By Bifold doors are a popular choice for many homeowners, offering a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living spaces while allowing plenty of natural light into the home. When choosing the frame material for your bifold doors, a few options exist. The most common options are wood, uPVC, and aluminium frames for bi-fold doors, and below we will compare them to help you decide which is best for your home.
Aluminium Frames
Aluminium frames are popular for bifold doors thanks to their strength, durability, and contemporary style. They are lightweight yet incredibly strong and are resistant to weathering, corrosion, and rust. It means that aluminium frames can withstand even the harshest weather conditions, making them a great choice for homes in exposed or coastal locations.
Aluminium frames are also highly customisable, with various colours and finishes available. They can be powder-coated to match the existing colour scheme of your home, or you can choose from a range of metallic or matte finishes creating a modern, industrial look.
One of the drawbacks of aluminium frames is that they are not as energy efficient as wooden or uPVC frames. However, you can mitigate this using high-performance glazing or thermal breaks in the frame. The cost of aluminium bifold doors may also be more expensive than wooden or uPVC frames, depending on your chosen style and finish.
uPVC Frames
uPVC (unplasticized polyvinyl chloride) frames are popular for bifold doors thanks to their durability and low maintenance requirements. They are made from tough, rigid plastic resistant to weathering, corrosion, and rot.
One of the biggest advantages of uPVC frames is that they require very little maintenance. They do not need to be painted or stained; they can be wiped clean with a damp cloth to keep them looking their best. uPVC frames are also highly energy-efficient, providing excellent insulation and helping to keep your home warm and comfortable all year round.
However, uPVC frames may not be the best choice if you want a more traditional or natural look for your bifold doors. uPVC frames can also be more difficult to repair than wooden frames, as they cannot be sanded or painted.
Wood Frames
Wooden bifold doors offer a traditional, classic look popular with many homeowners. They are also a great choice if you want to match your home’s existing style. Wooden frames are made from natural materials, making them eco-friendly and sustainable. They are also great for insulation, providing excellent thermal performance and helping to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
However, wooden frames require maintenance to keep them looking their best. They will need to be regularly painted or stained to protect them from the elements, and any scratches or dents will need to be filled and sanded. Wooden frames can also be susceptible to warping or rotting if they are not properly maintained, so it is important to keep an eye on them and carry out any necessary repairs as soon as possible.
So, which frame material is best for your bifold doors? Ultimately, the choice will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Wooden frames offer a classic, traditional look and excellent insulation but require regular maintenance. uPVC frames are highly durable and require minimal maintenance, but they may not suit everyone’s aesthetic preferences.
