Installing bifold doors is much more than your average home improvement. Bifold doors can make a genuine impact on your quality of life from the increases natural light and fresh air, to the seamless blending of inside and outside space, not to mention the potential added value to your home.
Despite their hefty price tag it might still be worth considering bi-folding doors as due to a rise in popularity they are highly likely to increase the value of a home. Bi-folding doors can offer wide, open access to the outdoors when open but do offer an interrupted view when closed.
In terms of price, installing aluminium windows is always more expensive than UPVC (on a like for like basis) because of higher material and manufacturing costs. But, in the long term, aluminium can prove very cost-effective because it's a more robust material than UPVC.
Windows made with uPVC are generally better thermal insulators than aluminium. uPVC is a lightweight material, which makes uPVC double or triple glazed windows quick and easy to install. uPVC tends to be cheaper than aluminium.
External aluminium bifold doors have become increasingly popular as a result of their low maintenance and slim sightlines which offer more natural light, and excellent durability. An aluminium bifolding door provides a stylish, contemporary look for your home with many different finishes available.
Durable MaterialsAluminium bifolds and doors are, hence, expected to have a life expectancy of 45 years, which can be almost double that of uPVC 25-35 year expectancy. Aluminium's strength allows us to offer market leading sash sizes of up to 1200 mm wide or 3000 mm tall.
Signs that your double-glazed windows or doors may need replacing include:
- Draughts.
- Leaks, letting water in.
- They allow excessive amounts of noise in.
- The uPVC is yellowing, or timber is cracking.
- There is visible damage, particularly to the seals.
- They are difficult to open, close and lock, or are sticking.
Double-glazed windows and doors are most commonly priced by the square metre. According to ServiceSeeking.com.au, the average cost of newly-fitted double glazed windows is around $1,350 per square metre, based on quotes submitted to the site in 2018.
They are built strong and are incredibly durable. Compare that to wood windows which average about 10-15 years before the need for maintenance or repair. Plus, aluminum doesn't degrade like vinyl. Aluminum is a stronger and more durable material than vinyl and offers structural advantages due to its build strength.
Newer windows carry the latest technology which means they provide far better energy efficiency than older versions, even if the older windows are not damaged. Not only will this keep your home warmer, but it will also work to reduce your heating bills.
Key points: Aluminium is more expensive than uPVC, but will last longer so is a better investment. It's normally cheaper than timber. Aluminium is very strong and when powder coated will last decades.
If you're opting for a bi-fold door, then you might run into a problem, particularly during autumn and winter – opening the door will allow a considerable amount of cold air into your property.
Bifold lead doors can open inwards and outwards independently, depending on your specific requirements. Sliding and stacking inwards into the home or outwards into the garden, it's important to note that most homeowners choose outward opening bifolds, as inward opening bifold doors can take up essential space.
How can I tell when bi-fold doors are high-quality?
- Quality of aluminium used. Let's assume you're opting for aluminium doors rather than doors made of timber or uPVC.
- Powder-coating finish.
- Ability to withstand extreme weather.
- Thermal efficiency (U-value)
- Sightlines.
- Threshold height.
- Components.
- Security.
On top of the material used, most bifold doors will feature double glazing or even triple glazing. These manufacturing processes thoroughly increase any home's thermal efficiency. Timber bi-fold doors offer a slightly lower energy efficiency than aluminium doors (around 0.1W/m2).
Bifold door rubber seals and brush sealSealing the gaps along the door frame significantly reduces the level of noise, draughts, and moisture. At the bottom of our bifold doors, we also fit a weather brush, which also contributes to minimising dust and draughts.
Whatever option you choose, bifold doors will be the most expensive option (compared to sliding or french doors), and the material you choose for your bifold doors will have a huge impact on the price, simply because they are so much larger than the other options.
Whilst aluminium boasts several positives it does come with a downfall, it's a highly conductive material. As a result, aluminium doors and windows are prone to losing heat, easily get cold and increase problems with condensation.
With an exterior bifold door, there is more of a door profile. Which means there is the wood or composite facet of the door. This again contributes to the overall cost. They often require additional structural support when they are hung.
Cost. Cost is roughly the same unless the doors get big, says Tony Wiggins, managing director of Folding Doors To You. If they get very wide, sliding doors in a few panes gets significantly more expensive because large single units of glass are very costly.
Lintels for bifold doorsTherefore, it is recommended that a heavy-duty or rolled steel lintel is used for bifold doors because this will ensure there are no bends present. If any floor joists or roof trusses are bearing onto the lintel and the span of any joists or trusses.
Some experts estimate that bi-folding doors can add around 5-10% to the resale valuation of a property. There are a number of reasons why they're so highly regarded by valuers: Unlike French and patio doors which have rigid widths, bi-folding doors can span several metres enabling a very vast opening to be created.
Corner bi-fold doors can be manufactured at either 90 or 135 degrees depending on which angle best suits your property. Most corner doors will be external bi-folds. However, we are able to also offer an internal bi-fold door configurations.
According to job-prices.co.uk: The average price for a small bifold door (2.7m) is approximately £600 inc.VAT. The average price for a large bifold door (4.7) is approximately £900 - £100 inc.
uPVC Bifold Doors Price Comparison
| Door Size | Number of Glass Panels | Estimated Price |
|---|
| 1.5m x 2.1m | 2 | £2,050 to £2,250 |
| 1.5m x 2.1m | 2 | £2,500 to £2,750 |
| 1.8m x 2.1m | 2 | £2,150 to £2,350 |
| 1.8m x 2.1m | 2 | £2,600 to £2,850 |
The minimum width is 16 inches for an odd number of doors and 28 inches for an even number of doors. The maximum height is 120 to 145 inches, or 10 to 12.08 feet. LaCantina Doors offers some helpful measuring tips for bifold doors.
Bifold doors are perhaps one of the safest ways of keeping the rear of your home secure, and as an added bonus, they look great, and could some significant value to your home, especially if it's an older home that requires some modernisation.
