Frameless bifold doors information and uses

Frameless bifold doors look like conventional framed bifolding doors when closed but have less frame providing a stunning wall of glass. However, instead of the connected glass panels folding back like a concertina to open, each panel slides apart separately, turns and is then slid along the track to fold back.

The main advantages of frameless bifold doors over traditional framed bifolding doors are larger glass panels and a less visible aluminium frame, which gives them a more slimline minimalist design.

What are frameless bifold doors?

Frameless bifold doors are part of the frameless doors and windows product range. As much as the name seems to imply, they are not entirely made of glass.

Aluminium components are still necessary to provide an outer frame for the glass and provide overall structural integrity. Just like sliding doors, frameless bifold doors are marketed as frameless but they do have a visible aluminium frame, albeit far reduced compared to conventional bifolding doors. The aluminium parts in a bifolding door play a key role in the product:

• To enable the door locking system to have a secure fixing
• For the door handles to be installed into a strong aluminium profile for security and everyday use
• The aluminium extrusions provide a location for the mechanical bifolding action

One key benefit of frameless bifold doors is their impressive sight lines. Choose the right product, and you get virtually no aluminium where the door panels meet on the verticle. There are even frameless bifold doors with glass-to-glass edges at the points where the door panels meet in the closed position.

Where can frameless bifold doors be used?

Many of the frameless bifold doors on the market suit internal use as room dividers, glass partitions and to separate a secure conservatory.  These will generally be single-glazed and have minimal locking features.

There are also single-glazed frameless bifold doors which are suitable for external use as doors for a glass canopy cover a patio or terrace, outdoor eating area or swimming pool or hut tub.

Lastly, at the higher end of the double-glazed products suitable for external use making frameless bifold doors ideal for replacing old patio doors or for new extensions.

How do frameless bifold doors open and close?

The way frameless bifold doors open and close is generally different from their larger framed aluminium counterparts. Conventional aluminium bifold doors are designed with connected panels that slide and fold in a concertina fashion. Frameless bifold doors’ panels are separate and move independently.

One of the reasons for this alternative method of operation is that the slimline proportions at the door edges mean there is no room for fixing the door hinges.  Therefore, the components are located at the top and bottom of each panel giving them a pivoting action rather than a hinged.

A frameless product typically uses a master leaf that has the main locking and works as an access or traffic door. When this is hinged open, the remaining door panels have room to slide along the frame and track, reach a stop, and then hinge open, stacking against the master leaf.

What is the weather performance with frameless bifold doors?

It is important to mention that most frameless bifolding doors were originally designed on the continent where the climate calls for less severe weather protection.  Many of these doors are single-glazed, which makes them suitable only for commercial applications or internal use.  Double-glazed versions of frameless bifold doors do exist, but they can differ substantially in the levels of weather protection, meaning some products might not be suitable for an external bifold door.

If you are in the market for frameless bifold doors for external use, ask to see the technical certification for air, wind and water tests to ensure they are suitable. The certification specification needs to be the same as the one you purchase. Also, ask what guarantees come with the door; some do not come with the 10-year guarantee expected from modern home improvement products.

Premium high-end frameless glass doors have excellent weather performance, and the right product should be as good as a fully framed bifold. Find an experienced installer, and you will get an innovative folding door that provides many years of reliable service in your home.

Frameless bifold doors and building regulations

All doors must meet current building regulations whether internal or external. It is important to check with your installer for the appropriate building regulation paperwork.

If you are still interested in frameless bifold doors you can find further information on the best frameless bifolding door. For help choosing the right frameless bifold doors for your project, please get in touch with us; we will be happy to help.