TECHNICAL ADVICE

The Ultimate Guide to Aluminium Bifold Doors

Time and again, aluminium bifold doors are a top choice for modern residential installations. Generally, the goal is to create expansive openings and seamless transitions to the outdoors, so your main choice is typically between bifold doors and sliding doors.

Bifold doors transform spaces by offering a full, unobstructed opening that sliding doors can’t quite achieve. They fold back neatly to one or both sides, removing 90% of the barrier between indoors and outdoors, whereas sliding doors always leave a fixed panel in place. This complete openness extends your living area, making a significant difference to both small and large spaces, especially during gatherings or when enjoying good weather. 

Greater design flexibility comes with having options for exactly where the doors stack, the inclusion of traffic doors for everyday convenience, and even the ability to create dramatic corner openings that eliminate entire walls. The concertina effect of the doors folding also adds a dynamic architectural element; it’s beautiful and functional. 

As a result, aluminium bifold doors have become a hallmark of modern architecture. This comprehensive guide covers every aspect of them, from benefits and design options, to technical considerations and installation tips.

Why Choose Aluminium Bifold Doors 

Aluminium bifold doors offer several advantages over doors made from other materials. Unlike uPVC, aluminium frames do not discolour or warp over time, resisting sun-induced fading and thermal expansion issues. Compared to timber, aluminium requires minimal maintenance, offering superior longevity without the need for regular treatments to prevent rot and warping. While steel frames provide a sleek appearance, they are heavier and more expensive. Aluminium delivers a similar aesthetic, with the added benefits of being lightweight and cost-effective. 

For a deeper dive into steel vs aluminium framed glazing, click here! 

Environmental Benefits 

Aluminium is highly recyclable, reducing the environmental impact associated with production. Its energy efficiency contributes to lower heating and cooling costs, thereby reducing your carbon footprint. By choosing aluminium bifold doors, you are making an eco-friendly decision without compromising on style or functionality. 

Steel-Look Aluminium Bifold Doors 

For those seeking an industrial or Art Deco aesthetic, steel-look aluminium bifold doors offer the desired style without the drawbacks of steel. These doors provide a cost-effective way to achieve the steel appearance, as aluminium is less expensive. Additionally, aluminium’s lightweight nature makes it easier to install and operate. Its natural corrosion resistance eliminates the need for extra protective treatments, ensuring longevity and minimal maintenance. 

Need more information? Check out the advantages of a steel look bifold door! 

Design Options 

Aluminium bifold doors are highly adaptable and can be tailored to suit various openings and design preferences. Individual panels can reach up to 1.2 metres wide and 3 metres high, with some models like the Sieger Super Lux Bifold Door extending up to 5 metres in height. There is virtually no limit to the number of panels you can include, allowing for expansive glazed walls that can transform a space. 

You have the choice between inward or outward opening doors, depending on space availability and personal preference. Corner openings are also possible, creating dramatic effects by opening up two sides of a room. Bi-parting doors, where panels split and fold to both sides, are ideal for large openings. Incorporating a traffic door (a single door within the bifold system) provides everyday convenience without the need to fold all panels.  

For the full breakdown on which bifold doors are best, click here! 

Sightlines and Aesthetics 

Slim profiles are a hallmark of modern bifold doors, maximising views and natural light. The Sieger Lux Bifold Door boasts the slimmest sightlines on the market at just 74mm overall, thanks to structurally bonded glazing. For those seeking a balance between slim profiles and cost-effectiveness, the Sieger 120 Bifold Door offers 120mm sightlines. 

You can customise your doors further with glazing bars, adding horizontal or vertical elements to achieve traditional or industrial aesthetics. These glazing bars can match the frame finish for a cohesive look, enhancing the visual appeal of your installation. 

Frame Finishes 

Aluminium frames can be finished in a variety of ways to suit your design needs. Polyester Powder Coating (PPC) is a popular option, available in over 200 RAL colours, providing a durable and vibrant finish. Special finishes such as anodised metallic looks or timber-effect coatings are also available, allowing you to fulfil specific design requirements and achieve unique aesthetics. 

Flush Thresholds 

As mentioned, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces is a key advantage of bifold doors. Flush thresholds eliminate steps, enhancing accessibility and visual flow. Integrated drainage systems ensure weatherproofing without compromising the flush aesthetic, maintaining a clean and uninterrupted floor line between your interior and exterior spaces. 

Glass Specifications 

The choice of glazing impacts thermal efficiency, acoustic performance, and overall comfort. Deciding between double and triple glazing depends on your specific needs. 

Double vs. Triple Glazing 

Double glazing offers good thermal efficiency and meets British Building Regulations with a Uw value of 1.6 W/m²K. It is less expensive and lighter, making installation simpler. Triple glazing provides enhanced thermal performance, ideal for projects requiring superior insulation, such as extensions or highly glazed areas. It also offers better sound insulation, beneficial for properties in noisy environments. 

However, triple glazing involves increased weight, which may affect the maximum size of each door leaf and require more robust hardware. It also comes with higher costs and longer lead times due to additional materials and manufacturing complexity. Not all systems support triple glazing; for instance, the Sieger 120 Bifold and Sieger Legacy Bifold can accommodate triple glazing, while the Sieger Lux Bifold is designed for double glazing. 

Special Glazing Options 

Special glazing options allow you to tailor your doors to specific requirements. Low iron glass provides higher clarity, eliminating the greenish tint of standard glass for a more transparent view. Solar control coatings reduce solar gain to prevent overheating, especially important for south-facing installations. Decorative glazing, including frosted, tinted, or patterned glass, offers privacy and aesthetic appeal. Acoustic glass with laminated layers reduces noise transmission, enhancing comfort in urban settings. 

Applications and Locations 

Aluminium bifold doors are versatile, and can enhance various parts of your property… 

Patio and Garden Doors 

Enhancing outdoor living is one of the primary uses of bifold doors. Large glass panels maximise natural light and connect interiors with the outdoors, creating an expansive atmosphere. Unlike sliding doors, bifold doors can fold away entirely, removing any barrier between the inside and outside. When considering patio or garden doors, aluminium is ideal due to its durability and low maintenance. Depending on exposure, you might opt for solar control, or triple glazing, to optimise thermal comfort. Integrated drainage systems, like the IQ flush threshold, prevent water ingress while maintaining a flush finish. 

Interested in learning where aluminium bifold doors can go in your home? Check out our article! 

Extension Doors 

Bifold doors can serve as a striking focal point in new extensions. Floor-to-ceiling glass enhances the sense of space and floods interiors with light, making rooms feel larger and more inviting. Tailoring the number of panels and opening direction to suit the extension’s layout ensures both functionality and aesthetic alignment with your overall design. 

Interior Doors 

Using bifold doors as interior partitions offers flexible living spaces. They allow for broken plan design, where spaces can be opened up or divided as needed, providing adaptability for various activities. Glass partitions enable light to permeate throughout the interior, reducing the need for artificial lighting and creating a sense of openness. Since internal doors don’t need to meet external thermal standards, you have more flexibility in glazing options, and therefore more freedom in terms of style choices. 

Technical Considerations 

Understanding the technical aspects of bifold doors ensures optimal performance and longevity… 

Thermal Performance 

Energy efficiency is a crucial factor. High-quality aluminium bifold doors exceed building regulations for thermal performance, saving you money in the long run through reduced heating and cooling costs. For instance, Sieger Systems offer Uw values from 1.6 W/m²K, ensuring compliance and comfort. If your project involves large, glazed areas, or requires superior insulation, triple glazing can further improve thermal efficiency. 

Drainage and Weatherproofing 

Proper drainage and weatherproofing are essential, especially for external installations. Integrated drainage systems within the base frame, like those in the Sieger Lux and Super Lux Bifolds, eliminate the need for external drainage solutions, maintaining a clean aesthetic with no visible grates or channels. Aluminium frames combined with high-quality seals provide excellent protection against the elements, making them suitable for exposed locations. Additional options are available to enhance performance in extreme weather conditions. 

Hardware and Ironmongery 

The quality of hardware and ironmongery affects both the functionality and security of your bifold doors. Robust hinges, handles and locking mechanisms ensure smooth operation and enhance safety. You can customise ironmongery by selecting from various styles and finishes to match your interior design. Lightweight aluminium and precision engineering allow for effortless opening and closing, while multi-point locking systems and toughened glass contribute to overall security. 

Cost Factors 

Understanding the potential costs helps in budgeting and decision-making… 

Price Guide 

Approximate costs per square metre are as follows: 

• • Sieger 120 Bifold Door: £750 

• • Sieger Lux Bifold Door: £1,000 

• • Sieger Super Lux Bifold Door: £1,250 

These prices are indicative and can vary based on specific project requirements. Factors such as size, configuration, glazing choices, frame finishes, and installation complexity will influence the overall cost. For the full cost breakdown, click here! 

Factors Affecting Cost 

Larger doors with more panels or complex configurations will naturally increase costs. Upgrades like triple glazing and special glass options also add to the overall price. Specialised frame finishes or anodised treatments may come at a premium. Features like corner openings or integrated drainage require skilled installation, affecting labour costs. Additionally, bespoke designs tailored to unique architectural needs will impact pricing. 

Specifying Bifold Doors 

Making informed decisions during the specification process ensures that your bifold doors meet all your needs… 

Standard Sizes and Pane Limitations 

Maximum sizes per pane are as follows: 

• • Sieger 120 Bifold Door: Up to 1.2m wide x 3m high 

• • Sieger Lux Bifold Door: Up to 1.2m wide x 3m high 

• • Sieger Super Lux Bifold Door: Up to 1.2m wide x 5m high 

The number of panels can vary, with the Sieger Lux and Super Lux having no restrictions, while the Sieger 120 Bifold allows up to 14 sashes per installation. Custom fabrication allows doors to fit exact openings, and precise site surveys ensure a perfect fit and optimal performance. 

Want more detail? Check out our guides on specifying with Sieger: Part 1 and Part 2 

Glazing Bars and Configurations 

Adding glazing bars allows you to customise the aesthetic of your doors, whether aiming for a traditional or industrial look. Configurations can include an odd number of panels to allow for an integrated traffic door without compromising symmetry. While it’s possible to have a traffic door with an even number of panels, this may result in thicker profiles where doors meet. 

Traffic Doors and Access 

Incorporating a traffic door a single door within the bifold system) provides everyday convenience without the need to fold all panels. This feature is particularly beneficial for high-traffic areas where quick access is needed. Deciding whether to include a traffic door depends on your usage patterns and may influence the overall design and operation of the doors. 

Choosing the Best Bifold Door for Your Project 

Selecting the ideal bifold door involves assessing your specific needs. Consider the purpose of the doors (whether they are for external, internal, or extension use) and the desired aesthetics, such as sightlines, frame finishes and glazing options. Evaluate performance requirements based on your location and exposure to elements like noise or extreme weather. 

Consulting experts is crucial. Engaging with manufacturers and installers who offer both fabrication and installation services ensures seamless service and accountability. Visiting showrooms to experience full-sized installations allows you to appreciate the operation and appearance of different models. 

Budget planning is essential. Weigh the initial investment against long-term benefits like energy savings and property value enhancement. Balancing bespoke features with budget constraints helps in making a cost-effective decision, without compromising on quality or functionality. 

Let Us Help You…

At Sieger Systems, we’re passionate about helping you achieve the perfect balance of style, functionality, and performance for your aluminium bifold doors. Whether you’re creating a seamless transition between indoors and outdoors or adding a striking design feature to your space, our expert team is here to guide you.

From tailored CAD designs to flawless installation, we ensure every detail is meticulously handled, so you can confidently invest in a system that elevates your home or project.

Ready to elevate your home with Sieger Systems?