What Are Bi-fold Doors?

When it comes to bi-folding doors, even the most experienced of us can get a little confused. Most people’s minds question what a bi-folding door is and how it applies in a home setting.

Bi-folding doors are becoming more popular amongst homeowners. As the name suggests, a bi-fold door is one that can fold on itself. They are perfect for splitting large rooms or connecting compacted spaces. Bi-fold doors are available in multiple designs, configurations — including single and multiple panels — and widths.

This article explains the different types of bi-fold doors, plus elaborate on their pros and cons.

Types of Bi-Fold Doors

Single Bi-fold Doors

Also known as concertina doors, single bi-fold doors are the smallest of the bi-folding doors fraternity. These doors are a perfect alternative to the standard internal doors. Instead of being a single unit like standard doors, concertina doors are made of two panels joined in the middle by hinges.

When opening, the concertina door folds in the middle and tucks against the wall. This way, the space needed to open and close a door reduces drastically, making it perfect for homes with limited space.

Additionally, single bi-fold doors are popular with in-built closets, wardrobes, and ensuite bathrooms. If you wish to maximize space without compromising on your room’s architecture, then you should go for single bi-fold doors.

Room Dividers

As the name suggests, these bi-fold doors are used to demarcate rooms. They are similar to single bi-fold doors, only that they have more than two panels joined using hinges. Sometimes, you can have as many eight panels in a row.

The door panels usually fold back on each other and stack neatly against the wall. Usually, the panels are set along a track to prevent them from wobbling when opening or closing.

There are several ways you can configure room dividers. For those with an even number of panels, you can have them open in the middle, while for those with uneven numbers, you can have an access door added.

Bi-Fold Doors with Access Doors

Typically, bi-fold doors with access doors are present in larger configurations to make moving between rooms easier. The access door serves the same purpose as a standard internal door. It can be fitted either at the side or be designed to open to your preferred direction.

Advantages

Bi-fold doors help maximize small spaces thanks to their minimal opening and closing arc. Besides, they offer universal access, whether it by opening the whole area or just one panel.

Plus, bi-fold doors are perfect for areas with people on wheelchairs as there is a lip for one to trip over.

Disadvantages

If you are looking to have an unhindered view, bi-fold doors are not your best options. That is because they only offer a full view when entirely open. Besides, bi-fold doors have a higher chance of thermal bridging, hence terrible at keeping in the heat.

Conclusion

Though still a new concept, bi-fold doors are slowly gaining foot in home construction. They are available in three types, concertina, room dividers, and access doors. Notably, bi-fold doors have their share of pros and cons, as discussed.