because more aluminium will need to be used when the doors are manufactured which inevitably costs more.