A guide to external bifold door hardware | Your options and the importance of high-quality hardware

A beautiful set of patio bifold doors has the ability to transform your home by opening up space and flooding rooms with natural light. But, when ordering and installing your bifold doors, it’s important to understand the hardware and accessories that are available and how they can help your doors to function.

Having an understanding of the hardware and parts required for properly functioning bifold doors can help you to make sure you order the right doors for your home and to make sure your new doors provide you with a solution you can enjoy in your home for years to come.

Why is bifold door hardware important?

When most people think of bifold or folding doors, they focus on the door frame and glass and forget about other components such as the track, pivots, hinges and catches which all help to make these doors function properly. But these components are just as important, if not more important, as the frame and glazing.

The wrong or poor-quality hardware can impact the overall functioning and longevity of your doors so, when choosing a bifold door supplier, it’s important to choose someone who can offer high quality doors and parts. This is one of the reasons we always recommend choosing a bifold door supplier who can supply both the doors and accessories, not just the doors and glazing. At Vufold, all our bifold doors are supplied with high quality hardware to ensure the smoothest possible operation.

Are you choosing a white aluminium bifold door? Read the benefits and options of white external aluminium bifolds.

What are the different types of bifold door hardware?

Tracks/thresholds

When it comes to exterior bifold doors, there are few things more important than the track. This is the channel the doors run on when they slide open. The door frames themselves are tethered to the track via a carriage. This allows each individual door leaf to slide smoothly along the track.

So, the track is one of the most important elements to get right. Making compromises in this area can really impact the smooth operation of the doors. A misaligned or poor-quality track won’t allow the doors to open and close smoothly, while tracks made from substandard materials will warp with age.

When it comes to thresholds, there are two types available: weathered and unweathered. A weathered track is mounted approximately 14mm above the floor, while an unweathered track is installed flush to the floor. However, at Vufold, we do not supply a completely flush threshold for our bifold doors because it does not provide protection against the weather. We offer a low threshold, but it cannot be completely sunk into the floor.

It is possible to install an external bifold door without a bottom track, but this is not advisable. Such systems are often cheaper, but they are much less secure than a tracked door. They are also prone to flooding during heavy rain. For this reason, we only recommend using this type of system for internal doors.

Are you looking for a durable, modern aluminium bifold?

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STATUS ALUMINIUM BIFOLD DOORS

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The Status is our most popular aluminium bifold door set, and it’s no mystery as to why. Not only are they fantastic value for such beautifully engineered bifolds, they’re available in a host of configurable options and feature a low threshhold and slim sight lines to give you more natural light, and a better view. As if that’s not enough, our Express range is also available for delivery in just three days.

Shop our aluminium Status bifold doors here.

Pivots

The pivot is the secret to how bifold doors work. Pivots are two short rods connected to the carriage which runs along the track. The rods then attach to the hinge which is mounted on the door frame in the usual way. When the door opens, the carriage slides along the track while the pivots allow each door leaf to fold back on itself.

Pivots are essential to the smooth operation of your door system. It’s important that your doors have high-quality pivots that can support the weight of the frame. Poor quality pivots will increase stress on the frame, track and hinges. This in turn will disrupt the smooth operation of the doors and eventually cause them to jam.

Hinges

On a bifold door, the hinges serve several purposes. They allow each door to open and close independently, connecting the individual door leaves together and providing support for the pivot pins which then attach to the carriage. The hinges are what allows each individual door leaf to open and close in a single movement.

Hinges serve multiple purposes so high-quality hinges are important to the longevity and smooth operation of your external door. Poor quality hinges will increase stress on the door frame, track and pivots, which will ultimately result in bifold doors which don’t open and close in a single smooth action.

Catches

Catch kits help to hold your folding door together against the wall when they are open. Without catches, your doors would slide back across the threshold with every gust of wind. Catch kits are therefore essential to the safe and proper functioning of your bifold doors.

Most catch kits consist of two magnets which are fixed to the top and bottom of each door leaf. Two sets of magnets are required for each door. Most catch kits also come with a stopped which prevents the doors from crashing into the wall. It’s important to choose catches which are strong enough to hold the weight of the doors.

Lock and handle

Choosing the right lock and handle for your bifold door is essential for making sure that the security of your doors is the best it can be as well as helping with the functioning of your doors. Poorly made handles can have an impact on how your doors function and can damage the doors over time, leading to problems in the future.

All Vufold doors use a multipoint locking system for the best security and to provide you with peace of mind that your bifold doors will be as secure as possible.

Read our guide to choosing the right lock and handles for your bifold doors.

How can the type of glass impact the strength and security of your bifold door?

In addition to choosing high-quality hardware, the type of glass featured in your door can also have an impact on security and strength. Read the differences between tempered safety and laminated glass below:

Vufold ready-to-assemble bifold doors

At Vufold, all of our external bifold doors are supplied in ready-to-assemble kits which include everything you need to install your folding door system by yourself.

All folding door kits include:

• High-quality hinges

• Tracks

• Pivots

• Strike plates

• Ironmongery

• Fixings

• Seals.

All Vufold bifolding doors are also supplied with hinge positions pre-machined which greatly increases the speed of installation. When installing the hinges on bifold doors, care needs to be taken to ensure they are aligned correctly. Misaligned hinges can result in increased stress on the door frame. Vufold pre-machining makes this job much easier.

Each Vufold component has also been thoroughly tested to ensure it provides fault free service for a period of ten years. As a result all of our timber bifold doors come with a 10-year guarantee, and our aluminium bifold doors come with a 15-year guarantee. This warranty covers all components including doors, tracks, hinges, pivots and striker plates. So, when installing Vufold bifold doors, you can have complete peace of mind that your doors will provide a long-term, durable solution.

Take a look at our range of exterior wooden and aluminium bifold doors today, or contact our team to find out more about our ranges of external bifold doors.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best material for external bifold door hardware?

The best material for external folding door hardware is typically stainless steel or aluminium. These materials are durable, corrosion-resistant, and able to withstand exposure to the elements. Powder-coated finishes also offer additional protection and come in various colours to complement your door design.

How long do bifold doors last?

This depends on factors such as the material of the bifold door, and the manufacturer you buy from. Vufold features bifold doors that come with a guarantee of up to 15 years. Find out more about choosing the best-quality bifold doors.

How do I maintain external bifold door hardware?

To maintain external bifold door hardware, regularly clean the components with a soft cloth and mild detergent to remove dirt and debris. Lubricate the moving parts, such as hinges and tracks, every 6–12 months with a silicone-based lubricant to ensure smooth operation. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals, as these can damage the hardware.

Can I replace the hardware on my bifold doors?

Yes, external bifold door hardware can be replaced. This includes handles, hinges, tracks, and locks. If your hardware is damaged or outdated, it’s important to choose compatible replacement parts. Consult your door manufacturer or a professional installer to ensure you select the right components.

Are there different handle options for external bifold doors?

External bifold doors come with a range of handle options, such as lever handles and flush handles. Each option offers a unique aesthetic and functionality. Some handles also incorporate locking mechanisms for added security. Choose handles that match your style preferences and practical needs. Read our full guide to choosing a bifold door handle here.

How secure is external bifold door hardware?

Modern external bifold door hardware is designed with security in mind. Features such as multi-point locking systems, anti-lift tracks, and reinforced hinges provide excellent protection against intruders. Look for bifold doors that meet British security standards, such as PAS 24, for added peace of mind.

Are bifold doors easy to break into?

High-quality bifold doors, such as Vufold’s selection of bifold doors, come with excellent security options and are made from strong, durable materials. This ensures they are highly secure and are not easy to break into.

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