Do it
BIFOLD DOORS
Emily’s choice: BIFOLD DOORS Looking to create a seamless connection between inside and out? A smart set of bifolds could be just the solution…
What size do I need? The size of your aperture will determine the number of doors – try to go for as few as possible for uninterrupted views. Odd numbers look best – three or five works. For everyday access, make sure there is a single lead door that can be opened without having to slide and stack the whole set.
Will my house stay warm? Large expanses of glass can feel chilly compared to a solid wall, so it pays to invest in glass with decent thermal performance. Look for the lowest U-values, which indicates the heat lost in watts per square metre. To comply with building regulations, bifold doors must be 1.8W/(m2K) for replacements, or 2.0W/(m2K) in new builds and extensions, but there’s nothing to stop you aiming much lower – triple glazed units go down to 1.3W.
Which materials are best? What about opening uPVC is the budget-friendly choice and it and closing? now comes in more modern black or dark grey finishes to mimic the on-trend steel look. Sadly, uPVC isn’t as strong as wood or aluminium, so the door frames will be thicker to achieve the desirable strength. Real wood veneered on an engineered hardwood core can prove more stable than solid wood frames. For strength, smooth operation, low maintenance and the thinnest frames, make aluminium your go-to. Whatever you choose, ensure they come with a guarantee of 10+ years.
BEST FOR… MAXING YOUR VIEW
Express Bi-folding Doors’ XP Vision bifold doors offer super-slim profiles that are just 94mm thick – you’ll hardly notice them.
PEACE OF MIND
Weru’s aluminium bifold doors are German-engineered for extremely robust, smooth operation – with up to seven panes for full-width opening.
HI-TECH GLAZING
Frame Force’s custom aluminium bifold range includes triple glazing, safety glass, acoustic glazing, solar control and self-cleaning glass.
Bifolds are mounted on tracks and should slide, fold and stack smoothly and without excessive muscle-power. It’s worth visiting a showroom to test how easily the doors open, particularly if you are buying wide systems of five doors or more. Flush-fitting tracks that recess into the floor reduce trip hazards, and look slick, but can make it harder to achieve a watertight fit.
Are they safe? Being a large access point into your home, bifolds must conform to current security standards, and the lead door must have a multi-point locking system. Invest in a lock featuring an anti-pick/drill cylinder – such as an 8-point locking system that conforms to the police forces’ Secured by Design security standards. If you have small children, request fingersafe gaskets that will prevent the doors being slammed shut on tiny hands.
‘SLIM SIGHTLINES AROUND THE GLASS WILL MAXIMISE OUTDOOR VIEWS AND INCREASE LIGHT EXPOSURE’ RUTH CORBETT, HOUSES EDITOR
86 | JANUARY 2021
3 of the best BIFOLD DOORS FLUSH FIT
Rebated thresholds come with weather protection. Vista aluminium three-leaf bifold door, £2,674.22, Travis Perkins
PLASTIC FANTASTIC
Reinforced with galvanized steel. Millbrook uPVC external bifold door set in White, from £1,949, Wickes
DIY OPTION
Save cash, apply a protective sealant yourself. Elite 2.1m bifold doors in unfinished oak veneer, from £1,399, Vufold
FEATURE LINDA CLAYTON
U
nlike sliding or French doors, bifolding designs stack neatly out of the way, providing gloriously open access to the garden – and an expansive feeling inside.
