Aluminium bi-folding doors info please

happyhero

We have 2 sets of patio doors in our extension and have been thinking of changing them as they are very old and my daughters friend smashed the inner pane recently forcing us into a decision so I started reading up on types and we fancy 2 sets of bi-folding doors. Googling this it seems the order of quality for want of a better description is PVC, then aluminium and then wood obviously more expensive as you get to wood.

We like the idea of wood but dont really want years of maintenance and think the cost may be too high initially anyway so we are looking at aluminium.

So some questions, what should we look for in aluminium to know we are buying quality?

Also we live in Epsom in Surrey so any idea who is good near this area that could supply and fit?

How easy would it be for me to do myself, I am from a building services/engineering background so quite handy with stuff usually?

Any help appreciated.

sillygoose

I think thats the wrong order..

Aluminium is best, then UPVC then Wood last.

Aluminium being stronger often allows for thinner frames and therefore more light let in. You can have aluminium ones with different finishes (on either side) so can have a nice clean white inside that will not clash with changes of decour and a decent wood effect outside to match other windows if say you had rosewood or mahogany UPVC window frames already.

I would let the professionals fit it, mine came as one very big fully assembled and glazed frame that was very heavy. It needed careful fitting and they had made a specific fit metal plate to sit it on to get the height right. If its twisted in any way its going to run badly. Also it was their responsibility to measure it up, if it arrived and didn't fit it was their problem and not me left with a £2500 garden ornament.