Aluminium bifold doors offer exceptional durability and strength. Choosing a reputable, luxury supplier can ensure you are provided with a reliable, sophisticated product for your home. But is aluminium a sustainable option?
Here, we discuss whether aluminium bifold doors are environmentally friendly, and the benefits of choosing aluminium.
In this guide:
Read whether aluminium is an environmentally friendly option.
Find out whether aluminium is a sustainable material in construction.
Read the difference in environmental impact between aluminium and timber patio doors.
Find out the benefits of choosing Origin.
We answer common queries on aluminium bifold patio doors.
Is aluminium environmentally friendly?
Aluminium is one of the most environmentally friendly metals on the planet. In fact, 75% of the 1 billion tons of aluminium produced in the last 100 years is still in use today.
Aluminium can be recycled infinitely to make exactly the same product, which is why it’s considered one of the most valuable items in your recycling bin and ultimately the most recyclable industrial material. So, metal doesn’t automatically mean having a negative impact on our environment. aluminium can be recycled infinitely, making it an environmentally friendly choice for construction products, especially when compared to materials such as uPVC. Given the strength and durability of aluminium, our bifold doors are built for longevity and endurance. They therefore need to be replaced or recycled for many decades to come.
Find out how aluminium compares to other materials here.
Aluminium’s sustainability in construction
After steel, aluminium is the most frequently used metal in the world; it’s extremely versatile, lightweight, durable and 100% recyclable, making it a highly sought-after material in the construction industry. According to World Aluminium, up to 85% of building materials used in construction are made from aluminium. Aluminium is also used in approximately 74% of residential buildings, according to Architecture and Design, so it’s not just commercial properties that are benefiting from aluminium. It’s thought to be one of the most sustainable and energy-efficient materials as it helps to build environmentally friendly buildings.
A study from Delft University showed that the end-of-life collection rates for aluminium in the building sector were found to vary between 92-98%, demonstrating aluminium’s vital role in the pursuit of sustainability in construction. The deconstruction of the old Wembley Stadium achieved a 96% recovery rate - the 4% loss was due to handles, hinges and other similar items not made from aluminium. However, new methods are being implemented to recycle these materials as well, often made from zinc.
Read our guide to choosing a high-quality bifold door material here.
Environmental impact - aluminium vs timber
According to Architecture and Design, timber is used in approximately 24% of residential properties, while aluminium is used in approximately 74%. While the timber look can work really effectively to complement traditional properties, the reality is it’s much less environmentally friendly than aluminium, which can achieve the same timber look through powder coating. Richardson from Architecture and Design comments, “timber not only involves cutting down native forests, but also uses a lot of energy in the cutting, transporting, re-working, transporting again, manufacturing and transporting again that occurs”.
Additionally, timber requires a lot of maintenance, especially if it has been stained or exposed to harsh weather conditions. Rain can cause timber to rot and become infested with mites and harsh sun can cause timber to discolour or warp and flex. Aluminium is usually more versatile than timber and can be used for more complicated designs at larger sizes.
Read more about the differences between aluminium and timber below:
Aluminium | Timber | |
|---|---|---|
Cost | Higher initial cost but more durable so ultimately a cheaper investment. | Most expensive and less durable than aluminium. |
View | Best view as material is very strong so frames can be thin. The strength allows for larger panels so fewer panels are required. | Wider frames are needed so the view isn’t as good. |
Maintenance | Very low maintenance; only needs cleaning occasionally with soapy water. | Requires regular maintenance to protect the wood from infestation and warping. |
Incredibly thermally efficient as fitted with thermal breaks. Can also be fitted with triple-glazing. | Naturally a good insulator but in varying weather conditions, timber can contract, causing draughts. | |
Durability | Aluminium is very strong and frames are powder coated to become durable, scratch-resistant. Origin doors come with a guarantee of up to 20-years. | Timber frames are tough but more susceptible to water leaks, contaminants and warping. |
Aesthetic | Aluminium frames are available in timber effect, which looks incredibly authentic. You have a wide choice of colours. Aluminium offers a sleek and modern look, and can be customised to suit any homes aesthetic. | Timber frames can be favoured on some traditional properties. |
Flexibility of shape and layout | The material is very strong and flexible so complex layouts can be accommodated and the doors can be fully customised. | Less flexible than aluminium. |
Are you looking for a modern steel-look bifold door?
Explore our OB-36+ Soho Bifold Doors.
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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.
Created bespoke to ensure you can make the most of your space, the Origin bifold patio doors range from one to twelve door sets. Individual patio doors can be manufactured as narrow as 400mm, as wide as 1,200mm and as tall as 3,025mm. You can choose how your patio doors open and close – whether they fold in or out, and how they slide – to meet your exact needs.
View the Origin Soho Exterior Door here.
Why choose Origin aluminium bifold doors?
Origin bifold doors offer bespoke options to ensure you can make the most of your space. This also allows you to meet your exact design needs. With Origin Bifold Doors, you are guaranteed excellent thermal efficiency and durability, as well as a huge range of colour options and designs to choose from. Our doors are all manufactured in the United Kingdom, and we are proud to provide unbeatable lead times.
The Soho and Contemporary External Doors from Origin differ primarily in design and technical specifications. The Soho Collection features a steel-look with ultra-slim sightlines, emphasising luxury and cutting-edge design. It offers sightlines as slim as 36mm and thermal efficiency up to 0.87W/m²K. The Contemporary Collection, on the other hand, focuses on large panes of glass and slim sightlines (49mm and 72mm) and thermal efficiency up to 1.1W/m²K.
Both Collections are designed for elegance and functionality, with options for customisation in sizes, colours, and opening mechanisms. Visit our bifold door range here, or contact a local installer to find out more about our aluminium bifold doors.
Frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of aluminium bifold doors?
While uPVC bifold doors 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 bifold patio 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.
View our complete range of bifold patio doors and sliding patio doors here to find out more.
How secure are external aluminium bifold doors?
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.
Find out more about the security features of aluminium bifolds here.
What are powder coated aluminium bifold doors?
In order to give the Origin Bifold Door a flawless finish, our aluminium is coated with the highest-grade powder available. Applied using an electrostatic process after a special pre-treatment, it is then cured at 200°C to form a robust coating that is tougher than conventional paint, whilst maintaining a completely smooth finish.
The powder coat finish is extremely hardwearing, making the frame:
Resistant to scratches
Unlikely to experience colour fading
Read our powder coating frequently asked questions.
