Bifolding doors have been used in Europe for many years in commercial premises such as restaurants and bars. The warmer climate lends itself brilliantly to the al fresco culture typical in Europe and here bifolding doors in a variety of materials are hugely popular.
Often the bifolding doors found in overseas premises do not have the need for thermal breaks or high insulation, they are simply there to be opened up and create an opening and welcoming environment for customers. If you have a coffee shop, bar or restaurant, how can bifolding doors benefit your premises?
Bifolding doors should be considered for cafés, bars and restaurants
One major advantage of using bifolding doors in commercial buildings and particularly those serving food and drink is how they can open up the space for customers. Consider the difference between a normal shop with tables and chairs simply placed outside it and the difference this will make when placed in front of bifolding doors in front of a fully open front elevation. Instantly the premises look larger, look busy and far more inviting.
If you are fortunate to be extending your commercial premises, then a corner bifolding door arrangement would be ideal. Corner bifolds and especially open corner bifolding doors will not only offer even more benefits of space but an extension will increase the number of covers.
Bifolding doors can also give you other revenue streams
Transforming your premises with bifolding doors could open up your business as a suitable venue for parties, wedding receptions and other functions. As these doors will create a seamless transition between the inside and outside spaces, they are ideal for public functions where many people mingle and want to enjoy both inside and outside spaces at the same time without having fire exit doors or other types of doors to walk through.
These open spaces allow a DJ as one example to be in inside the building yet the music can be heard outside. Waiting staff are more visible, customers are all sat together and flexible configuration of inside and outside spaces mean you can set up the entertainment area to suit each individual function if needed.
Our top tip for installing the right bifolding door to your premises
Undoubtedly, bifolding doors are a very useful addition to your business but there are several things to consider.
The important point to remember is that domestic quality bifolding doors whilst suitable for commercial buildings should not be used as the main entrance doors with which to gain access to the premises. This is because the hardware found on bifolding doors is not designed to meet current building regulations for entrance doors to non dwellings.
Therefore bifolding doors in commercial buildings are secondary doors and not primary entrance doors. These doors are there simply to be opened up when required but the premises should also have a main entrance door such as a commercial door that will meet current standards for access, fire exit and heavy duty use.
Aluminium, PVCu or Timber?
Aluminium is the more durable material which is why you mostly see popular names in aluminium bifolding doors such as the excellent Kawneer AA372o bifolding door, Origin doors, AluK and Schuco doors installed in commercial buildings. PVCu or timber can be used as these will not be primary entrance doors. You can read more about what is the best material for bifolding doors or contact this website and we can assist you further on the right bifolding door to suit commercial premises.
