Why Choose Aluminium Bifold Doors?

When you’re looking to make any changes to your home, be it paint colour or something more drastic like installing a set of bifold doors, there’s a lot of thought that needs to go into it before you commit.

Today, we thought we’d run you through a couple of reasons to choose aluminium bifold doors for you home. Hopefully, our run down will give you a better idea of what your investment is going in to, and how much it could cost, too.

What are the Benefits of Aluminium Bifold Doors?

As a homeowner, each decision you make is likely to be carefully considered. You’ll find yourself asking if this will add value to your home, whether it will stand the test of time, and whether it’s worth the investment. If you’re considering installing aluminium bifold doors, then you might be asking yourself these exact questions right now.

The benefits of installing aluminium doors over uPVC and timber are wide-ranging from strength to aesthetics, and everything in between:

Strength

Aluminium is a low-density metal which means that it is incredibly strong whilst also being lightweight. Since it has a much lower density than other materials such as steel, a frame made from aluminium will weigh considerably less than its steel counterpart.

Unlike timber, aluminium isn’t affected by the changeable British weather. So, whether they’re exposed to direct sunlight, freezing temperatures, or downpours your aluminium bifold doors won’t contract or expand.

Slim Profile

The inherent strength of aluminium means that your frames can be much narrower than when manufactured from timber or plastic. Slimmer frames me that you can enjoy maximal glazing for the most aesthetically pleasing finish.

Less frame and more glazing means that you will enjoy uninterrupted views of your outside space; allowing plenty of light to filter through throughout the year.

Low Maintenance

When the sun’s out, the last thing you want to be doing is going around staining and treating your windows and doors. Aluminium bifold doors are often finished with a tough powder coat finish (often in grey or white though custom colours and finishes are available from particular suppliers) which is incredibly hardy and designed to be scratch and stain-resistant whilst also looking great.

Aluminium is also rust-resistant and doesn’t corrode easily meaning that they’ll stay looking like new for much longer than their uPVC or timber cousins.

To maintain your bifold doors, all that you’ll need to do is give the door surfaces and inner chambers a wash with warm soapy water occasionally. As with any door, you should also check that the locking elements are clean, clear and well-lubricated to maintain the smooth operation of your chosen doors.

Versatile

Aluminium bifold doors are incredibly versatile and can be purchased with a range of extras already in situ. This includes elements such as integrated blinds which sit between the panes of glass, built-in ventilation to keep your home condensation-free and well-aired. These aren’t just doors; these are high-tech doors!

How Much Do Aluminium Doors Cost?

Ah, the million-dollar question; how much do aluminium bifold doors cost? Luckily, it’s nowhere near one million dollars, though the price will vary depending on the size of doors that you require for your home.

Bifold doors can range in size from a relatively compact 1.8 metres in width to an impressive 4.8 metres spanning an entire wall of your home!

There are several aspects to consider when it comes to the overall cost of bifold doors; the purchase price of the doors themselves, and the labour required to fit them.

The doors themselves can range from £1500 and upwards for 1.8 metre aluminium bifold doors all the way up to £5000 plus for a set of 4.8m doors.

In terms of labour to install your bifold doors where there is already a large door or bifolding door in place (i.e. replacing your older, timber, doors with fresh new aluminium ones), you could be looking at anything between £600 - £1500 including VAT. You could expect the installation of a smaller set of bifolding doors to take around half a day, whilst a larger set could take anything from one full day upwards.

If you don’t currently have a set of patio doors, or an aperture available for your doors to be fitted, or you’re looking to expand an existing doorway, then you’ll require a general builder to help you with that.

In Summary

Thinking about purchasing and fitting aluminium bifold doors for your home? If you have any questions, please contact us today and a member of our team will be happy to offer help and specialist advice to ensure you’re making the right decision for your home.

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How long do aluminium bifold doors last?

With proper maintenance and care, the frames of aluminium doors and windows will usually last around 45 years without weakening, warping or losing their visual appeal. Your doors will need only minimal maintenance throughout that time, though you should take care to clean and lubricate the tracks on a regular basis to prevent sticking and the need to force the doors, which can put undue strain on them and reduce the lifespan.

Are aluminium doors sustainable?

When it comes to patio door materials, aluminium is easily the most sustainable option. This is because aluminium can be recycled almost endlessly, so no waste is created when you decide you need new doors - your aluminum frames can be turned into cans, window frames or more doors.

Of course, a lot of other factors will effect the overall sustainability of your aluminium patio doors - take a look at our post on eco-friendly patio doors for more tips on picking an environmentally friendly solution for your home.

Are aluminium doors secure?

The strength of aluminium bifold doors make them one of the most secure options available. It is not possible for potential intruders to break, bend or manipulate the doors. That said, there are other steps you can take to make sure your external bifold doors are secure too.

Are aluminium doors waterproof?

Aluminium is a naturally rust-resistant material which makes aluminium patio doors one of the best weathproof options. Unlike timber doors, you don’t have to worry about water getting into aluminium frames as they won’t swell or warp. This means you don’t need to worry about refinishing them to keep them at their best.

It is unlikely that the incredibly tough powder coating will get scratched but even if it does, aluminium will hold up well when exposed.

Do aluminum bifold doors expand in heat?

Wind and rain aren’t the only elements that aluminium bifold doors can withstand. They will also hold their shape and size in the sun and won’t expand in the heat, even on the hottest days. Expanding in heat and contracting in cooler temperatures can seriously weaken door frames and is common in uPVC and wooden doors. With aluminium doors, the temperature changes needed to effect the material are so great, they are unlikely to occur naturally.