STEEL LOOK ALUMINIUM

There are several reasons why someone might choose external bifold doors for their home or commercial property:

1. Maximized Natural Light: Bifold doors typically feature large glass panels, which allow ample natural light to enter the interior spaces, creating a bright and airy atmosphere.
2. Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Connection: When fully opened, bifold doors create a wide opening that seamlessly connects indoor and outdoor living spaces, making it easier to entertain guests or enjoy outdoor activities.
3. Space-Saving Design: Unlike traditional hinged doors or sliding doors that require clearance space for opening, bifold doors fold neatly to the side, maximizing usable floor space both indoors and outdoors.
4. Enhanced Views: The large glass panels of bifold doors provide unobstructed views of the outdoor surroundings, allowing occupants to enjoy the beauty of their garden, patio, or landscape from the comfort of their home.
5. Versatility: Bifold doors are available in various sizes, configurations, and materials to suit different architectural styles and design preferences. They can be customized to fit specific openings and can be installed in new construction or as part of a renovation project.
6. Ventilation: When partially opened, bifold doors allow for natural ventilation, helping to improve indoor air quality and regulate temperature.
7. Energy Efficiency: High-quality bifold doors with energy-efficient glazing options can help reduce heat loss during colder months and minimize heat gain in warmer climates, leading to potential energy savings on heating and cooling costs.
8. Security: Our bifold doors are equipped with multi-point locking systems which comes with Approved British security certification of PAS 24 and toughened glass for added security, which helping to keep the property safe and secure with extra peace of mind.

Overall, external bifold doors offer a stylish, practical, and versatile solution for enhancing the aesthetics, functionality, and liveability of indoor and outdoor spaces in residential and commercial buildings.

• Bifold doors’ energy efficiency can be assessed through two primary metrics: U value and energy rating. Traditionally, U value measured heat loss, with lower values indicating better insulation. Energy ratings, introduced since June 15th, 2022, also consider solar gain alongside heat loss.
• Current building regulations stipulate that bifold doors must have a U value of 1.4wm2k or achieve an energy rating of C for replacements and extensions. For new builds, the U value must be 1.4wm2k or lower; energy ratings are not applicable. It’s crucial to obtain U values or energy ratings for the complete bifold set, as this is the key figure for compliance.
• Some companies may only provide the U value of the glass, which can be misleading Cortizo Aluminium Bifold doors typically offer superior thermal performance compared to other cheap aluminium doors, Cortizo Bifold doors are thermally broken Aluminium Doors which give you excellent thermal performance up to 1.0 wm2k or lower.
• A thermal break, such as polyamide, is essential in aluminium doors to prevent energy flow. Our external bifold doors exceed regulatory requirements and provide U values for the complete bifold set, ensuring consumers make informed decisions about energy-efficient options.
• All our Aluminium Bifold door system offers below 1.0 wm2k over all u value which is consider excellent thermal performance that easily compete any building regulation in the UK.

Bifold doors can be used in various locations and settings, both in residential and commercial properties. Here are some common applications.

1. Residential Homes: Bifold doors are frequently used in residential properties to connect indoor living spaces with outdoor areas such as patios, gardens, decks, or balconies. They are often installed in areas such as:

• Backyards: Bifold doors provide easy access to outdoor entertainment areas and create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living spaces.
• Sunrooms or conservatories: Bifold doors can be used to open up sunrooms or conservatories, allowing homeowners to enjoy the benefits of natural light and fresh air.
• Master bedrooms: Bifold doors can be installed in master bedrooms to create a private retreat with direct access to a patio or balcony.

2. Commercial Buildings: In commercial properties, bifold doors are used for various purposes, including:

• Restaurants and cafes: Bifold doors are commonly used in restaurants and cafes to create a flexible dining space that can be opened up to sidewalk seating or outdoor dining areas.
• Retail shops: Bifold doors can be used in retail stores to create an inviting storefront with easy access for customers.
• Offices and conference rooms: Bifold doors can be used to create flexible meeting spaces that can be opened up for collaborative work or closed for privacy.

3. Garden Rooms and Studios: Bifold doors are often used in garden rooms, studios, or home offices to provide a bright and airy workspace with direct access to the garden or outdoor area.

4. Pool Houses and Outdoor Entertainment Areas: Bifold doors can be installed in pool houses or outdoor entertainment areas to create a seamless connection between indoor amenities and outdoor recreational spaces.

5. Hotels and Resorts: Bifold doors are sometimes used in hotels and resorts to create luxury suites with private balconies or terraces, providing guests with stunning views and access to outdoor amenities. Overall, bifold doors can be used in a wide range of settings to enhance indoor-outdoor connectivity, maximize natural light, and create versatile living and working spaces.

External bifold doors can be very secure when properly designed, installed, and equipped with appropriate security features. They are more secure especially when compared with older doors, here are several factors that contribute to the security of Modern external bifold doors:

1. Multi-Point Locking Systems: These are standard on most bifold doors, usually fitted to the lead or traffic door. Operating multiple locking points spread along the door’s height, they typically use a single key. There are two main types all comes with Pas 24 Security approved testing.

• Cylinder Locks: Optimal security requires an anti-snap/bump cylinder meeting the TS007 standard with a 3-star rating and a kitemark.
• Cylinder-less Locks: These offer heightened security by eliminating the cylinder, thwarting lock snapping, or bumping risks.

2. Twin Point Locks: Exclusive to aluminium bifold door systems, twin point locks enhance security on non-traffic doors. Activated by a centrally mounted handle, they engage locking bolts at the door’s top and bottom.

3. Drop Bolts or Slide Bolts: Functioning similarly to twin point locks, drop bolts are individually mounted at the door’s top and bottom, requiring separate operation for securing the door.

4. Glazing: Standard bifold doors feature toughened double-glazed units, which comes in PAS 24 APROVED Certification. For additional protection, laminated glass, comprising two bonded glass pieces with a safety film, can be specified at an extra cost. This feature, akin to car windshields, ensures the glass remains intact even upon impact, deterring intruders.

The cost of bifold doors can vary widely depending on factors such as the material, size, design, glazing options, and installation requirements. Here are some general price ranges to consider.

• The material used in construction: aluminium
• Number of doors
• Glazing e.g. double glazed, triple glazed, laminated glass, etc.

Some example prices can be found in the below table.

You rarely need to apply for planning permission to install exterior bifold doors in an existing opening in your home. But in some case bifold doors require planning permission depends on various factors, including local building regulations, the specific characteristics of the property, and the intended changes to the structure. Here are some considerations:

1. Permitted Development Rights: In many cases, homeowners may be able to install bifold doors under permitted development rights, which allow certain types of home improvements and extensions without the need for planning permission. However, permitted development rights can be subject to restrictions and limitations, such as size, location, and materials used. It’s essential to check with the local planning authority or consult a professional to determine whether your project falls within permitted development rights.
2. Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas: If your property is located in a conservation area or is a listed building, additional planning restrictions may apply. Changes to the exterior of these properties are often subject to stricter regulations to preserve their architectural character and historical significance. In such cases, you may need to obtain planning permission before installing bifold doors.
3. Building Regulations: Even if planning permission is not required, you may still need to comply with building regulations, which set standards for structural integrity, thermal efficiency, safety, and accessibility. Bifold doors must meet these regulations to ensure they are structurally sound, energy-efficient, and provide adequate ventilation.

In summary, while some installations of exterior bifold doors may not require planning permission under permitted development rights, it’s crucial to check with the local planning authority and comply with any relevant regulations and restrictions before proceeding with the project.

Consulting with a professional architect or planner can help ensure that your installation meets all necessary requirements and avoids potential issues.

If you need any help in your situation, we can also find out for your weather you need planning permission or not. Simply email us, we would love to help you.

Top-hung and bottom-rolling are two distinct types of mechanisms used in bifold doors, each with its own set of characteristics and considerations. Here’s a comparison of the two:

Top-Hung Bifold Doors:

In a top-hung system, the weight of the bifold door panels is supported by rollers that run along a track mounted to the top of the door frame.

Advantages:

Top hung systems have the main track located in the frame head; the doors attach to the track via a carrier with rollers. The doors then ‘hang’ from this track. To prevent the possibility of the rollers/doors falling out during operation they are fully enclosed within the main track. The guide track is located in the threshold.

1. Lower threshold: Guide tracks have a slimmer profile than main tracks, as the guide track is located in the threshold on top hung systems the overall height of the threshold can be lower. This looks better and also prevents the likely hood of people tripping over it.
2. Low Maintenance: General debris is highly unlikely to collect in the upper track this results in less cleaning and maintenance being required.
3. Keeps doors secured: It’s impossible for the doors to fall out of the top hung track adding an extra layer of safety.
4. Effortless Operation: As the door’s weight hangs from the top, they require much less effort to fold and slide together.

Considerations:

• Structural support: Top-hung bifold doors require strong overhead support to bear the weight of the panels.
• Installation: Installing top-hung bifold doors may necessitate additional structural reinforcement, potentially increasing installation costs.

Bottom-Hung Bifold Doors:

Bottom rolling systems are the opposite of top hung the main track is in the sill/threshold and all the door’s weight is carried by the rollers on the floor during operation. The guide track located in the head stops the doors from falling outward during use.

In a bottom-rolling system, the weight of the bifold door panels is carried by rollers that run along a track mounted to the bottom of the door frame.

Advantages:

1. Versatility: Bottom-rolling bifold doors can be installed in a broader range of settings, including areas with limited overhead clearance or where structural support for top-hung doors is impractical.
2. Ease of installation: Bottom-rolling bifold doors may be simpler and more economical to install, as they typically require less structural support overhead.
3. Installation: Doesn’t require many fixings in the guide track located in the frame head.
4. Require less support: As bottom rolling systems carry the weight of the doors on the floor the support or lintel needed above the doors is greatly reduced.

Considerations:

• Floor track: Bottom-rolling bifold doors necessitate a track mounted to the floor, which may collect dirt and debris and pose a tripping hazard.
• More Maintenance: You will need to regularly clean the bottom main track to keep the doors operating smoothly and prevent jamming or blockages caused by debris.
• Higher threshold: The main track is usually larger than the guide track, bottom roller systems therefore generally have a higher threshold than top hung systems, this can be a trip hazard.
• Safety: If the bottom main track is very poorly supported the track can start to dip. While unlikely if the dip is large enough it could allow the doors to fall out of the top guide.

The choice between top-hung and bottom-rolling bifold doors depends on various factors, including structural considerations, installation requirements, aesthetic preferences, and specific application needs. In general, top-hung mechanisms are favoured for their smooth operation and unobstructed floor clearance, while bottom-rolling mechanisms offer versatility and may be more suitable for certain installations where overhead support is limited. Ultimately, it’s essential to carefully evaluate these factors to determine which type of bifold door best suits your requirements.

The best configuration for an external bifold door depends on various factors, including the layout of your space, your aesthetic preferences, and how you plan to use the doors. Here are some popular configurations to consider:

1. Number of Panels:

• The number of panels determines the width of the opening when the doors are fully folded.
• Common configurations include 2-panel, 3-panel, 4-panel, or even larger configurations for wider openings.
• Larger openings may require more panels for stability and smooth operation.

2. Direction of Folding:

• Bifold doors can fold to one side or both sides, depending on the available space and your preferences.
• Bi-parting configuration: The doors fold to both sides, meeting in the middle when fully open. This configuration provides a symmetrical look and balanced opening.
• Single-swing configuration: The doors fold to one side, creating a larger opening on one side. This configuration is suitable when space is limited on one side or for creating a focal point.

3. Access Door:

• Consider including a single access door within the bifold system for easy entry and exit without having to open the entire door set.
• The access door can be positioned at one end or in the middle of the bifold configuration, depending on your preference and space layout.

4. Traffic Flow:

• Determine the primary traffic flow in your space and configure the bifold doors accordingly to ensure smooth movement between indoor and outdoor areas.
• Position the access door or the majority of the panels where traffic flow is highest to minimize obstruction.

5. Glazing Conriguration:

• Choose the configuration of glazing panels based on your desired aesthetic and the amount of natural light you want to maximize.
• Consider larger glass panels for unobstructed views and enhanced indoor-outdoor connectivity.

6. Symmetry and Balance:

• Aim for symmetry and balance in the configuration to create a visually appealing design.
• Ensure that the proportions of the panels are consistent and harmonize with the overall architecture of your home.

Ultimately, the best configuration for your external bifold door will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and the layout of your space. It’s essential to carefully consider each aspect and consult with a professional if needed to design a bifold door system that enhances both the functionality and aesthetics of your home.

Over the past few decades, there have been significant advancements in door and window technology, resulting in improved draught exclusion. While this has led to enhanced energy efficiency, it has also raised concerns about indoor air quality and moisture levels due to increased airtightness. To address this issue, manufacturers have introduced trickle vents, which allow controlled airflow between spaces, especially across door sets.

Since June 15th, 2022, building regulations have mandated increased background ventilation, often achieved through trickle vents. These regulations can be intricate, so it’s advisable to seek guidance from local building control authorities. As a general guideline:

• Replacement windows equipped with background ventilation must match or exceed the previous level of ventilation. If the windows lack background ventilation or the ventilation rate is unknown, replacement windows must adhere to specific requirements:
• For habitable rooms and kitchens: a minimum equivalent area (EA) of 8000mm² or 10,000mm² in single-story new-build dwellings.
• For bathrooms (with or without a toilet): a minimum EA of 4000mm².
• If the dwelling will have continuous mechanical extract ventilation, each habitable room should have a minimum EA of 4000mm² of background ventilation.

When installing an external bifold door in a room with no other windows or roof lights for ventilation, it’s recommended to include trickle vents. Additionally, opening windows for a few minutes daily can help improve air quality. Having efficient extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom is particularly crucial for controlling moisture levels in the home.

While it is possible for some individuals with appropriate skills and experience to fit bifold doors themselves, it’s generally recommended to hire a professional installer for several reasons:

1. Complexity: Installing bifold doors can be complex, especially for larger or custom configurations. Proper alignment, adjustment of tracks, and ensuring correct operation require precision and expertise.
2. Structural Considerations: Installing bifold doors may involve structural alterations, such as removing walls or enlarging openings. A professional installer can assess structural requirements and ensure proper installation without compromising the integrity of your home.
3. Warranty: Bifold doors often come with specific installation instructions provided by the manufacturer. Following these instructions carefully is crucial to ensure proper fit, function, and warranty coverage.
4. Safety: Bifold doors are heavy and require careful handling during installation to prevent accidents or injury. Professional installers are trained in safety protocols and have the necessary equipment to handle doors safely.
5. Expertise: Professional installers have the experience and expertise to overcome challenges and ensure a high-quality installation. They can also provide valuable advice on door selection, configuration, and maintenance.

If you’re considering installing bifold doors yourself, carefully evaluate your skills, experience, and the complexity of the installation. For more straightforward installations, such as replacing existing doors with similar-sized bifold doors, DIY installation may be feasible with proper research and preparation. However, for more complex installations or custom configurations, hiring a professional installer is strongly recommended to ensure optimal results and avoid potential issues down the line.

Choosing between bifold and sliding doors depends on several factors, including your specific needs, preferences, and the characteristics of your space. Here’s a comparison to help you make an informed decision:

Bi Fold Doors:

1. Space Saving: Bifold doors fold neatly to the side, requiring less space when fully open. This makes them ideal for areas with limited space or where maximizing the opening width is essential.
2. Indoor-Outdoor Flow: Bifold doors create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, providing an open and airy feel. They allow for wide openings, enhancing connectivity and facilitating indoor-outdoor living.
3. Versatility: Bifold doors come in various configurations and sizes, offering flexibility in design. They can be customized to suit different architectural styles and accommodate large openings.
4. Enhanced View: With their large glass panels, bifold doors offer expansive views of the surrounding landscape or garden, maximizing natural light and creating a visually stunning focal point.
5. Aesthetic Appeal: Bifold doors add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any property, enhancing its curb appeal and value.
6. Security: Bifold doors can be equipped with advanced locking systems and security features to ensure the safety of your home or property. all our products are available with High level of PAS 24 Approved Certification for peace of your mind.

 
Sliding Doors:

Sliding doors operate on a simple sliding mechanism, offering smooth and effortless operation. They are easy to use and require minimal maintenance.

1. Space Efficiency: Sliding doors are ideal for narrow spaces or where there isn’t enough room for swinging doors. They slide horizontally along tracks, saving space both indoors and outdoors.
2. Modern Design: Sliding doors have a sleek and contemporary appearance, making them a popular choice for modern homes and commercial properties. For a panoramic view with a sleek profile, our sliding doors boast a remarkably slim 20mm interlock at the centre. This design maximizes the glazing area, providing an impressive 94% clear glass view in 100% of total aperture.
3. Energy Efficiency: Sliding doors with high-quality glazing provide excellent insulation and energy efficiency, helping to reduce heating and cooling costs.
4. Security: Sliding doors can be equipped with advanced locking systems and security features to ensure the safety of your home or property. All our products are available with High level of PAS 24 Approved Certification for peace of your mind.

Summery.

We’ve designed a quick-reference guide highlighting the fundamental differences between bifold and sliding doors. Both options offer great solutions, but your choice between bifold and sliding doors, consider factors such as your space constraints, desired aesthetic, functionality requirements, and budget. It’s also helpful to consult with a professional who can assess your specific needs and recommend the most suitable option for your home or project. Ultimately, both bifold and sliding doors offer unique benefits, and the best choice depends on your individual preferences and circumstances.

While initially bifold doors may appear more costly, particularly premium options like our slimline aluminium bifold doors, which are slightly pricier than standard aluminium bifold doors, there are instances where the opposite holds true. For example, our premium sliding doors may surpass the cost of any bifold door available in the market. These sliding doors offer an expansive panoramic view with a moving glass screen of 4m x 4m, available in both manual and remote-control options. They are meticulously crafted to meet the requirements of high-end contemporary architectural glazing projects, providing an impressive 94% glass coverage in 100% of the total aperture.

So, if you’re evaluating standard solutions, the bifold door may seem a bit more expensive compared to the sliding door. However, in the realm of demanding architectural glazing projects, bifold doors emerge as the more cost-effective choice.