Cortizo Bifold Doors review

Cortizo doors are a popular choice for residential and commercial applications. There are two models, the Cortizo Bifold and the newer Cortizo Bifold Plus. For this review we will focus more on the Plus model but will cover the differences between the two as well. Whether for residential or commercial projects, this evolution of Cortizo’s bifolding door range seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor spaces, providing natural light and panoramic views. These doors are modern and up-to-the-minute and suitable for replacing dated patio doors or for a new extension.

In producing this review, we’ve seen Cortizo bifold doors in factories and showrooms, as well as in-situ in residential property. .

Cortizo bifolds start at two sashes up to a maximum of 14 for the largest apertures. Another great feature of a bifold is matching single and double doors. So if you do have bifolds, a side door or French doors, you can match the doors exactly right down to the sightlines and hardware.

Both bifolds, open in or out, come with the convenient traffic door, enabling easy entry and exit without having to fold all the panels back. Fixed or open corner designs are available as is a standard or low-set threshold and track. You will need trickle ventilation at the head to meet current Building Regulations and this will bulk up the sightline by a futher 35mm at the top of the doors.

The hardware used on Cortizo bifolds is of great quality, with a modern style to the handles and the intermediate door handles. Some brands will put more traditional handles like you get on side and back doors to the main leaf. Our advice is to stick with the more modern hardware. It looks much better as an overall door set.

As you’d expect from today’s generation of aluminium folding doors, you get thermally insulated profiles, a professionally applied colour finish, safety glass and quality seals and gaskets.

From a design standpoint, the Cortizo Bifold Plus has less actual aluminium and deeper thermal breaks. This enables the door to get lower U-Values than the standard model. To enable these improved U-Values the Bifold Plus has an 8mm deeper frame now at 80mm front to back, compared with 70mm.

Often with any product it’s the hidden engineering and design that makes it different. The thermal inserts and polyamide thermal break profiles of the Bifold Plus are deeper than the original bifold, with substantilly more chambers, grooves and inserts. So the aluminium profiles themselves look significantly enhanced internally.

The Cortizo manuals and brochures offer both bifolds in anodised metallic finishes and in woodgrains. We’ve found these are incredibly difficult to get hold of in the UK. Here you’ll more likely get standard RAL colours as well as dual colours, different inside and out.

For installers, the new model comes with pre-assembled gaskets for faster installation.

Technical Information on Cortizo bifold doors

Full technical information is available if you get in touch with us, but to summarise, Cortizo bifold doors offer:

Maximum Sash Height: 3000mm.

• Maximum Sash Width: 1200mm.
• Maximum Sash Weight: 120kg.
• Glazing Capacity: 25mm to 48mm for double or triple glazing.
• Frame Depth: 80mm.

Performance Ratings:

• Thermal Transmittance: Best U-Values are 0.8 W/m²K with triple glazing.
• Air Permeability: Class 4.
• Water Tightness: Class E750.
• Wind Resistance: Class C3.

The U-Values around Cortizo doors and windows generally are very confusing and vague. And even the Cortizo literature itself, doesn’t tell you with what glass specification the doors get to the claimed U-Values. Getting the right U-Values is essential for meeting current Building Regulations.

Our advice here is to insist your installer demonstrates in writing with what glass specification these doors will meet a 1.4 U-Value or the claimed lowest of 0.8Wm2K. Our own calculations show both these doors will need triple glazing a soft-coat low-emissivity coating, warm edge spacer bars and argon gas fill. If you’re being offered double glazed doors, again insist on written proof of compliance. Don’t accept door energy rating figures instead of U-Values.

How Much Does the Cortizo Bifold Plus Cost?

Depending on the size, glass specification, colour and even where you’re located in the UK, you can expect to pay between £950 -£1200 per panel, supplied and fitted including VAT.

The multiple manufacturers of Cortizo products mean there’s no standard product. Therefore who makes the brand and how they choose to supply it means options vary from supplier to supplier. 

Some manufacturers may choose higher quality handles with better metals. Others may give you the option of locking the bifolds from the outside, others may not. Colour options may also vary. The takeaway here is that all these unrelated suppliers of Cortizo bifold doors don’t all provide the same product even though the profiles are the same.  We can help with any questions about Cortizo doors.

Cortizo bifold doors review. More information and where to buy.

The great thing about Cortizo bifolds is their wide availability. However, who makes your door and the expertise of the installer is also very important in getting a reliable door and one that will serve you well.

The Cortizo Bifold Plus comes recommended as a contemporary folding sliding door, at a more mid-range price, with matching single, double or even front doors, with modern hardware and a smooth sliding and folding action. It’s an ideal choice for projects seeking a quality and more affordable bifold, but do ensure you get clarification on U-Values for meeting Building Regulations that can be vague.

At The Door and Window Experts, our mission is to provide impartial, independent advice to help you make informed decisions. Contact us for where to buy the best Cortizo bifolds from reliable manufacturers and installers.