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Bifold doors that ‘bring the outdoors in’ have grown in popularity in recent years, but how are they different from sliding doors and which is the best solution for you? automatic swing door
Bifold doors fold concertina-style back on themselves. Usually, two to seven panels that are hinged together travel along a hidden track in the floor, the ceiling, or both. A sliding door, on the other hand, is typically made of two or more huge glass panes that glide sideways to the end of a frame. One significant distinction is that a bifold door requires room for the panels to be stacked on one side, but a sliding door doesn’t extend outwards.
Functionality, pros and cons of each:
Matthew Leach, Director of Aluminium Doors Direct explains how each design of door has different features.
“Bi-fold doors have the primary benefit of being able to be folded all the way back, virtually opening up one wall to your patio and garden. Your property will look more impressive with a seamless indoor-outdoor space.
“On the other hand, traditional sliding doors often only allow for a 65 percent opening to the left or right. Pocket doors may be useful, these are glass doors that open up a larger space by sliding into unnoticed crevices in exterior walls.
“Slider doors provide you more control. They can be opened a fraction of an inch for a gentle breeze, a few feet to nip outside, or all the way to allow in fresh air. If you choose a bifold system, a “traffic door” or access leaf is a choice to take into account, especially if it’s the sole door leading to the garden.”
Aesthetics, which design will make my home beautiful?
Matthew explores which design is best for adding to your interior schemes. “Fewer panels and greater glass expanses allow for more natural light to enter your home, making sliding doors a huge bonus for modern and contemporary schemes.
“Bi-fold doors can be pulled back to widen the aperture, but when closed, there is a lot more vertical frame exposed than with sliding doors. Sliding doors simply have a higher glass to frame ratio, and little blocks the view of your garden or the countryside behind it which can be aesthetically pleasing and add to open schemes. If you want to maximise natural light or have larger, year-round views of your garden, sliding doors can be a better choice.”
Which is more cost effective?
More than ever, we are conscious of our spending and wish to protect the environment. Matthew offers guidance on the most cost-effective and energy-efficient design solutions.
“They’re both similar in price, it depends on the configurations. However, sliding doors with a few panes become noticeably more expensive as they become wider because huge single units of glass are quite expensive.
“Because they have a smaller frame, sliding doors are typically more thermally efficient than bifold doors. However, both sliding and bi-folding doors can be customised to meet clients needs.”
You can find out more information about all of Aluminium Doors Direct designs and their services here.
Aluminium Doors Direct are one of the UK’s leading suppliers of high quality Bifolding Doors and Sliding Doors at trade prices. Our sister company Northwich Glass have been providing bespoke glazing solutions for over 60 years and are highly respected in Cheshire and beyond.
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