Choosing a new bifold door for your home is an exciting process, and the right external bifold door can often completely transform the look and feel of your home. Providing an excellent way to bring the outside in - many bifolding doors also provide exceptional thermal efficiency. So, what features should you look for in an energy efficient bifold door?
Find out more about the benefits of energy efficient bifold doors and features to look for.
In this guide:
Read the benefits of energy efficient bifold doors and why you should consider energy efficiency.
Find out what you should consider when choosing an energy efficient bifold patio door.
Read the benefits of energy efficient bifold doors.
We address common queries on energy efficient bifold doors.
Why should you choose an energy efficient bifold door?
Thermal efficiency in bifold doors evaluates their capability to maintain heat within a space and minimise the transfer of thermal energy. This efficiency is primarily measured using the U-Value, which indicates the rate at which heat is lost through the door. A lower U-Value signifies superior insulative properties, enhancing the door's effectiveness in retaining heat.
Several factors influence the thermal efficiency of bifold doors. These include the material used in the door frame, the presence of a thermal break—a feature that reduces heat flow, the type of glazing used in the door, and the effectiveness of weathertight seals that prevent air leakage.
Specifically, Origin's aluminium bifold doors are meticulously designed to achieve low U-Values. This design excellence ensures that these doors offer high thermal efficiency, providing enhanced comfort and energy savings in residential or commercial settings. Read our guide to bifold door U-Values here.
Find out more about choosing a thermally efficient bifold door.
What features should you look for in an energy efficient bifold door?
When choosing an energy efficient bifold door set, consider the following features in addition to researching the U-Value provided:
Thermal breaks
Thermal breaks are insulating materials placed within the frame, which separate the inner and outer parts of an aluminium door frame. This reduces the transfer of heat and cold through the frame, significantly lowering U-Values.
Read our guide are aluminium bifold doors thermally efficient? to find out more.
Advanced glazing options
Double or triple glazing involves using two or three layers of glass, with spaces between them that are often filled with inert gas, such as argon or krypton.
Low-emissivity (low-E) coatings can also be applied to the glass, which reflect heat back into the room, reducing the amount of heat lost through the glass.
Read our full guide to bifold door glazing options here.
High-quality seals and gaskets
Seals and gaskets are used to prevent air leakage around the doors when they are closed. They are made from flexible materials such as rubber or silicone, which can withstand weather changes without degrading. This in turn improves air tightness and reduces drafts, further enhancing thermal efficiency.
Weather stripping
Adding or replacing weather stripping around the door to seal cracks and stop air leaks can further improve thermal efficiency.
Read our guide to aluminium bifold door U-Values to find out more about the importance of low U-Values.
Why choose Origin Bifold Doors?
By focusing on sophisticated design, advanced materials, and exceeding regulatory standards, Origin provides both aesthetically pleasing and highly energy-efficient door solutions. As environmental concerns grow, investing in thermally efficient bifold doors from a reputable, luxury manufacturer such as Origin is a wise and forward-thinking decision. Aluminium bifold doors are extremely secure and are known for their exceptional strength. Origin Bifold Doors are one of the most secure systems in the market and have passed PAS 24 tests. The unique 8-point locking system offers extra security.
Shop our full collection of aluminium bifold doors here.
Explore the OB-36+ Contemporary External Door
Our OB-36+ Contemporary External Door is a modern take on a well-loved design, offering impressive sightlines of just 36mm. Offering exceptional thermal performance, our Contemporary External Door is available with U-Values as low as 0.87 W/m²K.
![People enjoying origin bifold doors in a living room](https://origin-global.com/Media/Default/advice%20centre/origin-bifold-doors.jpg)
Find out more about our Contemporary External Door here or contact your local installer today.
Frequently asked questions
Will your home increase in value if you install external bifold doors?
Yes, one of the most critical features when increasing your home’s value is energy efficiency, and ensuring your home is energy efficient has never been so essential. Read how bifold doors can increase the value of your home here.
What are the design options available for energy efficient bifold doors?
Choosing a bespoke bifold aluminium door supplier can ensure you find the perfect fit for your home. Aluminium is a popular material for bifold doors, and there are many colour options to choose from, including minimalistic neutral colours and brighter shades. Find out more about choosing the right bifold door design here.
What are the different materials used in energy efficient bifold doors?
While wood is naturally thermally efficient, modern bifold doors such as aluminium doors often include features such as thermal breaks and triple glazing options. Find out how aluminium bifold doors compare to other materials here.
What glazing option is best for thermal efficiency?
Single-glazed glass is not recommended. Double glazing offers excellent thermal efficiency and meets the needs of most homes, even those location in especially hot or cold climates. Triple glazing is available, and as expected, technically offers marginally better efficiency, but will be more expensive. Read our guide to bifold door glazing here.
Shop our collection of aluminium windows and doors here.