Bifold Doors
Visually stunning bifold doors
Bifold doors can transform your back garden and your living space. Keeping your home warm in the winter, while also being able to bask in the summer light, makes a bifold door one of the most stylish yet practical options for the rear of your home.
At Core Sash Windows, we specialise in only the finest timber sash windows, casements and doors. You’ll be sure to find the perfect bifold door for your home in our extensive range.
What are bifold doors
Bifold doors are doors that span the entire length or width of a wall and are made up of a series of panels, hinges and sliding rails. These hinge mechanisms and sliding rails allow the door panels to fold over each other while sliding down to the opposite end of the frame.
The result is a door with many panels that can be slid down and tucked away tidily, while allowing the whole wall to open up to a garden or decking area.
Hardwood vs softwood bifold doors
Timber bifold doors can either be made from hardwoods or softwoods — each having different strengths and weaknesses.
Hardwoods are known for their durability, strength and natural high-quality finish, however, they cost a lot more. Softwoods are less expensive, can be more easily shaped, moulded or customised and are just as thermo-efficient as their hardwood counterparts, but aren’t as durable.
Some of the main woods commonly used on timber doors are:
Hardwood
- Oak
- Mahogany
- Accoya
- Ash
- Beech
Softwood
- Pinus Sylvestris (aka Redwood)
- Cedar
- Western Red
- Douglas Fir
- Parana Pine
- Spruce
Advantages of our doors
Despite conflicting opinions, timber doors boast many advantages when compared to their UPVC, fibreglass or hollow metal counterparts.
The benefits of our high-quality timber doors include:
Improved energy efficiency – Timber is a great insulator. It’s naturally efficient at locking in the warmth in the winter and trapping the cool air inside during the summer — making it a versatile material to use all year round.
They’re aesthetically pleasing – Timber is a hot trend now and it’s showing no signs of slowing down. Timber bifold doors give even modern homes that highly-sought-after rustic finish and feel.
Practicality – Timber is much easier to repair. When parts of UPVC and hollow metal frames break or wear down overtime, whole sections of the frame and door often need to be replaced — if not, the entire door unit. Timber can be treated and preserved in specific areas, actually giving it the ability to outlast doors made from other man-made materials.
Security – Despite being old in style, they’ve got all the security features of modern doors. Encompassing thick, durable timber and secure locking mechanisms, any well-made bifold door can be secured to deter even the most experienced criminals.
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FAQs:
What are common problems with bifold doors?
As long as a bifold door is well-maintained, there generally should be minimal issues with using them a lot. However, like with every design, some problems will inevitably show themselves over time.
A common issue with bifold doors is the folding and sliding mechanisms themselves. Although they’re incredible stylish and can transform the look and feel of your home, there’s a lot of moving parts, hinges and mechanisms that go into constructing a bifold door.
Over time, these hinges can stiffen, and the bolts can loosen — causing problems with alignment and movement if not maintained properly.
It’s important to check that all the bolts are secure, and hinges are well lubricated to avoid these issues.
Why are bifold doors more expensive than others?
Bifold doors are a big statement for any home — and big statements cost more money.
Because a bifold door takes up a lot of space and has a large profile, more materials, locking mechanisms, hinges and labour goes into building a retractable bifold door than a conventional one.
Do you need planning permission to put in bifold doors?
Provided the bifold door isn’t part of a planned home extension — and is being built into the existing structure — you do not need to seek planning permission to install a bifold door.
If you live in rented accommodation, you’ll need permission from the landowner before undertaking renovations.
Are bifold doors easy to break into?
Bifold doors are much more secure than people may think.
Although timber or UPVC is perceived to be stronger than the glass panels, high-quality glazed windows are incredibly difficult to break without drawing attention.
As for the weak points — like the locks or hinges — these are no less secure than on conventional doors. A high-quality bifold door can keep your home just as safe as any conventional one.
What is the difference between a bifold and a folding door?
The only difference between bifold doors and folding doors are where they are hinged.
A folding door is traditionally hinged in the middle of the door panels, whereas bifold doors have they hinges located at the top and bottom of the panels.
How do you keep a room warm with bifold doors?
You don’t need to worry about the cold getting in with a well-made, timber bifold door.
High-grade timber acts an effective insulator for locking in the heat in the winter, and when combined with double glazing, can match even the most thermo-efficient doors and windows.
At Core Sash Windows, you can rest easy knowing that we only work with the finest materials money can buy — helping you to upgrade your home’s look and keep energy bills down.
Why are my bifold doors wet at the bottom?
If the track that helps to keep the bifold doors in place within the frame is damaged — for example, it has bent — it can cause water to pool in these areas as rainwater no longer has anywhere to run off.
If this is the case, it’s likely the track will have to be replaced.
If you’re worried that your bifold doors are worn out and tattered, head over to enquiries page where we can help get you started and book you in a free, no-obligation measuring and quote today!