Neil Ginger, CEO at Origin, offers his advice for choosing the perfect bi-fold doors for your property.

1. Invest in materials that last

Before purchasing bi-fold doors, it is vital to consider materials. There are three materials that tend to be used for bi-fold doors – uPVC, wood and aluminium. Each has their benefits. For instance, uPVC is often the cheapest option, but comes with thick sightlines and can warp over time. Wooden frames look fantastic on period properties but require regular maintenance to keep them performing well.

By contrast, aluminium offers a perfect combination of strength, durability and weight, allowing for narrow frames and making it a fantastic option for those looking to maximise the amount of light let into a property and create the ultimate ‘wow-factor’.

Aluminium is also resilient to flexing and expanding and is the most low-maintenance option, meaning it offers the best return on investment in the long-run. What’s more, the Origin Bi-Fold Door comes with an industry-leading guarantee of up to 20 years, offering ultimate peace of mind.

2. Choose a design that suits your property

Opting for completely customisable bi-fold doors will allow you to create the perfect design to suit your home, whether it’s a period property, a newbuild, or anything in between.

High-quality aluminium doors can be powder-coated in a huge range of colours, including authentic wood grain finishes and two-tone options, so consider whether you want your new doors to blend in or contrast with the rest of your property.

It is also important to consider the best configuration to suit your home and lifestyle. Bi-fold doors can be installed to open from one side, in the middle or at various other points. They can also be created to fit bays and corners, making them more versatile than any other type of patio door.

3. Check thermal efficiency ratings

Before purchasing bi-fold doors, it is important to consider thermal efficiency. The best indicators of thermal efficiency are U-Values which show the amount of heat lost in watts per square metre of material. The lower the number, the better the thermal efficiency. For instance, Origin doors achieve U-Values as low as 1.2, which far exceeds UK requirements.

High quality doors will also feature a polyamide thermal break in the profile, which is designed to improve energy efficiency, allowing homeowners to enjoy the room all year round.

4. Prioritise safety

As bi-fold doors are likely to link to the outside of the property, it is vital to prioritise security.

For maximum safety, check that the system conforms to PAS 24:2016 security standards. Opting for doors that incorporate heavy-duty zinc hinges and a cylinder lock will also ensure that they are resistant to attacks for potential intruders. For ultimate reassurance, homeowners should opt for doors that are accredited with the police-approved Secured by Design standard.

For those with young children in the house, we always recommend choosing doors with finger-safe gaskets to stop little hands from getting trapped and magnetic catches that can help hold the doors in place whilst you’re operating them.

For more tips on choosing the right bi-fold doors for your home, visit our Advice Centre https://origin-global.com/advice-centre