Better Bi-Folds?

For 20 years, aluminium bi-fold doors have been giving fabricators and installers regular work and good margins in the home-improvement and new-build market. Have they evolved and have they improved?

“Modern bi-fold door systems have raised the bar and remain a firm favourite with homeowners,” answered Nathan Court, the chief sales officer at Sternfenster, when we posed the questions.

He added: “The patio door market has changed and expanded significantly over the years, with sliding options becoming increasingly popular just recently.

“There's a lot more choice nowadays. And homeowner tastes are shifting. But bi-folds have evolved too. Advances in performance and looks mean they continue to hold their own.”

Light and space

A defining feature of the rise in open-plan living since the early noughties, bi-folds continue to satisfy the appetite for lighter, brighter modern homes with their winning combination of practicality, performance and contemporary design.

While fashions and trends come and go, the enduring popularity of bi-fold styles reflects the high value consumers still place on flexible living spaces, natural light and a stronger connection with the garden.

With natural light being a big priority for construction product designers, bi-folds offer large expanses of glazing and large-span apertures. These reduce the visual boundary between inside and out, whether the doors are open or closed, creating a feeling of space and continuity.

The ability to fold doors right back to create a wide, uninhibited opening, support the flow of light, air and space even further, as many homeowners seek to strengthen their connection with nature.

Covid catalyst

Court said: "A lot of consumers are increasingly focused on the connection between their home and their garden, due to the positive impact that can have on their wellbeing.

“It was something that particularly came to the fore during Covid. It hasn’t really gone away. Being able to fold the doors right back, as you can with bi-folds, helps to remove the barrier between house and garden. It’s an extremely effective way to achieve that sense of bringing the outside in, which is still very much in demand among consumers.”

Slim sightlines

That demand has naturally driven product development, with modern aluminium bi-fold systems such as Sternfenster’s Visofold 1000 Slim Bi-Fold Door range offering narrower sightlines than previous bi-fold generations, while maintaining the structural strength needed for larger glazed areas.

“Homeowners want contemporary styling with clean, slim profiles, yet they also expect durability,” added Court. “Modern aluminium bi-fold systems like our Visofold 1000 Slim range deliver both. The result is a very versatile product that’s suitable for everything from straightforward home improvements to design-orientated architectural or commercial projects."

Visofold 1000 Slim

Available in a wide range of opening configurations, the Visofold 1000 Slim range also features low thresholds for improved accessibility and a polyamide thermal break to enhance thermal performance. In addition, a wide colour choice gives homeowners the opportunity to personalise their doors to their taste.

From an installation perspective, Sternfenster’s QUICKglaze knock-in bead technology helps simplify the glazing process for a faster fit. By incorporating co-extruded gaskets directly into the glazing bead, the system removes the need for separate gasket installation, significantly reducing fitting time while delivering a clean, consistent finish.

Security

With security also high on homeowners' list of priorities, Sternfenster’s bi-fold offering incorporates multipoint locking, hook bolt mechanisms and shootbolts on floating mullions, all housed within a strong aluminium frame. Combined with stainless steel rollers that provide smooth operation and optional magnetic door clips, bi-fold products are designed to perform reliably throughout years of regular use.

As residential patio door design continues to move forward, the factors and ideas influencing purchasing decisions will also change. Despite this, functional, attractive products that consistently meet practical needs are likely to remain in demand and Court believes bi-fold doors possess the attributes to ensure they remain on homeowners’ wish lists.

“Door trends will come and go, but products that have the potential to improve the everyday living experience will never go out of fashion,” he concluded.

Picture: Bi-folding doors are now a common feature on the backs of houses and ground-floor flats. And even make an appearance heading out to a balcony.

www.sternfenster.com