Bifold doors are attractive structures for homeowners who wish to open up space by letting as much light as possible into their homes. The doors themselves don't require a lot of space, as they are opened by folding, and they are much easier to install than the option of installing one large window to let light it. If you're thinking of getting bifold doors for your home, there are a lot of things you need to think about. The most important thing to consider is what material you want your bifold doors to be made out of.
Aluminium
Aluminium is a very common material for bifold doors, as it is light, durable and doesn't require much maintenance. The weight of the aluminium is a positive factor, as it makes it easier to install and handle in general. It's also simple to change the appearance of the material by painting it if you're not fond of the look of aluminium in its natural state. A downside of aluminium is that it's rather expensive in comparison to other materials. It can also be damaging to tools, as the aluminium oxide that protects the material itself against rust and corrosion can form a coating on other materials and slowly break them down.
Wood
Wood is another popular option for bifold doors, as the material itself is aesthetically pleasing to look at and brings a natural look to the doors. Wood is a versatile material, and you can choose between many different types of wood to find the best type for you. However, all wood is prone to bending and breaking when used in bifold doors that are being used a lot, meaning you will have to be more careful with wooden bifold doors than doors made from other materials. It also requires quite a lot of maintenance in order to stay resistant towards different types of weather. You'll need to coat it regularly to make sure it doesn't rot or distort.
UPVC
UPVC is a cheap material that is very light and easy to maintain. It's not affected by the weather and isn't likely to break from opening and closing of the bifold doors. Some people find UPVC unappealing to look at, as it has a plastic shine to it. It does, however, come in many different colours, which gives you a large selection in order to choose the best looking kind for your house. Another downside is that it isn't very durable and can be unsafe to use in doors, as it's quite easy for a skilled burglar to break through.
For more information about these and other options for bifold doors, contact a local window and door installation company.
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