Bifold Doors in Fort William

How Do Bifold Doors Work

Generally, bifold doors are modern styled doors that are able to create a grand entrance and catch any visitor’s attention almost immediately. Unlike the conventional sliding doors, they are way more practical and convenient which makes it an awe-inspiring home addition. However, with the design being relatively new when compared to its counterpart - the sliding doors, not everyone knows about how they work. Therefore, it’ll only make sense to discover more about this door design before deciding on its utility. So how does a bifold door work?

The bifold door ( both interior and exterior types) operates on a built in tracking system that runs along the glass panels and connected on a train. In other words, the doors fold in and then slowly and smoothly glides over the laid out track which is backed by a chain of wheels or a tracking system. This function is carried out in a smooth and quiet manner, irrespective of the medium of movement.

Now talking of the bifold structures, they mostly come in pairs especially the interior designs. The design can either be in form of two doors that can be folded to one side or four individual panels that can be opened from the centre while some of the doors will fold on each side. Typically, the tracking will feature these units as well as the other important fittings, and also open inwards or outwards.

One of the significant qualities of these doors making them a popular option amongst homeowners nowadays is the flexibility and versatility of these units as well as their effectiveness when it comes to saving space. You’d be surprised to know that some of these bifold door designs can feature up to 7 panels which are linked via hinges and connected to the top or bottom of the roller track.

What Is The Smallest Opening For Bifold Doors?

Generally, bifold doors comes in a wide range of sizes and configurations. So if you’re looking to install them in your home, the opening size required will depend on multiple influencing factors. However, the question we’re going to look at here is the smallest opening for bifold doors.

First and foremost, let’s consider the size of bifold doors as learning about how big or small bifold doors can play a key role in helping you determine the size of bifold door you’ll need. Generally, the size of bifold doors will vary largely depending on the manufacturer, but they are usually within the range of 6.8 feet and 7 feet in height. The width, however, will be determined by the number of door panels you’d like to use but several configurations are designed in such a way that they can be installed in openings of about 1.8m and above. For each door panel, the size are usually between 500 and 1000mm in width. As a result, if you decide to opt for door panels with a width of 700mm, you’ll need to get about 3 of the door panels in order to install in an aperture that’s wider than 1.8m. What’s more? Door panels can also be custom made especially if the size you need isn’t available.

So with that in mind, what’s the smallest opening for bifold doors? The bifold door’s minimum width is 1400mm. And in order to install a bifold door to fill this size, you’ll require two individual door panels that’s 700mm in width. Building them any smaller than the minimum width will be unwise as this will make them bind when closing.

Do Bifold Doors Open In Or Out?

If you’re considering getting bifold doors, then you’d probably want to know if it’s going to open inwards or outwards. The answer to the question is both, it can open inwards or outwards. Generally bifold doors are configured with flexibility in mind. They’re designed in such a way that allows them to be opened inwards or outwards depending on your preference or what best suits the space on which they will be installed. As a result, when you’re considering the installation of new bifolding doors in your home or property, one of the things you’ll have to take into account is whether you want your bifold doors to open inwards or outwards. Below are a couple of tips that’ll help you make the best decision as to whether your bifold doors should open inwards or outwards.

• Where you’re going to fit your bifold doors can play a huge role in determining whether they’ll open inwards or outwards. For instance, if they’re going to be fitted in your dining room, the furniture you have there will determine if there’s enough space to accommodate them inside or otherwise.

• The frequency of use will also be an influencing factor. If the door is frequently used, then a bifold door set with a traffic door which opens outwards will be more convenient for heavy daily use.

• The size of your outdoor space. Is your outdoor space restricted by your patio’s size, the decking area or garden? If yes, the opening inwards would be the best option. So also if your door opens straight out onto a pathway, you might want to make the bifold doors open inwards as well so as not to block the path.

Bifold doors are generally very low maintenance. They will only need infrequent cleaning and occasionally you may need to oil the track mechanism to ensure smooth opening. Speak to your installer and ask about general housekeeping and long lasting treatments.