Nowadays, no renovation is complete without adding a glass door that not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the home but also provides a clear view of the beautiful outdoors. If you have come to the conclusion of which patio door to choose, then a lightweight bi fold door generally does the trick and is also ideal to let some sunlight into your home.
However, bi fold doors can be quite a heavy investment – and a confusing one, to say the least. From materials to glazing options, there are several features you need to consider before making your final choice. Their are many different types of windows and doors, so we have written this article to list 5 of the most common things to evaluate when opting for bi fold doors:
1 – Base Materials
Timber bi fold doors offer an artistic touch and are highly recommended for homeowners who want to give their homes a traditional-style. Engineered timbers offer more stability than solid timers.
However, timber designs are susceptible to warping due to heat and moisture. In contrast, aluminiumbi fold doors offer slim, sleek and lightweight designs with a powder-coated finish that does not need to be re-coated. They are also more durable and budget-friendly.
2 – Cost
Like all other patio doors, windows and other products, the cost of bi fold doors varies with size, base materials and overall quality. A standard height door can cost you up to £1,200 per meter. This includes a high-quality and well-constructed system with a good quality of glass. A three-panel bi fold door, inclusive of all VAT and installation costs, is usually within a £4,000 to £5,000 range. Be careful not to lunge in for off the shelf cheaper timber doors as these units come with short manufacturer warranties.
3 – Size
A bi fold door panel is affected by both the type of glazing used and its size. Wooden (timber) bi fold doors can be up to 4,000mm in height (especially when opting for a specialist system). In contrast, standard aluminium panels span up to 2,800mm. Depending upon the tolerance level and manufacturing specifications, you can have up to 16 panels in a bi fold doors systems.
4 – Screening Methods
The most budget-friendly solution to screen bi fold doors is to install full-length curtains. However, curtains can block the sunlight from coming in. On the other hand, glazed units with in-built venetian blinds offer a better alternative to bi fold doors screening and can even partially obscure the glass. Other viable options include insect screens and inner shades.
5 – Threshold
Some of the best thresholds for bi fold doors are the ones that you would be the most unlikely to notice. However, for most homes, rain penetration is a major issue that makes the south and west-facing walls susceptible to water seepage. In such a scenario, the answer lies in getting a properly installed weather-tested threshold.
For more tips and tricks on choosing the right bi fold doors, please feel free to contact us today!
Hope this information was helpful. The Diligent Team.
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