Bifold Doors

Bifold doors can be perceived as expensive, but they are not when considered in a like-for-like way. Yes, they are more expensive than other patio doors because they are often 4-6 doors compared to the two in French doors. When you consider the square footage, the bifold doors fill the whole space, while patio doors use the walls at the side and the smaller opening. While bifold doors may use the same area as sliding doors, technically, the sliding door is much more straightforward to manufacture as there are just 2 doors and much less frame. Take into account the aluminium plus hinges, corners and frame fixings that go into 4-6 small frames rather than two large ones.

The cost will depend on several factors. The first and most obvious consideration for cost is whether you choose UPVC or aluminium bifold patio doors. The second consideration is quality. There are a lot of bifold doors on the market. The difficulty for you as the customer is knowing the difference. Windows and doors look the same when they are fitted. It’s only in time that you start to see doors dropping because the hinges aren’t sturdy enough or frames bowing because the aluminium or steel inside the frame is not strong enough. The fitting can also make a difference. Your bi-folds need to glide smoothly and this relies on level fitting. Unfortunately, the industry is known for sub-contractors who value speed over quality. That’s the reason we fully employ our installation engineers. They know that quality takes precedence and will take their time to ensure the perfect installation. There is no difference in cost whether you live in Cardiff or anywhere else.

Sometimes the perception is related to house value. A set of doors costs the same whether you have a 2-bed bungalow in the South Wales countryside as it does for a 6-bedroom house in the middle of Cardiff.

To use a much-quoted answer; ‘how long is a piece of string?’ It really is as diverse as that. You can buy bifold doors from DIY shops such as Wickes and B&Q. That’s probably the cheapest way if that’s the priority. Will they stand the test of time? It’s a gamble and you won’t know the answer until they fail. Single door prices can vary from around £700 – £2,500. The difference is that when you pay for quality, you can expect your doors to last a lot longer. With bifold doors, you really do get what you pay for. Our quotes are free and without obligation so there’s no harm in letting us measure up. Pop your details in the chat below and we’ll give you a call to arrange to come and measure for you.

There are several types of blinds that can be used on bifold patio doors. You can order them with integral blinds. These are Venetian blinds inside the double-glazed units, so they do not impede the use of your doors at all. Of course, once they’re in, you cannot change them.

They are a good choice if you want a modern look. They also work well if your doors open on the outside and you’re inclined to leave the doors open when it rains.

There are more options available if your blinds are fitted to the outside of the profile. All of the pleated blinds usually reserved for conservatories are suitable for this and offer super choices of fabric, including blackout and thermal protection if your doors are south-facing.

These blinds can be either screwed into the frame or fitted with clips. The two popular clip-in systems are Intu and Perfect Fit. You need to be wary of these as the Perfect Fit has a frame all the way around, and the Intu has a frame at the top. Both of these options sit on top of the door frame so they may stop your doors from folding flat. The screw-in conservatory blinds normally fit within the recess of the door. Some of the bifold patio doors have a shallower profile, so check this before ordering. Check with your supplier that this will not affect the warranty.

It isn’t popular in Cardiff to have curtains at the side as they hang over the doors. If you have a preference for curtains, a style where they hang straight in tubes may be preferable to one where they are draped across the window and held back with tie-backs. One of our Cardiff customers was adamant that they wanted curtains, so in this case, we suggested making the opening smaller to allow for a small wall at the side. This saved money on the bifolds and allowed space for the curtains.

Our complete range of products is available on finance including conservatory roof replacement, windows and doors and conservatories.

If you are considering new external bifold doors, contact us to first arrange for us to visit, measure up and provide a quotation.

Before making a decision about new windows, consider your budget and all of the available options carefully, as this will help you to settle on a solution that provides maximum enjoyment.

Much of what you read or hear about aluminium and uPVC bifold doors may be biased. A salesperson or business can be incentivised to sell one or the other or may not have one of them available. Personal bias may also be a factor. Older fans of uPVC may have grown up shivering with the old Crittal windows, which were appalling for heat control. Those who have suffered the first generation of uPVC bifold doors may have sworn off them for life.

Neither aluminium nor uPVC is more disposed towards condensation. Condensation comes from factors within the home related to the temperature outside. Read our article if you want to know more about why condensation forms on modern windows.

None of these claims applies anymore. Modern technology has ensured that whichever material you choose, your bifold doors will meet standards for security, safety and thermal efficiency. They all have long guarantees, and you will be happy with either. Your choice is likely to be dependent on size. Aluminium is more stable for large sizes and a higher number of leaves.

At Heath Windows and Doors, you will hear a balanced view. We have no preference for either. They both provide a perfect solution, depending on the application. We’ll tell you about the advantages and disadvantages of each and the suitability for your style of home, your needs and your budget.