Are bifold doors energy efficient? | Comparing popular materials

The current cost-of-living crisis is causing energy bills to rapidly increase; as inflation in the UK is the highest it has been in forty years at 10.7%. As rising bills is impacting every UK household, it is essential to find cost-effective solutions throughout the home to ease these costs. Bifold doors are becoming increasingly popular, both for interior and exterior use.

In this guide, we'll discuss the energy efficiency of interior and exterior bifold doors, their U-value metrics, and how they can make a cost-effective option.

How energy efficient are internal bifold doors?

Internal bifold doors in homes are often used as a divider between the house and its conservatory, or as a divider between the living room and other areas, including offices, spare rooms and porches. Internal bifold doors are not often tested for their efficiency and are usually supplied single glazed. However, Vufold internal bifold doors come supplied with external grade draught seals which can help reduce noise transfer and reduce heat transfer. As Vufold internal bifold doors are made from timber, this makes them a naturally thermally efficient option.

If installing internal bifold doors in between a conservatory and living area, it is recommended, depending on the type of conservatory and roof, that you check with building control and your insurance company, if either has specific requirements regarding security and efficiency. If extra thermal efficiency and security is required, we recommend using our Master and Elite externally rated doors.

Browse Vufold's range of energy-efficient interior bifold doors here.

How energy efficient are external bifold doors?

External bifold doors allow houses to have an unobstructed opening to the exterior of their homes and create more of an open plan. Traditionally, they are used to merge your living room or interior space with your exterior patio or garden. It is extremely important for external doors to be thermally efficient, as they responsible for retaining heat in the cold weather. They are therefore often much more thermally efficient than internal bifold doors.

External bifold doors are traditionally double-glazed, which is what makes them an energy-efficient investment as they retain heat this way, meaning you don't have to spend as much money on your heating bills.

Vufold has a wide range of energy-efficient external bifold doors that are double-glazed. Compared to traditional patio doors and other external doors, Vufold's bifold external doors are incredibly energy efficient as a result of their lower U-Value, showcasing their excellent insulation properties.

The thermal efficiency of an external bifold door also largely depends on the material. Timber is a naturally thermally efficient material, whereas many modern aluminium bifold doors also offer exceptional thermal efficiency due to their thermal breaks, modern technology and glazing.

Browse our collection of energy efficient exterior bifold doors here.

Are you looking for an eye-catching and durable wooden bifold door?

Our pick:

MASTER WOODEN BIFOLD DOORS

FROM £2,109

Elegant, slim sight lines complemented by a classic white or on-trend anthracite grey finish highlight out our Master bifold doors as exceptional. These bestselling wooden bifold doors are superbly engineered from slow grown hardwood and use a smooth stainless-steel top hung roller system that makes them easy to install and even easier to operate.

Shop our Master timber bifold doors range here.

What are the benefits of choosing a bifold door?

Both internal and external bifold doors offer homes many benefits, including the following:

Reduction in energy bills

Whilst interior doors haven’t been tested for efficiency, Vufold’s internal doors will help to reduce heat loss and heat transfer due to their design. This means that your home will be much better at retaining heat. By reducing the reliance on your heating to warm up your home, you can save significant money on your energy bills.

Maximises natural light

Bifold doors enable you to maximise the natural light across your home. This means you can welcome in natural light on a sunny day, which can work to boost your mood and productivity.

Natural light can really open an indoor space, so the ability to maximise it can do great wonders for opening your home. Find out more about the best types of glazing for bifold doors here.

Do you work from home? Read the benefits of utilising natural light in your home working space.

Low maintenance

Bifold doors are extremely low maintenance and highly durable, making them a worthwhile long-term investment for your home. Once installed, they are easy to slide open and closed.

The materials used to make bifold doors, such as hardwood, oak, timber and aluminium are all very low maintenance, which is what makes bifolding doors such a beneficial choice for your home.

Discover the numerous benefits of different materials here at our advice centre.

Security

The strong material of bifolding doors guarantees security for your home. You can rest easy knowing that your exterior bifolding doors will work to keep both you and your house safe from threat. The double or triple glazing of external bifold doors, coupled with the sturdy materials of bifolding doors, offers double protection.

Internal doors, however, are not security-tested and are often single glazed, as it is less vital for internal bifold doors to offer advanced security options. Vufold internal bifold doors are supplied with top and bottom shoot bolts in order to secure the doors in place, and feature secure door latches.

Aesthetic and modern

Bifolding doors are a popular choice among homeowners. They are extremely aesthetically pleasing and their modern design can really update both an interior and an exterior space. They are also incredibly practical and easy to manoeuvre, meaning you can reclaim your space how and when you wish to.

The aesthetic design of both interior and exterior bifolding doors has the potential to transform your home's interior design.

At Vufold, we have in stock a wide range of bifold doors, both interior and exterior. Discover our collection here and find your perfect door today.

How Vufold can help

Vufold can help by providing you with an extensive range of bifold doors and other styles of interior and exterior doors for your home. Vufold offers customers a range of door styles, including bifold doors, sliding doors, and French doors. With 40 years of experience, you are in good hands with Vufold’s reliable team. We have a wide range of materials to choose from to match any requirements, and all of our bifolds have competitive low U-value scores.

Get in contact with us today to see how we can help you.

Frequently asked questions

What bifold door colours can you choose from?

Vufold offers the following colours for their interior and exterior bifold doors:

• Unfinished Oak

• Traffic White 9016

• Prefinished Oak

• Anthracite Grey 7016

• Jet Black 9005

• Grey 7016

• Hipca White 9910.

Are you looking for a classic black aluminium bifold door? Read our guide to choosing a black aluminium bifold door here.

How long do bifold doors last?

In addition to offering a beautiful design for your home, bifold doors are very durable and last a long time. The material they are made from can impact their longevity. On average, aluminium bifold doors can have a life expectancy of around 40 years, whereas wood-based bifold doors can last between 20 and 30 years. Either way, bifold doors are a worthy, long-lasting investment.

How do I choose the right wooden bifold doors for my home?

Consider the following when choosing a wooden bifold door:

• Purpose: Determine whether they are for interior or exterior use.

• Size: Ensure the doors fit your space properly.

• Style: Consider the design and finish to complement your home’s décor.

• Budget: Factor in the cost of the doors, additional accessories, and any necessary maintenance.

Read our full guide to choosing a wooden bifold door here.

What is triple glazing?

Triple-glazing is made with three panes of glass rather than one (single glazing) or two (double glazing). Three panes of glass are placed with a cavity between each pane. This cavity is often filled with an inert gas. This combination is designed to help insulate your home and reduce any lost energy. In addition, if you live in a more exposed area of the UK, triple glazing can help to protect your home and keep it warm during varying weather conditions. Read our complete guide to bifold door glazing.

Are bifold doors a security risk?

No. Bifold doors are very sturdy compared to basic wooden doors. High-quality double or triple glazing and strong, durable materials, as well as good quality multi point locks tested to the latest standards, ensure that external bifolding doors are not a security risk. High-quality bifold doors made from aluminium or engineered timber can help to improve property value.

Are bifold doors good for insulation?

If you choose the right bifold doors, they can be excellent for improving the insulation of your home. All of Vufold’s range of bifold doors have u-values that exceed minimum building regulations.

How much do aluminium bifold doors cost?

The cost of a bifold door will vary depending on the size, the number of doors and the glazing. Our supreme aluminium range begins at £1,809.00.

Does glass thickness affect U-value?

Yes, glass thickness does affect U-value. The thicker the glass units, the lower (and therefore better) the U-value will be. However, the material and construction of the frame are taken into consideration as well. Read our full guide to bifold door U-values.

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