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How to configure your external bi fold door

Posted on 16.12.2022

Bi fold doors can make a fantastic addition to your home, allowing you to easily flood your home with natural light. When you start to look at external bi fold doors it can be tricky to know where to start when choosing from all the options that are available to you.

We’ve put together a short guide of things you need to consider when looking for the right bi fold exterior doors.

What you need to consider

air 800 bi fold door

The right doors for your home will depend on the size of the opening that you have available. These factors will then dictate the door configuration and number of panels you need, to make up your external bi fold doors. Getting these details right when choosing and buying your bi fold doors will ensure that they meet the needs for both you and your home.

How many panels do I need?

One of the most important decisions to make is how many panels your external bi fold doors will have. This will depend on the panel options available, as well as the purpose of doors. If you want to introduce more light into your living space, consider an option that provides you with slim sightlines, wider panels and enough panels in your door configuration to provide the effect you’re looking for.

External bi fold door considerations are incredibly flexible, from a straight line system to one including a traffic door for easy access to nip in and out. You can also create an agile option for you and your family.

What is a traffic door

Aluminium bifold door interior

A traffic door is part of your external bi fold door installation, but acts alone as a traditional door. They are perfect for patio or garden access; in the summer you’ll be able to enjoy the full effect of opening your bi fold doors all the way. But if you need access to your garden in the winter, you only need to use the traffic door, which helps to retain the heat inside your home.

Opening direction

Something that is often forgotten about when choosing external bi fold doors is the direction in which the doors open, even though this may seem like an obvious consideration. When referring to the direction, choices include the doors all sliding in one direction or splitting in the middle to rest at either side of the space.

Having your bi fold exterior doors slide to one side provides a sleek aesthetic and having your doors split in the middle may be more of a practical choice if you choose to have your bi fold doors fitted across the entirety of your wall.

Opening inward or outward

You’ll also need to decide on whether you’d like your doors to be inward or outward opening, which is hugely dependent on the space you have available surrounding your doors. To save space, having them open outwards is a great option.

Bi fold doors from Bowalker Doors

Open your home to new possibilities with our external bi fold door options. Choose from our aluminium bi fold doors as well as our aïr 800 bi fold doors – the choice is yours! Get a quote today to start your project, or if you have any questions, give our expert team a call on 0800 881 5640 and we will be happy to help.

Doors you can trust

You can trust us with your transformation plans as we’re members of Checkatrade, FENSA and the Plastics Window Federation.