Large Bifold Doors – Everything You Need to Know

What Are Large Bifold Doors?

Bifold doors (also known as bi-folding doors, concertina glass doors, or folding doors) are doors which consist of multiple panels that fold back on themselves, creating a wide opening when fully retracted. Large bifold doors can span impressive widths, often exceeding 6 metres (20 feet).

The mechanism behind these doors is fairly simple; each panel is connected by hinges, allowing the doors to concertina together when opened. This design enables homeowners to create expansive openings without the need for a large sliding track or swing space.

How Big Can Bifold Doors Be?

The size of large bifolding doors can vary widely, depending on several factors. Typically, these doors can reach heights of up to 2.5 to 3 metres and widths of 8 metres or more. However, the maximum dimensions are influenced by the material used, the structural support available, and local building regulations.

Aluminium frames often allow for larger panels, thanks to their strength-to-weight ratio. This means fewer vertical lines interrupting the view. In contrast, timber frames might require more frequent divides to maintain structural integrity over wider spans.

Materials Used in Large Bifold Doors

When it comes to materials, large folding doors offer several options, each with its own set of characteristics. Aluminium doors are a popular choice for their durability and slim profile. This metal resists warping and requires minimal maintenance, making it ideal for expansive openings.

Timber brings warmth and character to large bi fold doors. It’s a natural insulator but needs regular upkeep to prevent weather damage. For those seeking a middle ground, composite doors combine the look of wood with the low-maintenance benefits of modern materials.

uPVC, while less common in large installations, can be a cost-effective option for more modest sizes. It offers good insulation properties but may lack the structural strength needed for very wide openings.

Glazing Options

Various types of glass are used in large bi fold doors, and it can be confusing to decide what to buy and compare between door manufacturers. However, the choice will have a huge impact on the doors’ performance. Double glazing or triple glazing is standard, providing effective insulation against heat loss and noise. Low-emissivity coatings can further improve energy efficiency, reflecting heat back into the room during colder months.

For south-facing installations, solar control glass helps prevent overheating in summer. This specialised glazing reduces the amount of solar energy passing through while still allowing plenty of natural light.

Why Go For Large Bifold Doors?

Large bifold doors offer a unique way to open up your home. They create a sense of space that’s hard to match with conventional doors or windows. When fully opened, these doors practically disappear, leaving you with an unobstructed view of the outdoors.

The appeal of large bifolding doors lies in their ability to merge indoor and outdoor areas. They’re particularly effective in homes with gardens or patios, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor space even when the weather isn’t cooperating. On warm days, you can fold them back completely, effectively doubling your living area.

Creating Expansive Views

One of the main draws of large bi fold doors is the panoramic views they provide. With slim sightlines and minimal frame interference, these doors offer an almost uninterrupted connection to your garden or outdoors. The effect is striking, especially in homes with scenic surroundings.

Modern bi fold doors often feature slim frames, which further reduce visual barriers. This design choice allows for larger glass panels, maximising the amount of natural light that enters your home. The result is a brighter, more open-feeling space that can make even modest-sized rooms feel more spacious.

External bifold doors aren’t just for looks, though. They’re a practical solution for homeowners who want to make the most of their property. By installing these doors, you can create a flexible living space that adapts to your needs throughout the year.

Flexible Space Management

Large folding doors excel at space management too. Unlike traditional exterior doors, which require a clear swing arc, bi-folding doors stack neatly to one side when opened. This design feature means you can place furniture closer to the doorway without impeding access.

The flexibility of large bifold doors extends to how you use your space, allowing you to section off areas of your home when closed, providing privacy and helping with temperature control. When open, they create a single, flowing area that’s ideal for entertaining or simply enjoying a larger living space.

In commercial settings, such as cafes or restaurants, large bifolding doors can allow businesses to quickly adapt to changing weather conditions, opening up to create an al fresco dining experience on pleasant days, or closing to provide a cosy atmosphere when it’s chilly outside.

For homes with limited square footage, large bi fold doors can be particularly beneficial, by giving the impression of a much larger living area. This perceived increase in space can be especially valuable in urban areas where outdoor space comes at a premium.

Large Bifold Doors: Pros and Cons

Advantages of Large Bifold Doors

Even when closed, large bifold doors doors act like a wall of glass, flooding your home with sunlight and creating a bright, airy atmosphere. This influx of natural light can make rooms feel larger and more inviting.

On warm days, you can fold your large folding doors back completely – ideal for entertaining, allowing guests to move freely between your home and garden.

Large bi folding doors can also boost your property’s value. They’re a desirable feature for many homebuyers, often associated with high-end, modern homes. The visual impact of these doors can set your property apart in a competitive market.

Challenges of Large Bifold Doors

While the benefits are numerous, large bifold doors do come with some potential downsides. Cost is often a primary concern. Concertina doors are typically more expensive than traditional options, both in terms of the initial purchase and installation. The price can increase further if you opt for high-end materials or custom sizes.

Security can be another worry for some homeowners. However, many bifolding external doors come with sophisticated locking systems that can be as secure as any other type of door when properly installed. It’s advised to choose a reputable manufacturer and installer to ensure your doors meet current security standards.

Maintenance is another factor to think about with large bi fold doors. The tracks need regular cleaning to ensure smooth operation, and the numerous moving parts may require occasional adjustment or lubrication. Glass doors also need frequent cleaning to keep them looking their best, especially if you have children or pets.

Overcoming Size-Related Hurdles

The sheer size of large bifold doors can present some unique challenges. Their weight can put strain on the surrounding structure, potentially requiring additional support. This is particularly true for older properties that may not have been designed with such large openings in mind.

Weather sealing becomes increasingly important as the size of the opening grows. Large bifold doors need robust weatherstripping to prevent drafts and water ingress. High-quality doors will have multiple sealing points to ensure they remain weathertight in all conditions.

External bifold doors, especially large ones, can also affect your home’s thermal efficiency. While modern doors are designed to be energy-efficient, the large expanse of glass can lead to heat loss in winter and overheating in summer. Choosing doors with high-performance glazing and thermal breaks in the frames can help mitigate these issues.

Energy Efficiency in Large Bifold Doors

Energy efficiency is a key factor when installing large bifold doors. With rising energy costs and growing environmental awareness, homeowners are increasingly focused on how these expansive glass features affect their property’s thermal performance.

Large bi folding doors, despite their size, can be surprisingly energy efficient when designed and installed correctly. Modern manufacturing techniques and materials have hugely improved their insulation properties. However, it’s important to choose the right type of door for your specific needs and climate.

Why Efficiency Matters More for Large Openings

Big bifold doors cover a substantial area of your home’s exterior, making their thermal performance especially important. Poor-quality or poorly fitted doors can lead to significant heat loss in winter and unwanted heat gain in summer, increasing your energy bills. The difference might be £50-200 or more per year between inefficient and poorly fitted large bi fold doors and energy efficient ones.

The materials used in large bifold doors play a vital role in their energy efficiency. Aluminium bifold doors, for example, are known for their strength and durability, allowing for slimmer frames and larger glass panels. However, aluminium is a good conductor of heat, which can be a drawback in terms of thermal insulation.

To combat this, many aluminium doors now incorporate thermal breaks – non-conductive barriers within the frame that reduce heat transfer. These thermal breaks, combined with double or triple glazing, can make aluminium bifold doors a energy efficient choice for large openings.

Innovative Insulation Technologies

Advancements in glazing technology have revolutionised the energy performance of large bi folding doors. Low-emissivity (low-E) coatings on glass panels reflect heat back into the room, reducing heat loss without compromising on natural light. Some glass doors even feature argon or krypton gas between the panes, further improving insulation.

For those prioritising thermal efficiency, uPVC doors can be an excellent option for smaller openings. While they may not be suitable for very large spans, uPVC is naturally insulating and can offer impressive energy performance at a lower cost than some alternatives.

External bifold doors now often feature multi-point locking systems that not only improve security but also create a tighter seal when closed. This helps to prevent drafts and maintain a consistent indoor temperature, contributing to overall energy efficiency.

Meeting Building Regulations

In the UK, building regulations set minimum standards for the thermal performance of doors and windows. Large bifold doors must meet these standards, which are expressed as U-values – a measure of heat loss through a material. The lower the U-value, the better the insulation.

Current regulations require new or replacement doors to have a U-value of 1.6 W/m²K or lower for dwellings. However, many high-quality bi-fold doors exceed these standards, with some aluminium bifold doors achieving U-values as low as 1.4 W/m²K or even lower.

When choosing large bi folding doors, it’s wise to look beyond the minimum requirements. Opting for doors with better-than-required thermal performance can lead to long-term energy savings and improved comfort in your home.

Practical Applications of Large Bifold Doors

Large bifold doors have found their way into a variety of architectural designs, both in residential and commercial settings. Their ability to create expansive openings makes them a popular choice for homeowners and businesses alike.

In homes, these doors are often used to connect living spaces with outdoor areas. Wide bi fold doors can turn a standard living room into an impressive entertainment space connected to the garden. This setup is particularly popular in properties with attractive views or well-landscaped gardens.

Open Plan Living Spaces

Open plan living has become increasingly popular, and large bifolding doors play a key role in this design trend. By replacing entire walls with these doors, homeowners can create flexible spaces that adapt to their needs. When closed, the doors maintain separate areas for different activities. When open, they create a single, expansive living area.

Bifold patio doors are a common application, replacing traditional sliding doors to create a wider opening. Similarly, bi fold conservatory doors can turn a large conservatory into a sheltered outdoor area in less than a minute. This allows for easier movement between indoor and outdoor spaces, making them ideal for summer gatherings or simply enjoying good weather.

In kitchens, wide bifold doors can create a connection to outdoor dining areas. This setup is perfect for al fresco dining or keeping an eye on children playing in the garden while preparing meals. The increased natural light can also make the kitchen feel more spacious and pleasant to work in.

Commercial Applications

Large bi folding doors have found numerous applications in commercial settings too. Restaurants and cafes often use them to create adaptable dining areas. On warm days, the doors can be fully opened to create an open-air dining experience. When the weather turns cold or wet, they can be quickly closed to maintain a comfortable environment.

Retail spaces have also embraced large bi fold doors. They can be used to create shop fronts that open fully, inviting customers in and creating an open, welcoming atmosphere. This is particularly effective for businesses selling plants or outdoor equipment.

In office environments, internal glass bifold doors are sometimes used to divide meeting rooms or create flexible workspaces. These doors allow for privacy when needed, but can be opened to create larger, collaborative areas for team projects or events.

Unique Residential Designs

Bespoke bifold doors offer opportunities for truly unique home designs. Some architects have used them to create entire walls that can be opened. This approach works particularly well in holiday homes or properties in mild climates.

In urban settings, large bifold doors are sometimes used to access balconies or roof terraces. This application can make a small outdoor space feel like an extension of the indoor living area, effectively increasing the usable space in compact city dwellings.

Pools and spa areas are another common location for wide bifold doors. By installing these doors, homeowners can create a year-round pool house that’s open to the elements in summer but can be closed off for comfortable use in cooler months. offer opportunities for truly unique home designs.