Buying bifold doors - what should i look for

greyteam1959

As to sliding doors lasting over time.
I have a large sliding door in a Anglian Windows 'Garden Room'.
It's our main access door & is opened & shut maybe 30 times a day.
Fitted 31 years ago & still working as good as the day it was put in.

longwalks1

Thanks all - have had a think and an hour stood outside in the freezing cold (in Essex) and decided on sliding doors.  11 months of the year they’ll be closed anyway, so a better view and more light all the way (and it’s a South facing garden)

any recommendations on a decent manufacturer?  And if they do triple glazed, is it worth the extra? 

Doozergirl

britishboy said:

Thanks all - have had a think and an hour stood outside in the freezing cold (in Essex) and decided on sliding doors.  11 months of the year they’ll be closed anyway, so a better view and more light all the way (and it’s a South facing garden)

any recommendations on a decent manufacturer?  And if they do triple glazed, is it worth the extra? 

The additional insulating properties of a triple glazed window to a double glazed windows won't pay you back anywhere near like in savings like the difference between double and single glazed. 

It's a nice to have feature but it isn't exactly worth the extra on an average house when you do the maths.  You get to a point with most TG windows where the frame isn't as insulating as the glass! 

We have new double and triple glazed rooflights.    The snow sits on both for a ridiculously long time so I can't see out of the upstairs windows!  The snow stayed on the DG for an entire day and triple glazed stayed for days, but it may well be that it's flat and the double glazed are angled Velux, so it wasn't sliding off but slightly melting and refreezing. 

Both are incredibly impressive to me, either way.  

longwalks1

Thanks DGirl - Will definately look at sliding doors now, aluminium frame and minimal sight-line.   And double glazed 

Thanks again

oliviashepherd

I recommend using slide and fold doors instead of bifold doors, reasons as below

1. Unmatched Versatility: One of the standout features lies in the unparalleled versatility of slide and fold doors. Unlike traditional bifold options, these doors allow you to effortlessly slide or fold the panels, adapting the space to your needs. Whether you want to connect your indoor and outdoor areas or create a cozy corner, this fluid and adaptable solution is unmatched.

2. Seamless Integration: The magic lies in the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. Bristol's slide and fold doors boast a design that eliminates the boundaries between your living areas, inviting natural light and the outdoors into your home. This creates a harmonious blend that transcends the limitations of traditional bifolds.

3. Effortless Operation: Gone are the days of struggling with heavy and cumbersome doors. The sliding and folding mechanism ensures that you can open up your space with ease, offering a hassle-free experience that beats the sometimes finicky nature of traditional bifold options.

4. Elegant Aesthetics: Slide and fold doors add a touch of sophistication to your living space. With their sleek lines and modern design, these doors become a statement piece that complements any architectural style. The aesthetic appeal of these doors goes beyond functionality, creating a visual allure that is hard to match with traditional options.

5. Enhanced Accessibility: Accessibility is a key consideration, and these doors address this with thoughtful design. The smooth glide and fold operation make these doors accessible to everyone, regardless of age or physical ability. This inclusivity sets them apart from traditional bifold options that may pose challenges for some users.

FreeBear

Doozergirl said: It's a nice to have feature but it isn't exactly worth the extra on an average house when you do the maths.  You get to a point with most TG windows where the frame isn't as insulating as the glass!

The frames only contribute a small amount to the overall thermal performance of a window or door. As the glass is the biggest area, it makes sense to go for the best performing sealed units as you can within the budget.

Suggest you also make space above the opening for a curtain rail - In the depths of winter, having some thick thermal curtains will help to keep the room warm during the evening & night.