Which is the Right Material for Bi-Fold Doors?

Bifold doors are a great addition to a property. They are also referred to as the folding doors. They add value to the home and make a room appear larger. It creates a stylish and a seamless design. If you have decided to install folded doors in your home, size isn’t the only thing that you need to take into account. There are different kinds of materials when it comes to folded doors that must also be taken into consideration. This is the reason why picking a right material becomes pretty difficult.

# Different kinds of materials that are available with their advantages and disadvantages:

• Aluminium

  Aluminium folded doors can be operated with ease. They have a dual roller system and are a reliable alternative. The dual roller system comes with rollers at the top. The biggest asset of aluminium is its strength. The narrow frames are strong and don’t encroach on the glazed portion of the window. It is easy to maintain and thus, lasts for a long period of time.

  However, the disadvantage of aluminium is that the colour options are limited. They are mostly available in metallic shades. It is also known to be more expensive compared to the other materials. If you are ready to spend more money, it is the best option. In fact, it is a practical option for smaller frames.

• Timber

  The look of a timber is the major reasons for people to choose timber. It looks beautiful and is available in a variety of patterns and colours. It is one of the most practical option and is well-known for its quality. The timber which is used in folded doors is generally an engineered timber. This is made from pieces of wood glued together. These layers offer strength to the frame of the doors.

  However, this might warp if it absorbs too much of moisture. In such cases you will not be able to seal the gasket properly and this will keep the door from closing. It is also prone to contracting in cold weather, leading to gaps. This might have an effect on the thermal efficiency. Another drawback of timber is that it requires maximum maintenance if you have to maintain their appearance. This is the most expensive bifold doors that are available.

• uPVC

  In case you are looking for standard bifold doors which are low in cost, you should opt for uPVC doors. This cost-effective option also requires little maintenance. All you have to do is clean it once in a year. It has strength similar to that of a timber.  uPVC is also the cheapest when it comes to folded doors.

  However, uPVC door can develop scratches very easily. It might warp up or contract in extreme weather condition. Thus, it might be difficult to open or close them in such cases. Also, this is the least environmental-friendly choice. It has a bulky look and might obscure the view. As a matter of fact, it looks cheaper than the other options.

# Tips to Clean and Maintain Bifold Doors

You need clean and maintain your folded doors to keep it sparkling new. Here are some tips to clean folded doors.

• Clean the doors from time to time. Check it regularly and wash down the doors with the help of freshwater once in a week for removing salt deposits.
• Use light soap water for cleaning the doors. Avoid using any abrasive clothes. For removing excessive water, you can take the help of a squeegee.
• Take a small brush for cleaning the dust and debris from the tracks. Thereafter, clean it with the help of a vacuum cleaner.
• Lubricate the hinges, multi-point locks, and the handles with grease or silicon spray. Do this once in every two months.

If you are able to choose the right material for your folded doors, you will attain a home of your dreams with an interesting touch.