What Factors Influence Bifold Doors’ Longevity?

At Express Direct, we’ve been a leader in bifold door manufacturing since 2007, proudly partnering with some of the most renowned names in the industry. Bifold doors are both practical and aesthetically pleasing, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces, but how long do they last? Their longevity is influenced by several factors, including the materials used, the quality of installation, and regular maintenance. In this blog, we’ll delve into these key aspects, focusing on our premium aluminium options, and provide insights on when it may be time for a replacement.

Quality Materials: A Foundation for Lasting Value

 

When it comes to durability, aluminium bifold doors surpass both uPVC and timber, due to its exceptional strength and longevity. Over the past number of years, the versatile metal’s popularity has surged, with three times as many installers selling aluminium doors and windows today compared to 2001. In Yorkshire alone, the use of aluminium for installations has grown significantly, from 13.9% in 2006 to 28.7% in 2023. This is because, unlike traditional materials like wood or uPVC, it offers superior resistance to warping, rust, and corrosion. Despite being lightweight, it is incredibly robust, and its malleability allows it to adapt to various designs with ease.

In addition to its sturdy nature, aluminium is an eco-friendly material that is fully recyclable, promoting sustainable living. This combination of long-lasting performance and environmental benefits ensures that aluminium bifold doors not only withstand the test of time but also contribute to a greener planet. Choosing thermally broken aluminium is not just about upgrading property aesthetics, it’s a smart investment. According to Green Match, energy-efficient windows and doors can reduce a building’s energy use by up to 40%, leading to significant savings over time. When it’s time to sell, these upgrades can boost your property’s value, making aluminium bifold doors a cost-effective, long-term choice.

 

Additional Influences on Bifold Door Longevity

 

Professional Installation

Even the highest-quality bifold doors will not reach their full potential without expert installation. Professional installers guarantee that your doors are perfectly aligned and function smoothly, maximising benefits such as energy efficiency, home security, and visual appeal. By investing in skilled installation, you prevent potential issues such as improper sealing or alignment problems, which could otherwise affect the doors’ performance and lifespan. All our products include a detailed fitting instruction manual, making installation straightforward for a skilled tradesperson. However, if they are unfamiliar with the term “toe and heeled” or lack experience in fitting doors and windows, we highly recommend using our sister company, Express Bi-folding Doors, which offers a comprehensive survey and fitting service. For more information on installing your Express Direct bifold door, be sure to explore our online installation guides. Ensuring that your bifold doors are installed correctly is crucial for maximising their longevity and overall value.

 

Maintenance

Aluminium bifold doors are designed to require minimal upkeep. Their robust frames and sealed double glazing resist warping, cracking, and the accumulation of moisture, reducing the risk of issues like mould. To keep your doors in optimal condition, perform routine maintenance such as regular lubrication of hinges, keeping the bottom tracks clear of debris, and cleaning the powder-coated profiles and gasket seals. Our range of maintenance products is tailored to support the longevity of your doors, ensuring they remain efficient and visually pleasing for years to come.

 

Weather Resistance

Choosing weather-resistant doors is key to ensuring long-term durability. Aluminium bifold doors, with their exceptional resilience, are built to endure even the toughest weather conditions. Thanks to the lightweight metal’s natural oxide layer, these doors resist rust and corrosion, even in humid or coastal environments. High-quality models come with rubber seals, gaskets, and brushes around the edges, creating a watertight and draft-proof barrier that protects against wind, water, and dust. At Express Direct, we provide a rebated bottom track system that ensures a proper weather seal as the door panel closes against the rebate. Most of our aluminium doors come with a powder-coated finish, which offers added protection against rain, snow, and UV rays, while preventing chipping and peeling. Our aluminium bifold doors also feature double glazing and thermal breaks, helping to maintain a consistent indoor temperature while reducing external noise. They meet and often exceed, building regulations with U-values as low as 1.1, and they are certified under the Weather BS 6375 Part 1 standard for superior weather performance.

 

Hardware and Components

The longevity and security of bifold doors are significantly influenced by their hardware and components. Our XP10 bifold doors, come equipped with industry-leading features such as five-point locking systems and steel shoot-bolt rods, providing enhanced security for peace of mind. We inject each panel with a liquid component that sets solid and equip all our doors with high-security lock barrel cylinders, using premium 3-star diamond-rated BSI cylinders. This means the locks are designed to be anti-snap, anti-drill, anti-pick, and anti-bump, making it extremely difficult for anyone to access your home without a key. Another feature we take pride in is our concealed gearing. Unlike other aluminium features, our doors are built with hidden gears, preventing them from being seen or tampered with.

When it comes to home security, the type of glass in your bifold and sliding doors is crucial. Toughened glass is widely recognised for its strength and durability, making it a reliable choice. For extra security, we offer toughened soft coat low E glass as standard, and toughened laminated glass as an upgrade, providing exceptional strength and a seamless look. The careful selection and integration of high-quality locks and glazing ensures that bifold doors perform reliably over time, combining cost-effectiveness with superior security and practicality.

 

 

When Should I Replace My Bi-folding Doors?

Bi-folding doors are built to last, but signs of wear and tear can indicate when it’s time for a replacement. Look for visible damage such as scratches, cracks, or dents, as well as operational issues like sticking or jamming, which suggest that repairs might be needed. Additionally, if you notice increased energy bills, external noise due to poor insulation or if the doors require frequent maintenance, it might be more cost-effective to replace them.

Keeping an eye on these indicators will help you determine the right time for a replacement, ensuring your bi-folding doors continue to perform effectively and contribute positively to your home’s value. Upgrading to modern models not only boosts energy efficiency and security but also refreshes your home’s design, providing lasting benefits and improved comfort.

 

Express Direct Bifolds Guarantee

At Express Direct, all our doors are manufactured in our state-of-the-art 200,000-square-foot facility, following the same rigorous processes and quality checks as our Express bespoke orders. This ensures that every product meets the highest standards of durability and craftsmanship.

In addition to our manufacturing excellence, all our bi-fold doors come with a comprehensive warranty. We offer a full five-year warranty on any integral blinds and a ten-year guarantee on glass without blinds, as well as the overall structural integrity of our products.

While we stand by the quality of our manufacturing, we cannot guarantee the work of third-party installers. If you’re experiencing any issues after installation, your first point of contact should be your installer. However, we do offer an assessment service for third-party installation at a small fee, should you need it. Our bifold doors are built to last, and with the right care and professional installation, they will remain a beautiful and effective part of your home for many years to come.

To experience how these doors can transform your space, visit one of our showrooms and explore our extensive collection up close!

 

Our Curated Collection of Bifolding Doors

When you order through Express Direct, you can get premium aluminium bi-folding doors straight from our warehouse, guaranteeing high quality and reduced lead times. The XP10 is our most popular and cost-effective model, available in three best-selling colours, offering exceptional performance, security, and value. With a delivery time of just five working days, key features include:

• Subtle, colour-coded panel catches.
• Sleek in-line flat handles on intermediate panels.
• 28mm toughened soft coat low E glass for improved energy efficiency.
• Five-point locking with steel shoot-bolt rods for added security.
• Bottom-hung design with stainless steel wheels and precision bearings for effortless sliding.
• Slim 122mm sightlines for a modern appearance.

 

 

We offer pre-made XP10 bi-fold doors in sizes ideal for projects up to 6.5 meters wide, including three-panel (2200mm to 3300mm), four-panel (3600mm), and six-panel (4800mm) options in black or anthracite grey. For a stylish steel look, our XP10 doors are powder-coated in RAL 9005 Jet Black with dark Georgian bars. Due to their popularity, we maintain a large stock of these pre-made doors, wrapped and ready for express delivery. Additionally, our garden room bifold doors, also using the XP10 system, are perfect for structures under 2.5 meters. Coming in RAL 7016 anthracite grey with a height of 1950mm, they include various door types with a 42mm add-on profile and trickle vent. With the XP10 system, you benefit from reliable performance, excellent thermal efficiency, and a modern design perfect for any home improvement project.

 

A Smart Investment For Lasting Value

Bifold doors are a valuable addition to any home, blending design, performance, and durability. By choosing high-quality materials such as aluminium, investing in professional installation, and adhering to routine maintenance practices, you can maximise the longevity and performance of your bifold doors and increase property value. Their versatile designs, ranging from bold to subtle make them a stylish choice that complements various architectural styles.

When you invest in aluminium bifold doors from Express Direct, you’re choosing a product known for its strength, minimal maintenance, and exceptional weather resistance. These doors are built to last, ensuring long-term performance with proper installation and regular upkeep. Our curated collection guarantees the highest quality, value and performance, and in the unlikely event that a replacement is needed, our comprehensive warranties will provide you with peace of mind. With over a decade of experience in crafting bespoke aluminium solutions, Express Direct offers bifold doors that combine superior quality, endurance, and aesthetics. To explore how these doors can enhance your home, visit one of our showrooms, chat with our expert team and see our range firsthand.