- September 23, 2024|
- Doors|
- sandymount_admin
If you’re looking to make some home improvements and are seeking the perfect way to bring the outside in then you’ll want to choose the perfect patio door. But with so many different choices available, it can be difficult to know where to start.
Two of the most popular options for homeowners are bifold doors and sliding doors – but with both offering a whole host of benefits, how do you work out which is best for you? A lot will come down to personal preference and which aesthetic you prefer for your home, but there are also some differences in the functionality of the two styles which may influence your decision. When you’re replacing your old patio doors there are many options available, so this blog will give you some pointers to help you make up your mind.
Opening Options
Bringing the outside in with bifold doors
The main difference between bifold and sliding doors is, of course, how they open. Bifold doors have several panes which open by folding back (concertina-style) on top of each other at the side of the frame, while sliding doors feature two panes of glass which slide open to the side with one pane on top of another. Bifold doors can really transform a room by opening up an entire wall, creating a seamless transition between the outdoors and indoors – perfect for those sunny summer gatherings where family and friends can enjoy drifting between the inside and outside spaces. And for large terraces or patios, bifold doors may be the perfect choice for maximising access to this area. Even when closed, you’re promised plenty of natural light in your living space thanks to these high quality doors.
Space-saving sliding doors
If space is a premium in your home, sliding doors are a great alternative to bifolds, as you don’t need to leave a clear space in your room for the doors to go when open. Our sliding doors offer some of the slimmest sightlines on the market so you can really make the most of unobstructed views. For fabulous vistas over your garden or surrounding countryside sliding doors may be a good option. Just like our exterior bifold doors, when open they’re great for allowing plenty of ventilation and a sense of openness into your home, an elegant solution.
Flexible configurations
Awkward spaces? Bifold doors could be the answer
No matter what layout you have in your home, the flexible options for our bifold doors can help make the most of the available space. A set of corner bifolds, for example, can bring light into a dark corner of your room whilst the option for various positions for the posts can really open up your view. At Sandymount we offer the OB-72 option for example which can accommodate up to 12 door panels for ultimate customizability, remaining an excellent choice.
Sleek sliding doors for a minimalist feel
Sliding doors may not have the option of flexible configuration like bifolds, but if you’re looking for a sleek, minimalist look then sliding doors can offer a truly ultra-modern, elegant feel. Available in a stunning range of tough, durable colours, from pastels to bright primary shades, our sliding doors will retain their stunning good looks for years to come.
Thermal efficiency
Are bifolds less thermally efficient?
Many people worry that bifold doors are less efficient at keeping heat trapped inside your home making them less thermally efficient than sliding doors.
In the cooler months however, our bifold door sets offer superb levels of thermal efficiency, keeping you nice and toasty-warm while letting in plenty of that precious winter sunshine. Our Origin BiFold Door boasts a specifically designed polyamide break that significantly limits the heat transfer from one area to another, reducing your energy bills and making your rooms usable all year round.
What about sliding doors and heat loss?
The Origin Artisan Slider is also manufactured with a polyamide thermal break and uses low-emissivity glass (low-e coating), which further improves energy efficiency as there’s an invisible coating that reflects heat back into your room. Whichever you choose you can be sure of staying snug and warm in your home.
Keeping you safe
Whatever the weather bifolds keep you cosy
If you’re concerned about winter storms, our bifold doors will keep you perfectly safe and warm. The Origin Bifold Door is one of the few doors of its kind to pass Florida’s rigorous High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) testing standards without sacrificing thermal performance so it’s more than a match for the British weather! Our bifold doors also have an eight-point locking system as well as 20mm linear bolts and barrel options to protect against potential intruders as well as the weather. Sandymount’s aluminium frames don’t won’t warp or expand like wooden doors so draughts will be a thing of the past.
Sliding doors – a security weak point?
Whilst traditional sliding doors can be vulnerable to break-ins and are often seen as a security weak point, our aluminium sliding doors feature a minimum of six points of locking and toughened glass making them incredibly dependable – great for your peace of mind. In addition, our Artisan slider has no outside handle meaning there are no locks to pick – ultra secure for your family.
Aluminium bifold doors and sliding doors from Sandymount
Investing in either a bifold or a sliding door is an excellent way of enjoying the alfresco lifestyle without compromising on your safety, security features, accessories, or comfort during the worst weather the British climate can throw at you. With all our doors made to your exact specifications, you can find the perfect solution for your home.
For more information of the full details about our range, contact us here, give us a call at 01793 230684 or even visit our Cirencester showroom, where we can show you what we do and talk you through all the options. All of our installations, whether you’re after French doors, composite doors, our wide spectrum of window styles, or extensions, you’re promised the peace of mind that comes with superior quality products.
