3 Things To Consider When Choosing The Material For Your Bi-Fold Doors Frames

Bi-fold doors are available in several materials, namely timber, aluminium and uPVC. Deciding which material to choose for your home will depend on the performance you are looking for on several fronts, including the following:

1.    Style And Aesthetics

You want bi-fold doors that look as good as they perform. It is for this reason that you have to choose doors that suit not only your preferences but that also look great with the style of your home. 

If your home has a largely traditional style, then timber is always the best option as it fits right in. The wood can also be stained to any colour to match any contemporary style. The same goes for aluminium, which can be powder coated to different colours and finish textures. Choosing uPVC, on the other hand, will not leave you with too many options when it comes to colours and finishes.

2.    Strength And Longevity

Your choice of material for the bi-fold doors should have the strength to support the glass panes, stand up against bad weather such as strong winds and be able to last a long time even with constant use.

Of all the available options, aluminium is by far the strongest material and is extremely durable. Following closely is timber, and if you are looking for more strength, then you should choose engineered timber. Timber and uPVC offer the same strength, but just like timber, uPVC has the distinct con of warping under harsh weather conditions.

3.    Thermal Efficiency

The thermal efficiency of your bi-fold doors will be largely dependent on the performance of the glass used because the glass does, after all, make up most of the door. However, your choice of material for the frames will also affect your bi-fold doors' thermal efficiency.

Aluminium doesn't perform too well on this front because as a metal, it is an excellent thermal conductor and, therefore, promotes faster heat loss. Thermal breaks are usually added to the aluminium frames to make them more thermally efficient. Timber performs better than aluminium, but this performance can also be affected by the air gaps that form on the wood as it contracts in cold weather conditions. Of all three, uPVC is the least thermal efficient, and this thermal efficiency, just like in timber, will decrease even further when the uPVC warps.

Bi-fold doors are a great investment. To get real value out of your investment, you shouldn't focus solely on the price of the bi-fold doors. As highlighted, there are other factors to consider as well.

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