Despite costing a little more than other types of doors, bi-folding doors are popular with UK customers.
This type of door offers many benefits, including space-saving, energy efficiency, versatility, and low maintenance.
Bi-folding doors can enhance the look and functionality of your home or business premises.
If you’re looking for ‘bi-fold doors Manchester’, you’ve come to the right place. At Manchester Window Factory, we have over ten years of experience supplying and installing the highest-quality bi-fold doors.
You may have decided on bi-fold doors but, with so many options available, it’s natural to have some questions.
We’ve compiled this quick guide featuring answers to some of our customers’ most frequently asked questions.
What are Bi-Folding Doors
A bi-fold door is a type of sliding door suitable for your home or business. Requiring less space than traditional doors, they are ideal for small spaces or areas where you want to open up a room.
Operating on a smooth track, bi-folding doors fit seamlessly together when closed, then fold away to maximise space when open.
First introduced in the early 20th century, they have become popular with home and business owners.
Suitable for internal and external use, they can be everything from closet doors and room dividers to conservatories and patio doors.
The versatility of bi-fold doors is one of their major selling points. Although the most popular style only has two panels, you can have four panels, known as a French bifold door, or multiple panels, called accordion bifold doors.
Accordion bi-fold doors are popular with businesses, as they can be opened wider than is usually required in the home.
However, if anyone in the home has mobility issues and requires more space for a wheelchair or similar, bi-fold doors are a good option.
Benefits include:
- Don’t take up too much room
- Allow plenty of natural light
- Energy efficient
- Draught-resistant seals can decrease heat loss and energy bills
- Secure – available with Ultion barrels and laminated glass
- Weather-resistant
- Increase airflow for better ventilation
- Smooth glide action on runners
- Offer stunning views
- Stylish and elegant – curb appeal
- Several styles and configurations are available
- Wide range of colours and finishes
- Customisation available
We offer premium quality aluminium and timber bi-fold doors. You can choose between two and six or seven panels. The doors can stack internally or externally on the track.
Why choose Aluminium Bi-folding Doors?
Our aluminium bi-folding doors offer all of the above benefits and more. With aluminium, you can opt for ultra-slender frames, creating slim sightlines and uninterrupted panoramic views.
Specific benefits of an aluminium bi-folding door include:
- Low-maintenance – never need repainting, easy to clean
- Durable and long-lasting – 10-year insurance-backed guarantee
- Slimline frames available
- Can be sprayed with any RAL colour (including different colours inside and out)
- Can be made to fit almost any size (1.8 to 6 metres)
Why choose Timber Bi-folding Doors?
If you prefer something more traditional, you can opt for timber bi-folding doors.
Specific benefits of timber bi-folding doors include:
- A traditional appearance – perfect for period properties
- Wood treated to avoid water damage
- Usually less expensive than aluminium
- Eco-friendly, sustainably sourced timber
All our bi-folding doors offer smooth-glide technology and a choice of glazing options.
What is the minimum space for bi-fold doors?
The minimum width for a door panel is 70cm. Although it is possible to get smaller panes, they don’t tend to balance properly on runners, leading to issues with folding and stacking.
The maximum space for a bi-fold door is 2.5 metres high and one metre wide.
Do you need permission for bifold doors?
You do not usually need planning permission to install bi-fold doors. However, if you are installing bi-fold doors as part of an extension that exceeds the permitted development rights, you will need to apply for planning permission.
Do I need building regs to install bi-fold doors?
Any new windows or doors you purchase must meet building regulations, including fire safety and energy efficiency. Most bifold doors will need a U-value of 1.8 to qualify. If you hire a CERTASS-certified installer, such as a member of our in-house fitting team, they can perform the necessary checks and self-certify that their work meets building regulations.
Is there a standard size for bi-fold doors?
Yes, at least in height. The standard size for a bi-fold door varies between external and internal units.
What are the dimensions of a standard bi-fold door?
A standard internal bi-fold door will be 6.8 feet or 2078 mm in height, while an average external bi-fold door will be slightly larger at 6.10 feet or 2090mm in height.
Widths vary significantly and depend on the number of panels and the size of the opening required.
Can bi-fold doors open from both sides?
You can open your bi-fold doors from both sides provided you have enough panels (more than three).
When planning your bi-fold doors, you should first decide how wide you need the opening to be. This will determine the number of panels you require.
I have more questions, how do I contact you?
We’ve tried to answer the questions that our customers ask us most often. However, we know that each project is personal and you may have specific queries. If there is anything you would like to discuss, please email us at [email protected] or call us at 0161 976 4739 to request a callback.
You can also fill in our online form for a free no-obligation quote.
If you live locally, you might catch us at our Altrincham showroom. Just check our website for the latest opening times.
In the meantime, you can read some of the fantastic reviews that have earned us a 4.9 rating on TrustATrader.
