Overview – Clearly Bifold door are not a cheap alternative to the traditional sliding door, but what are the real gains in making the extra investment. The most apparent is the fact that folding sliding doors are fully retractable. The commonly known French door is just a permutation of a bifolding door and most bifolding door manufacturers will be able to make their system into a french door. A French door is a double pane system which opens in the middle so the both leafs are fully open and set at right angles to the track. They have been very popular over the years and can allow for an elegant opening mechanism with great clear glass views. Please find the strengths and weaknesses of the bifolding door below.

Strengths

• Fully retractable door panels
• Choice of Aluminium and UPVC frames
• Up to 10 metres wide
• Add value to any home
• Choice of over 400 RAL colours (Aluminium frames)
• Up to 40 opening options
• Well tested and regulated products

Weaknesses

• More expensive than traditional alternative
• UPVC frames can contract due to weather conditions
• Must be installed with precision
• UPVC frames are weak and are not capable of reaching widths more than 6 metres

Conclusion – When considering purchasing a bifolding door or folding sliding patio door system it is crucial to consider your budget. They are more expensive than the alternative Sliding doors or single patio door openers. However, there is clearly much to gain out of the extra investment. Many new homes are fit with bifolding doors in order to add value to their investment. The next thing to consider is whether you would prefer a UPVC bifold or an aluminium bifold.

The aluminium folding door is around 50% more expensive but in terms of a product there is no comparison. The UPVC do not look as modern and can sometimes seem cumbersome due to the need for larger frames. In comparison the Aluminum folding sliding door system can made with thinner frames which means more glass and clearer views. It can also made much wider and higher due to the extra strength of the material.