Bi-fold doors bridge the interior with an exterior, so homeowners choose them for their living rooms or patios. Folding doors are also chosen as room dividers in the home interiors.
Bifold means two folds, but in the bi-folding door category, you will find doors made from more than 2 panels that are attached with the hinges. Instead of swinging the full arc the bi-fold door pleats in the center and gathers against the wall. Center folding allows the space for opening and closing the door drastically reduces. Therefore, it is a great option for homes with limited space.
What stacking style to choose – internal or external?
You decided to choose bifold doors from a reliable British Bi-folding Door Factory. The company offers a variety of high-quality doors with different configurations, color options, and high-performance products. The products are tested for British weather and are compliant with regulations. Get an online quote in 2 minutes from their website. Let’s understand how to choose a stacking style.
Space
The amount of space available will determine the stacking style to choose.
- Internal stack occupies reasonable space amount behind doors, so there will be a need to leave wide berth for proper opening and closing. In small spaces, it can constrain furniture positioning inside. The advantage is that internal stacking ensures the door stays out of extreme sun rays when it stays open. The doors fold and stack even against the wall. It is kept nicely out of way.
- External stacking offers extra indoor space but can be an obstruction. Homeowners may feel internal stacking safer because door folds are tucked against the wall, while their children run around. There are also concerns about the glass fitted in the door frame getting accidentally shattered. With external stacking, there are no worries about the sharp broken glass splinters.
Thickness
If the bi-fold door has to be chosen for the home exteriors then you will need to consider double/triple glazing to protect from elements and for thermal efficiency. Deep doors need more space when stacked against the wall and increase the weight & price. Again, if the internal space is less this can be an issue.
Maintenance
Internal folding doors will need low maintenance than external stacking styles because they are not exposed to harsh outdoor elements.
Material & durability
Aluminum, timber, and uPVC are the materials available. For general wear & tear and damage resistance you will need to consider the materials.
- Timber is durable, looks distinctive, but needs maintenance like sanding, painting, etc. If you reside in a high humidity region, then it can warp down the road.
- uPVC resists damage but is not structurally strong. So, the frames are thick and not a good choice for multiple folds and stacking.
- Aluminum is a weather-resistant and great option for external stacking style. It can support more glazing even with sleek frames, so the space sensation in the home interiors is maximized.
If you consider the cost then uPVC tops because it is the cheapest. In terms of appearance, nothing compares to solid oak doors. For energy efficiency, aluminum doors offer a layer of thermal insulation to lock the heat. When you discuss stacking style then the amount of space available can make a difference!
