Advantages & Disadvantages of Various Bifolding Door Materials

Installing bi-folding doors to your property is an excellent way of uniting your home and garden and can help you extend the usable living space of your home. They allow plenty of sunlight into your property, making it bright and creating the illusion of space, and more and more homes throughout the UK are installing them. You can choose various materials, colours, and finishes for your bi-folding doors, so you can get something to match the existing doors and windows in your home. 

There are also various options of materials you can use for the frames of your doors, each with pros and cons. Below, we will look at four different materials: 

• uPVC
• Aluminium
• Timber
• Composite

You will see the pros and cons of each material below, which can help you decide the best option for your home when installing bifold doors. Regard the advice below, and you can choose the perfect material to make your home look and feel fantastic, transforming it and potentially increasing its value.

uPVC (Unplasticised Polyvinyl Chloride) Bifolding Doors

The first material option for the frames of your bifold door is uPVC, popular in many homes throughout the UK. They are an affordable option you can get in a wide selection of colours, with something available to suit most colour palettes and requirements.

Pros of uPVC Bifolding Doors

Affordability: One reason that uPVC bifold doors are so popular is their price. They are the most affordable material for bifold doors, making them a budget-friendly option. They are ideal for homeowners on a tight budget and looking for a cost-effective solution. 

Low Maintenance: Another appealing factor of uPVC bifold doors is that they are low maintenance and will not require regular painting or sanding. They are resistant to rot, corrosion, and pests and can last many years.

Energy Efficiency: uPVC is also an energy-efficient material that is ideal for windows and doors. It provides excellent thermal insulation and can help you maintain a comfortable temperature in your home and reduce your energy bills for heating and cooling.

Cons of uPVC Bifolding Doors

Limited Aesthetic Appeal: uPVC bifolding windows do not have the same aesthetic appeal as wood or aluminium and can seem less sophisticated.

Durability: Although uPVC is a durable material, it does not last as long as timber or aluminium. It can also be prone to warping and discolouration from exposure to the elements, so it may not look as good as when installed after a few years.

Environmental Impact: uPVC is not a biodegradable material, and recycling can be challenging. It is not made from sustainable sources and has a significant carbon footprint to produce, making aluminium and timber better options for the environmentally conscious.

Aluminium Bifolding Doors

Aluminium is a sleek and stylish material that looks fantastic when used for the frame of your bifolding doors. Although on the pricier side, there are many benefits to selecting this material, such as:

Pros of Aluminium Bifolding Doors

Strength & Durability: Aluminium is well known for being a strong and durable material which can last many years. An aluminium bifold door is robust and can withstand varying weather conditions, making them suitable for all environments.

Slim Sightlines: Another benefit of aluminium frames is that you can have slim sightlines, making frames thinner and maximising the glass area. They can enhance your views and ensure you get as much natural light in your home as possible.

Low Maintenance: Aluminium frames also require little maintenance, and you will not have to sand, stain, or paint them to keep them looking fantastic. They do not rust or rot, and a quick clean with a soft cloth and detergent will make them look new.

Cons of Aluminium Bifolding Doors

Cost: One drawback to aluminium frames is their cost, and they can be an expensive option for your home, costing more than uPVC bifold doors. 

Thermal Efficiency: Although aluminium bifold doors can be thermally broken to improve their insulation, they are less efficient than timber or uPVC.

Condensation: Another drawback to aluminium frames is they can be prone to condensation during cold weather. 

Timber Bifolding Doors 

We have been using timber for windows and doors for thousands of years, and it is still a popular choice for many homeowners. They can require investment, but they look fantastic when installed, and here are some pros and cons of timber bifold door frames:

Pros of Timber Bifolding Doors 

Aesthetic Appeal: Timber bifold doors have an aesthetic appeal that is timeless and elegant, adding warmth and character to your home. Timber is often the preferred option for period or traditional-style properties.

Environmental Sustainability: Most timber used in windows and doors will come from sustainable sources, as wood is a renewable resource. It makes it a more environmentally friendly choice than other available options.

Insulation: You can also benefit from using timber frames for the additional thermal and acoustic insulation they can provide for your home. They can help you regulate the temperature in your home and also control noise levels, making them ideal for noisy areas.

Cons of Timber Bifolding Doors 

Cost: The cost of timber frames can make them prohibitive for those on a tight budget, as they are more expensive than uPVC, but often cheaper than aluminium. 

Maintenance: Timber frames will require regular maintenance, which can involve sanding the frames and staining or painting them every couple of years. They can last for many decades, but only with the correct care and maintenance.

Susceptibility To Rot: If you do not correctly maintain your timber bifold doors, the wood can be susceptible to rot, especially in areas with high moisture or inefficient ventilation. 

Composite Bifolding Doors

It is much harder to compare bifold doors made with composite materials, as these often combine two materials, such as timber and aluminium, enhancing the benefits. The pros and cons will depend on the materials you choose for the frames of your bifold doors, combining two of the above options. You can create the perfect bifold doors for your home, taking the best features from two materials and combining them to make them durable, aesthetically pleasing, and energy efficient. 

When looking for the best material for your bifold doors, take your time and look at all available options. Invest in quality doors for your home, and by taking care of them correctly, they could still be going twenty years from now.