Bifold Doors FAQs

 

How much does an aluminium bifold door cost?

The cost of an aluminium bifold door varies depending on your chosen design. Generally, the larger the door, the higher the price. Builders Choice aluminium bi-folding door prices are probably the most competitively priced high-end products in the UK.

If you need an accurate sale price for bifold doors, check out our online bifold door designer. Here you can design your bifold door and get an instant bifold door cost for your project.

Apply for a trade account and ensure you get the latest information on the product range which is expanding all the time.

 

What are the maximum bifold door sizes?

Evolution aluminium bifold doors are available up to 8.4 metres wide, with a maximum of 7 leafs. Each individual door leaf can be up to 1.2 metres wide, with a maximum panel weight of 120kg. They can be manufactured to be anything between 1.8 metres high to 3.0 metres high. This gives you plenty of flexibility with your design choices, so whether you’re looking for a 6m, 4m or 2m bifold door, we can help with your project.

 

What colours are available?

Evolution doors are provided in standard colours white and anthracite grey but for additional cost can be supplied in any RAL colour either to one side or both or even different RAL colours inside and out.  Besides grey and white popular colours include cream RAL9001 and other shades of grey. Imagination has no bounds with aluminium though and any colour is possible.

 

What locks are used on bifold doors?

Evolution bifold doors are PAS24:2016 certified for enhanced security (PAS24:2016 requires laminated glass).

Traffic doors have a three-point dead latch and hook-lock with dedicated strike plates in the frame to protect against tampering. For doors taller than 2.5 metres, a top shootbolt is also incorporated for extra protection from would be-intruders. This door is also protected with a 3 star, BSI accredited security lock cylinder as standard. Intermediate doors feature a dedicated top and bottom shootbolt locking mechanism, operated by low projection handles which allow the doors to stack when folded.

For door configurations that have no swing (traffic) door, doors are locked only with the shootbolt locking mechanism(s). Still compliant with PAS24:2016, the minimum requirement for these schemes is to have at least one locking low projection handle, operable from the inside, which incorporates a cylinder and escutcheon.

 

What bifold door configurations are available?

There are a multitude of different bifold door configurations available, with up to seven leaves. This includes smaller two panel bifold doors for replacing French or patio doors and huge 8m wide bifolds for large extensions or to provide panoramic views.

For easy access to the garden, you can choose a bifold door opening with a single traffic door. And for wide door sets, doors can open from one side or split in the middle and stack either side.

 

What is a traffic door on a bifold?

The traffic door is an ideal solution where the bifold door will be used as one of the main ways in and out of the house. Traffic doors open and close the same as a normal door and are hinged either from the frame or on the end of a run of sashes to open a single door leaf without opening the whole bifold door. A traffic door is always operated with a lever handle and fitted with a high security lock cylinder.

 

Can I have a low threshold that is level with my floor?

Our bi-folding doors can be supplied with a low-level threshold or with the standard rebated threshold sunk to the internal floor level. The latter is the most common solution as this maintains optimum weather performance. Details are shown in our threshold options. Your builder or installer will be familiar with how to survey and install with either method.

The most common method of achieving a threshold level with the internal finished floor level, is to set the frame cill so that externally it fits lower to the outside. This means a small step to the outside but maintains the full weather proofing properties of the rebated frame. Low thresholds are not weather rated and not suitable for exposed locations and have reduced security compared to our other threshold options.

 

Do your bi-folding doors comply with building regulations?

Manufactured to the highest quality under the supervision of The British Standards Institute (BSI) and strictly in accordance with the system designer’s specifications our doors are fully compliant with building regulations for thermal properties (Document L) and, where laminated glass is required and specified, for PAS24:2016 security (Document Q).

 

What is PAS24 Certification?

All external windows and doors at ground floor level (or within easy access) should provide adequate protection against the opportunist burglar and PAS24:2016 is the standard for testing this level of security. PAS24:2016 enhanced security certification is a minimum Building Regulations Document Q requirement for all new dwellings in England and Wales. It is also the recommended minimum standard for refurbishment and replacement projects in existing houses. If you’re interested, PAS is actually short for Publicly Available Specification.

Builders Choice aluminium bifold doors are certified to PAS24:2016 as standard when the laminated glass option is selected. Laminated glass is basically a sheet on one side of the unit which is made up of two panes bonded together with glue. This keeps the glass as a sheet even when smashed, making entry more difficult and taking longer.

Builders Choice advise that security is especially important on bi-folding doors as the potential opening gained by a burglar would enable them to steal almost anything from your property. Doors with other glass options are secure in every aspect other than the absence of laminate in the glass.

 

What is a ‘U’ Value and ‘G’ value?

U-Value is the measure of heat transference (heat loss) through a product. The lower the U-Value the lower the heat loss.

G-Value is the measure of solar gain (heat gain) through a product (usually glass). The lower the G-Value the less heat is conducted into a room or conservatory.

Evolution doors and SMARTGLASS^TM are optimised for the best ‘U’ and ‘G’ values and provide options for your economy and comfort.

 

What is Document L?

Building Regulations Approved Document L consists of four different parts L1A, L1B, L2A and L2B with each part focused on either a new property that is to be built or an existing property that is undergoing home improvement works. To these ends, Approved Document L deals with the conservation of power and fuel. The standards require minimum performance levels for doors and windows U values. The minimum requirement for doors is a U value of 1.8W/m²K.

Builders Choice doors conform with thermal break technology and high-performance glass providing U values well inside the requirements.

Document L also covers ventilation in buildings.

 

What are trickle vents and do I need them?

Trickle vents are slot ventilators that are fixed into window or door frames or sashes. They provide background ventilation that can help to prevent damp and improve internal air quality. If your door is being fitted into a new extension, Building Regulations say that all habitable rooms require a minimum of 5000mm² of trickle ventilation. Typically, this would be provided by 2 4000mm² trickle ventilators. Modern trickle vents are not draughty and can be adjusted for airflow.

If you are replacing a door and not changing the structural width of the opening then Building Regulations do not apply. If the door you are replacing had trickle ventilation then you will need to include it. You may choose to have ventilators fitted even if it is not required. If your project requires ventilation and you have no other means of ventilation in a room (e.g. a brick vent or another door or window with a trickle ventilator) then you will need trickle ventilators fitted to your door.

Trickle ventilators are fitted either in the tops of sashes or in an add-on fitted to the top of the frame.

 

Are your bifold doors made to measure?

All Builders Choice bifold doors are made to measure to your exact requirements and delivered to site fully fabricated and ready to fit, fully wrapped in strong protective packaging. (Door frames measuring more than 6m are broken down into kits for safe transportation).

 

Do you sell Bifold doors for DIY?

We offer a supply-only service on aluminium bifold doors. If you’re buying bifold doors for DIY, or buying direct for your builder to fit, make sure you get your measurements accurate. Measure the width of your aperture three times, top, middle & bottom. Measure the height of your aperture three times, left, middle & right. Measure the diagonals to check that it’s square.

 

Are your doors suitable for DIY installation?

Many of our doors are fitted by homeowners or their builders. If you are a competent DIY’er you should be able to install the door with the help of a willing assistant.

 

Do you install?

Builders Choice Ltd is predominantly a business to business trade supplier of high-quality products. We can arrange survey and fitting guidance and we have installation partners with whom we can arrange fitting services.

 

Can I buy Bifold doors online?

Yes! You can buy bifold doors online through our website. With our online bifold door designer, you can build your door, get an instant price and buy online.

 

How can I get a bifold door quote?

We make getting a quote really easy. Head over to our bifold door designer, put in your measurements and design options and you will get an instant quote.

 

How do I create my Bifold doors design?

With our bifold door designer it’s really simple to create your design. Choose your size, colour and hardware and see your design with our online visualiser. Click here to start building your bifold door.

 

Can I get an online quote for Bifold doors?

Yes, you can! Use the online door designer for an instant price or send us a message via our contact page.

 

Can you help me fit my bifold door order?

If you’re new to fitting bifold doors, ask us about our Assisted-Fit service. On your first installation, our engineers can meet you to provide practical training to help you fit your bifold door right first time.

Every Evolution aluminium bifold door is rig-tested in our factory as part of our rigorous quality inspection before being packaged and delivered so everything should go smoothly. Our bifold doors are also fitted with adjustable jambs, making it easier to get the perfect fit on site.

 

What are adjustable jambs on a bifold door?

Adjustable frame jambs help to overcome any irregularities in the structural wall opening where the bifold door is being fitted. Because wall structures are often made of brick and block and the opening for the doors can be tall and wide, it is difficult to make the opening completely level. Evolution aluminium bifold doors are fitted with adjustment on both sides of the frame that allow the installer to ensure the door is fitted plumb, level and square.

 

What maintenance is required for bifold doors?

Our doors are designed with modern materials to be virtually maintenance free. An occasional wipe with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris and periodic lubrication of wheels and hinges is all that is required to keep your doors in the best condition. Full details of maintenance requirements and recommendations are in our warranties and guarantees section.

 

Do you deliver bifold doors?

We deliver our bifold doors all over the UK using dedicated vehicles designed for the job with drivers used to delivering doors direct to homes and sites.

 

When will I receive my bifold doors?

Our bifold doors are delivered in just 14 days.