The popularity of bi-folding doors, which are designed to seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor spaces, has surged in recent years. However, how do these doors differ from sliding doors, and which option is the best fit for your needs?
Understanding the Distinction:
Bi-folding doors operate by folding back on themselves in a concertina-style manner. Typically, two to seven panels, hinged together, travel along a concealed track in the floor, ceiling, or both. In contrast, sliding doors are usually made of two or more large glass panes that slide horizontally to the end of a frame. One significant difference is that bi-fold doors require space for the panels to stack to one side, while sliding doors don’t extend outwards.
Functionality, Pros, and Cons:
Matthew Leach, Director of Aluminium Doors Direct, explains the unique features of each door design.
“Bi-fold doors have the primary benefit of being able to be folded all the way back, virtually opening up one wall to your patio and garden. Your property will look more impressive with a seamless indoor-outdoor space.
“On the other hand, traditional sliding doors often only allow for a 65 percent opening to the left or right. Pocket doors may be useful, these are glass doors that open up a larger space by sliding into unnoticed crevices in exterior walls.
“Slider doors provide you more control. They can be opened a fraction of an inch for a gentle breeze, a few feet to nip outside, or all the way to allow in fresh air. If you choose a bifold system, a “traffic door” or access leaf is a choice to take into account, especially if it’s the sole door leading to the garden.”
Aesthetics: Which Design Enhances Your Home’s Beauty?
Matthew discusses which door design complements your interior schemes.
“Fewer panels and greater glass expanses allow for more natural light to enter your home, making sliding doors a huge bonus for modern and contemporary schemes.
“Bi-fold doors can be pulled back to widen the aperture, but when closed, there is a lot more vertical frame exposed than with sliding doors. Sliding doors simply have a higher glass to frame ratio, and little blocks the view of your garden or the countryside behind it which can be aesthetically pleasing and add to open schemes. If you want to maximise natural light or have larger, year-round views of your garden, sliding doors can be a better choice.”
Cost-Effectiveness: Which Option is More Economical?
In an era where cost-effectiveness and environmental consciousness matter, Matthew offers guidance on the most economical and energy-efficient design solutions.
“They’re both similar in price, it depends on the configurations. However, sliding doors with a few panes become noticeably more expensive as they become wider because huge single units of glass are quite expensive.
“Because they have a smaller frame, sliding doors are typically more thermally efficient than bifold doors. However, both sliding and bi-folding doors can be customised to meet clients needs.”
For more information about Aluminium Doors Direct’s designs and services, visit their website.
