Bi-Fold Doors explained by the Bi-fold Door Factory

Recent times have seen bi-fold have become a popular commercial or residential design solution. They offer a stylish, modern way to allow more natural light to enter into a room, by creating the illusion of a bigger area, whilst providing more space efficiency than traditional doors.

Bi-fold Door Factory, a leading UK supplier of Schuco bifold doors, answers some important questions about this popular style of door.

What are bi-fold doors?

Bi-fold doors are, typically, slim doors that slide open and have the ability to fold back onto themselves like a concertina. This, of course, frees up a fair amount of extra room, which is particularly beneficial in homes or offices where space might be tight.

Bi-fold doors can be installed in most places within a home or commercial premises. For instance, if you wish to blend your outside space with your indoors, having the doors fitted within a conservatory or living room, which is connected to the garden, is ideal.

Similarly, many workplaces now make use of bi-fold doors, either as room dividers or in conference rooms, giving the office a sleek, contemporary upgrade.

How do the doors work?

Using a straightforward tracking system with wheels, which runs along the panels and connects to a train, bi-fold doors have the ability to effortlessly glide along the system and neatly fold in on themselves.

This motion tends to be easier, smoother and quieter than method utilised in traditional doors. 

Are bi-fold doors secure?

Bi-fold doors are often installed at the back entrance of a property, which is also the place where burglars are most likely to seek access. As such, the security element is, understandably, a major concern for potential buyers.

That being said, modern bi-fold doors offer a higher level of security than many traditional doors, mostly due to their multi-point locking systems, where the bi-fold door is secured at several different points, making it more difficult to break in.

Any high-quality manufacturer of bi-fold doors will now include this type of locking system as standard.

Similarly, finding a supplier that uses robust, reinforced glass for the panels is wise, as well as fitting double or triple glazing.

Customers can also choose to install an access door within the main frame, which is similar to a normal door and offers a quick, secure entry point, without having to unfold the entire frame.

What are the benefits of installing bi-fold doors?

There are several advantages that come with upgrading to bi-fold doors. Firstly, they offer a greater amount of space, as they open up onto themselves rather than inwards or outwards, freeing up some much-need space.

The typically slim, wide, glass frame of the doors ensures a significant amount of natural light can enter a room, also giving an illusion of greater space.

Of course, installing the doors is not a cheap task, however, a high-quality set should last for many decades and can add value to a property, making them a worthwhile long-term investment.

Whilst cleaning and preservation work is essential from time-to-time, bi-fold doors also tend to require less maintenance than other types of doors – a major plus for those of us who like to avoid dull housework!

Moreover, the majority of UK manufacturers will allow you to fully customise your doors, which means you can choose from a range of available materials, colours and finishes, making them an attractive, modern addition to any home or office space.