Aluminum glass bi-fold doors – 5 reasons for and against

Pros of aluminum bi-folding doors:

• durability: because of their material, such bi-fold doors are usually durable and resistant to external factors.
• functionality: they are designed to provide easy access and maximize the amount of natural light that enters a room. They also fold neatly away, which saves space and allows for seamless indoor-outdoor living.
• versatility: bi-folds can be used in a variety of applications, including residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.
• aesthetics: the slim aluminum frames of bi-folds provide a clean and minimalist look. There’s also a variety of finishes and colors to choose from, so bi-fold doors can be customized to match the customer’s needs. 
• increased property value: the installation of aluminum bi-fold doors has the potential to boost the value of a property, as they are considered a desirable feature among prospective homebuyers.

Cons of aluminum bi-fold doors

• cost: relatively expensive, especially when choosing custom configurations.
• worse air tightness and thermal peformance: they may not offer the same level of air tightness as other systems, thus, bi-folds are better suited for public places like cafés and houses located in a warmer climate, for instance, Texas or California 
• maintenance of the tracks: while aluminum bi-fold doors themselves require little care, the tracks they slide on may need periodic cleaning and lubrication to ensure smooth operation. The user has to use silicone-based lubricant and apply it to the hinges, tracks, and other moving parts.  
• risk of complaint: from our experience, bi-folds are the most frequent subject of complaints due to their complicated mechanism. 

Can aluminum glass bi-folding doors be customized to fit specific sizes and shapes of openings?

Yes, these doors are usually available in a range of configurations and can be designed to fit openings of various widths and heights. Manufacturers of aluminum glass bifold doors typically offer customization options to ensure that the doors suit the unique requirements of each project. This may include adjusting the number of panels, the width, and height of each panel, and the overall size and shape of the door system.

How much do bifold glass doors cost?

It’s important to note that the price will be influenced by various factors, such as:

• color
• material type
• dimensions (height and width)
• construction intricacy
• number of panels and their configuration
• glazing type
• the manufacturer

Aluminum bi-fold doors can have an initial price point ranging from about $650 to $1100 per linear square foot. For a basic configuration, an aluminum bifold door in the US can cost between $1500 to $5000, but larger or more complex configurations could cost over $10000. As an illustration, Eris 96″ × 80″ starts from $4828, while Eris 192″ × 80″ from $9258.

What about European aluminum glass bi-fold doors?

Compared to the US market, the price is lower in Poland, while the products are of high quality and utilize the latest European technologies. For instance, a So Easy Decalu 88 with 2 or 3 panes and a maximum sash size of 2.8 m can cost approximately $1724, while a Cortizo Bi-Fold with 2–3 panes and a maximum sash size of 3 m may cost around $2178.

With the same size of the structure, the surcharge for the next added sash is approx. 10% of the price. Choosing bicolor costs 3% of the initial rate, and a low threshold is usually no surcharge or max. 2% of the incipient cost.

So Easy Decalu 88

Our number 1 in the category of the best quality/price ratio. Despite the affordable cost, this Deceuninck folding door system provides good thermal performance, with a thermal insulation rating of U-Factor 0.19.

Aliplast Panorama

Do you need a bi-fold that performs better thermally? Aliplast Panorama with U Factor 0.17 may be the right choice.

Aluprof MB-86 Fold Line

Another profile with good thermal parameters of 0.14 U Factor. It works great as a spacious passage between their house and patio or garden, or as a connector between, for example, a restaurant and a patio.

Cortizo Bi-Fold

A great solution for those seeking a large open space, offering the greatest design possibilities in its class. It’s perfect for public facilities such as restaurants, hotels, bars, or shops where its higher 0.23 U-Factor won’t matter as much.

What are the alternatives to bi-fold doors? 

If your investment requires big aluminum glass doors, but you are sceptical about bi-folds, we recommend taking a look at sliding profiles. Why? Mostly because they:

• are often less expensive than bi-folds, making them a more budget-friendly option
• are easier to operate, as they can be opened and closed with minimal effort, they also do not jam as much 
• have fewer moving parts than bi-folds, which means they require less maintenance and upkeep over time
• can feature a very low threshold or even be thresholdless, making it a great choice for households with children or individuals with mobility issues