Use of Bi Folding Doors For Conservatories

By: John Schofield

Sliding folding doors are now one of the obsessions among homeowners who are looking for appropriate permanent fixtures for their conservatories. Although conservatories are traditionally built with sliding patio doors or French doors, the introduction of the innovative generation of folding doors has paved the way for the construction of modernised conservatories. This means that with the improvement in designs and styles of today’s conservatories, the introduction of a new breed of folding doors has boosted the looks of the exterior and interior features of the sunrooms.

Bifold doors obviously are one of the types of folding doors that are always accorded with conservatories. This is because their two individual panels can easily slide and stacked up on one corner that makes them easy to handle while people are entering and exiting the doors of their conservatories. They can provide almost 90% unobstructed clearances so they are very ideal during summer while they can provide good insulation during winter. Their panels are also available in many sizes so there would be no problem in installing them on any width opening.

Specifications on Installation
When installing bifold doors for conservatories, their foundations must be solid and the roof eaves beam of the conservatory must be built with heavy-duty metals. This is to ensure that proper structural support is given to the overall weight of the folding doors especially now that most conservatories are made up of glazed glass walls. In positioning the bi-folding door, it must be placed on the front or sidewalls of the building so that there would be wide unobstructed access to the interior of the conservatory while letting the air to circulate inside it.

Options on Using Bifold Doors
Bi-folding doors are favourably preferred by homeowners more than any other type of folding doors because they are easy to manipulate that even children can open and close them. However, it is up to the owner where to position them on their conservatories as long as they can provide the best opportunity in merging the interior of the house and the conservatory with ease. On the other hand, it would be more appropriate if the front side will be the part for bifold door installation because this would allow a continuation of the house’ living areas that goes through the conservatory.

Types of Materials

Bi-folding doors are available with many choices of different materials and finishes so that they can suit everyone’s specific requirement and budget. Hare are the most popular ones.

1. Timber bifold doors. These are available in hardwood and softwood timber and they have the translucent stain or paint finish. Timber can be a good natural insulator as it also offers efficiency in the use of energy.

2. Aluminium bifold doors. These are thermally broken aluminium folding doors that have the quality of strength and durability. They are almost maintenance free and available in different paint finishes so you have the option in choosing the best colour for your conservatory.

3. uPVC. This is relatively one of the latest among bifold doors being used on conservatories today. They can offer more savings in terms of being energy efficient. Although they can minimize internal and external visibility, some people still prefer them because they can provide good security to the interior of the conservatory. They also do not warp or bend like wood and never get heated like the aluminium type bifold door.