Fold or Slide?

Many people are opting to ‘bring the outside in’ with bifold or sliding doors, and you might want to experience the same. With the installation of large, glass panel doors that can open up into your outdoor area, you will benefit from an unparalleled view of your garden.

But which is better for you? Should you opt for one of our aluminium bifold doors, or should you go for one of our aluminium sliding doors instead?

Well, it all depends on your personal preferences and lifestyle choices. Both will undeniably give your home the ‘wow’ factor, so we would certainly recommend either if you’re looking for something that offers modern appeal. But let’s take a closer look at some of the factors that might affect your buying decision.

Private house Bifold doors

Aesthetics And Practicality

Both types of door look good, but there are differences. Sliding doors are the preferred choice by many because they have a higher glass to frame ratio. When these doors are closed, it is possible to get an uninterrupted view of your garden without any framework getting in the way. You also get more natural light coming in, so you can enjoy a warmer and brighter home if the doors are located in a room that is sun-facing. So, if your priority is a wider view of your garden and maximum natural light, you might consider sliding doors.

Of course, despite the extra panelwork, bi-fold doors also welcome in plenty of light and sunshine. They can also be opened up fully, so you can have a flowing indoor-outdoor space with no physical interruption. You can also enjoy a more modern look with bi-fold doors because they can replace a whole wall of your room, so aesthetically speaking, this might be your preferred choice. We should also point out that our aluminium frames are slimmer than those made from uPVC or timber, so you will still have an excellent view of your garden when the doors are closed.

Another thing to consider is space. Bifold doors fold inwards or outwards, so you might lose a little bit of space when they are stacked together, whereas sliding doors move along their designated tracks with no loss of surface area. This is only a minor point, but if you were wanting to add glass doors to a small room, you might prefer aluminium sliding doors.

Canfield Gardens Sliding patio doors

Energy Rating

This is something many homeowners will consider when choosing glass doors. As discussed at Real Homes, the frames of a bi-fold door can sometimes cause thermal bridging, so, if your home’s energy rating was a priority for you, it might be that you choose sliding doors, as they will naturally be more thermally efficient. However, both types of door can be fitted with triple-glazing, so energy efficiency needn’t be a worry. And both sliding and bi-fold doors can be tailored to your requirements, depending on the size and location of your wall area, so both are still a viable choice when thinking about warmth in your home.

Folding Doors Or Sliding Doors?

We haven’t detailed every difference here, but you can learn more by looking at the examples we have showcased on our website. You can also get in touch with us if you have any questions, and we will be happy to talk more about the types of glass door that might be right for you.

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