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31 Oct - 2025
Bifold Door Maintenance: How To Look After Your Bifold Doors
Aluminium bifold doors are a great addition to your home - they’re attractive, thermally efficient, and designed to last for decades. But to ensure they keep your home looking bright, you'll need to make sure you have a proper cleaning routine in place and perform regular maintenance. Check out our list of to-dos for how to look after your bifolds and keep them looking the part.
Cleaning bifold glass
While sunny days can really show up the streaks on your bifolds' panels, this isn't always the best time to clean them. Sunlight can dry your cleaning agents too quickly, leaving your glass even streakier than before. To properly clean your bifolds' glass, you should:- Wipe it down on a cloudier day for more control over drying. Letting your glass air-dry can cause unwanted spots and streaks.
- Use gentle cleaning solutions. A homemade vinegar-water mix is an effective cleaner. Filtered or distilled water combined with washing-up liquid or a glass cleaning solution is also a good choice.
- Use a soft, clean, and non-abrasive cloth to apply the solution. Be sure to remove any excess with a squeegee, leaving no suds or water behind.
- Buff the glass with a clean microfibre cloth to really make it sparkle
- Wipe your glass panels down at least once a week and perform a deep clean every 2-3 months
Cleaning bifold frames
Using the right products is also essential when cleaning your bifolds' frames. Regular cleaning will keep them looking pristine, whether they've just had them installed or they've been part of your home for many years. To keep your aluminum bifold door frames clean, you should:- Use a brush, feather duster, or vacuum cleaner to clear away any loose dirt or debris
- Use a gentle cleaning solution to remove dirt and grime, working your way from top to bottom
- After you've finished wiping, switch to a clean cloth to dry your frames completely
- Avoid abrasive cleaning products and equipment, such as Brillo pads and wire brushes, as these may scratch the frames and cause lasting damage
Cleaning the seals and tracks
Keeping your bifolds' seals and tracks in good condition will ensure that your doors continue to perform as expected. To achieve this, add the following tasks to your bifold door maintenance schedule:- Regularly inspect the runners and tracks for small obstacles such as stones. Remove these with a vacuum cleaner or soft brush to prevent damage to the mechanism.
- Wipe down tracks and seals with a mild cleaning solution and a damp cloth. Stubborn track stains can be tackled by applying a baking soda-vinegar mixture to the affected areas, leaving this to bubble, and clearing away with a brush.
- If your seals have a buildup of mould or mildew, use a suitable mould-removal spray
- Once you have cleaned your tracks and seals, wipe them dry with a clean cloth
- You should also take care to lubricate your tracks every few months to ensure smooth operation
Maintaining hinges and locks
The final thing to think about when it comes to looking after your bifold doors is their hardware. If not properly maintained, your doors' hinges, tracks, and locks will not work as smoothly and may even begin to seize up. To avoid this, you should:- Lubricate rollers, tracks, and hinges every few months, using a silicone-based lubricant
- Apply a small amount of lubricant to each area, ensuring even distribution by moving the parts backwards and forwards
- Wipe away excess lubricant with a clean, dry cloth
- Lubricate locks and keys regularly, adding a small amount of lubricant to each part and testing the mechanism to keep it in good working order
Ready to brighten up your home?
Now you know how to clean and maintain bifold doors, why not explore our full collection? At Lite Haus UK, we are renowned for excellence and 50 years of experience supplying and installing a wide range of bespoke aluminium bi-fold doors to homeowners throughout Coventry, Warwickshire, and the West Midlands. Give us a call today on 024 7646 0115, get an online quote, or email us to discuss your ideal solution. READ MORE
24 Sep - 2025
Why Origin OB36 Soho Doors Are The Perfect Fit For Your Home
Looking for a stylish way of letting more light into your home? Lite Haus UK is proud to offer the stunning, steel-look Origin OB-36 Soho bi-folding door to homeowners across Warwickshire, the West Midlands, and the surrounding areas. Discover the benefits of this striking, industrial-inspired model and how it can enhance the look and feel of your property.
Aesthetic Appeal & Ultra-Slim Sightlines
One of the most distinctive characteristics of Origin's Soho doors is their appearance. The OB-36+'s elegant, steel-like bars recall the iconic architecture of Soho, New York City, adding a warm industrial style to any living space. This unique aluminium-based design paves the way for the door's ultra-slim sightlines (36mm) and high glass-to-frame ratio, which ensure brighter indoor spaces and clearer views of the outside. The doors' attractive look is complemented by a choice of artisanal handles, available in a selection of finishes, ranging from Antique Brass to Rose Gold.Exceptional Thermal Performance
Like all Origin bifolds, OB-36+ Soho doors are thermally broken. This means that they feature a polyamide thermal break, which reduces heat transfer between the inside and outside, keeping homes warm in winter and cool in summer. Their thermal efficiency is further enhanced via the addition of double and triple glazing, as well as weatherproof seals that keep out drafts. At its best, the OB-36 achieves U-values as low as 0.78W/m2K, exceeding current British Building Regulation requirements. This results in improved home energy efficiency and substantial savings on bills.Greater Home Security
The OB-36 has a range of enhanced security features to keep homes and families safe. These include an 8-point locking system to safeguard against common intrusion techniques, finger-safe gaskets to prevent accidents, and optional restrictors to limit how far the doors can open. The doors in the Soho collection are made from premium-grade aluminium, a material well known for its strength and resilience, as well as being PAS24 accredited, which means that they offer a higher level of protection against various burglary methods.Highly Customisable
OB-36 Origin bifold doors are completely bespoke, with a range of colours, designs and configurations available to suit every taste. Origin offers the Soho range in over 150 RAL colours and shades, alongside numerous finishes and dual colour options, giving buyers several options when making their selection. Depending on preferences, the doors can also accommodate double glazing or triple glazing, up to six individual panels, and a traffic door for easy access.Built To Last
As with all Origin products, the OB-36 is made from reliable, premium-grade aluminium. This material is perfect for bifold doors due to its strength, durability, and ability to withstand warping and corrosion. Because it is a lightweight, long-lasting metal, aluminium creates doors that are easy to operate, with minimal maintenance required to ensure continued performance. The OB-36 Soho bifolds even come with a 20-year guarantee, providing peace of mind in the event of any issues.Choose Origin Aluminium Bifold Doors at Lite Haus UK
Lite Haus UK is one of Warwickshire's most respected suppliers of high-quality aluminium doors and windows. As Origin Premium Partners, our professional team has years of experience working with Origin’s fantastic product range and can supply and install the stunning OB-36+ Soho doors throughout the area. Get in touch today for a free quote and discover how we can transform the appearance of your home. READ MORE
17 Sep - 2025
Will Bifold Doors Keep My Home Warm?
Bifold doors have many advantages, from creating a more seamless connection between home and garden to maximising the amount of natural light that enters your property. But, from a more practical perspective, you might be wondering: Are they actually any good at keeping my home free from the cold? We're glad you asked! Read on to discover how high-quality materials, innovative design features, and significant advances in technology have made bifolds more thermally efficient than ever before!
What Do We Mean By Thermal Efficiency in Bifold Doors?
Bifold doors’ thermal efficiency is a measure of how effective they are at keeping warm air in and cold air out. This is calculated by something known as a U-value, which takes into account the material from which the doors' frames are made, as well as other considerations such as their glazing, glass thickness, and the quality of their seals and weatherstripping. Generally speaking, doors with a lower U-value will help keep your home warmer than those with a higher U-value. Many modern types of bifold doors have extremely low U-values, making them ideal for homeowners looking for ways to cut their energy bills and reduce their reliance on central heating.Are Aluminium Bifold Doors Thermally Efficient?
Despite early examples of aluminium bifolds being poor insulators, the introduction of thermal break technology has greatly improved their ability to prevent heat loss. Used by many leading aluminium bifold manufacturers, such as Schuco and Origin, thermal breaks are non-conductive materials that form an effective barrier between the door frame's inner and outer profiles. Often made of polyamide, thermal breaks improve insulation and are vital for reducing heat transfer between the inside and outside of your home.Other Ways That Bifold Doors Limit Heat Loss
In addition to thermal break technology, there are a few other features that help bi folding doors achieve peak thermal performance.Double Or Triple Glazed Glass
Many manufacturers offer bifolds with either double or triple glazing. Both these options provide effective insulation, with triple glazing promising a lower U-value at a higher upfront cost. In some instances, bifold panels are also given low-emissivity (low-e) glass coatings, which are useful for reflecting heat back into the home in the colder weather.Seals And Weatherproofing
In many bifold models, seals and gaskets are used to create an airtight barrier between the door's panels and frame. This helps prevent drafts, maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, and stop cold, dirt, and moisture from entering the home.How Else Can I Ensure My Doors Keep My Home Warm?
While most modern aluminium bifold doors offer excellent thermal efficiency, that doesn't mean that you should just leave them to it. There are many other things you can do to ensure they continue to help your home retain heat, which is especially important in the winter.Regular Cleaning & Maintenance
Firstly, you should make sure that you clean your bifolds' tracks regularly. Failure to do so will lead to the build-up of dirt and debris, which may make it harder to open and close your doors. This can be removed with a vacuum, or if especially stubborn, wiped away with the help of a mild detergent/warm water formula. You should also lubricate the doors’ tracks, hinges, and locking mechanisms 3-4 times a year to keep them operating smoothly.Fix Gaps In Your Seals
Frequent use can lead to the seals on your doors becoming damaged, setting the stage for an influx of cold air into your home. Stay on top of this by regularly checking for gaps in the seals and weatherstripping. If you find any, we would advise resealing your doors to keep out the chill. Don't be afraid to seek out professional assistance if you're unsure how to do this yourself.Dress Up Your Doors
Investing in draft excluders and thermal curtains can also provide a welcome insulation boost as the temperature decreases. In some instances, these additional items can combat any gaps you may have in your seals, as well as contribute to a cosy winter aesthetic.Helping You To Reduce Your Energy Bills
At Lite Haus UK, we are proud to supply and install high-quality aluminium bifolds from leading manufacturers Schuco and Origin. Our knowledgeable, experienced team have completed professional installations for hundreds of homeowners over the last two decades, and are ready and waiting to help transform your living space. If you're looking to improve your home's energy efficiency while removing the divide between inside and out, get in touch for a free online quote today. READ MORE
22 Aug - 2025
Bifold Doors or Sliding Doors? The Pros and Cons
When choosing between bifolding and sliding doors, there are several things to consider. Both have many practical and aesthetic benefits, but there are some notable differences between the two. The decision ultimately comes down to what you want your doors to achieve. Do you want to give yourself a better view of your outside space? Do you want to increase the amount of natural light in your property? Or do you want to improve the way you and your family use your home and garden? To help you decide, we have compared the two across a range of key categories, listing the pros and cons of each and which style of door we believe comes out on top.
Bifold vs Sliding Doors: Opening Space
Folding Doors
Bifolding doors have a wider opening than sliding doors when fully folded, which means that the home and garden can be integrated more seamlessly. This is because the panels of a bifold door fold back (or concertina) to a stacking point, creating an unobstructed view of the outdoors. Many people find this kind of visibility desirable, so this is definitely something to consider when weighing up your options.Sliding Doors
When in operation, sliding doors have a smaller opening than folding doors, which reduces accessibility between home and garden. That said, this attribute makes them a popular option for properties with less room, especially as bifold doors require more space to create the larger option. Unlike bifold doors, sliding doors overlap, which reduces the amount of space needed for them to open.Result? Bifolds win
Folding doors take the easy win in this category – these doors are perfect for homeowners who want to integrate the beauty of the garden with their home and extend their living space. Despite this, sliding doors do have their benefits and are a positive addition to homes with less space and smaller gardens.Bifold & Sliding Doors: Practicality
Sliding Patio Doors
Generally speaking, sliding doors move easily on their tracks and open with minimal effort. This will continue if you keep them free from debris and lubricate them regularly. As mentioned above, as sliding doors don’t swing open, they require less space than bifolds, a useful trait for those with smaller homes.Bifolds
If you have bifolds installed, you will have to keep an area clear for the doors to function, which can be impractical for smaller rooms and gardens. A traffic door can be included in the design to ensure easy access in and out, just as you would with a back door. This can be particularly useful in the colder weather. The ability to have a level threshold between inside and out will completely transform your home, opening out your space to its full capacity.Result? Draw
Bifolding doors' ability to open fully increases their practicality, however, they do require an external or internal area for the doors to be stacked. The versatility of traditional sliding doors means they are suitable for any-sized room, despite letting less of the outside 'in'.Bifold & Sliding Doors: Glass Sizes
Sliding Patio Doors
The traditional sliding style offers a larger glass surface and narrow frames, meaning that when the door is closed, you'll enjoy a wider and more panoramic view of your exterior environment. Once open, sliding doors create a half opening, allowing for a gap wider than your standard door.Bifolding Doors
The maximum width for each panel is increased with bi-fold doors, offering improved views and letting in more natural light. However, the framework needed for this style of door is typically wider than traditional designs, so the exterior view may be affected when the folding doors are closed. This is compensated by the ability to fully open the space in which the doors sit.Result? Sliding doors win
Sliding doors are the winner here, as they offer a larger glass surface. Whilst our folding products are designed with slim sightlines, many customers choose sliding doors over folding doors to make the most of their property's outside views.Bifold or Sliding Doors: Thermal efficiency
Sliding Doors
Generally speaking, sliding doors offer greater thermal efficiency than their folding counterparts. This is because they have smaller profiles and less frame space, minimising the chances of cold air entering properties and heat escaping from them.Bifold Doors
While it's true that sliding doors are more thermally efficient than bifolds, the difference is marginal. This is because of the inclusion of thermal break technology in many types of modern aluminium doors, which minimises the transfer of cold and heat between inside and out.Result? Sliding doors win
While sliding glass doors have traditionally guaranteed improved energy efficiency, advances in technology have allowed bifolds to catch up in the heat retention stakes. This means that the difference between the two is now almost negligible, so you are free to choose the style of door that best suits your requirements without worrying about how this will impact your energy bills.Bifold & Sliding Doors: Adding Value
Bifolds
Always increasing in popularity, bifold doors can add a modern twist to your home. They produce a better visual appearance than sliding doors and are likely to increase the value of your property. Newer builds and larger homes tend to have patio areas readily available, allowing for the flat threshold effect of bifold doors to become the centre-piece of the rear of your house. If you're looking to create the ultimate summer space, opening up the back of the house to connect with a garden or patio, bifolding doors offer the chance to create a complete opening that sits flush with your outdoor environment.Sliding Doors
Sliding doors add beauty and elegance to a home and can effectively increase the amount of natural light that filters into your space, making smaller rooms feel bigger. Uninterrupted views of the garden, increased access to the outdoors, and more light are all key benefits of sliding doors.Result? Draw
Both door options effectively improve the look and functionality of a home, easily increasing a property’s value when it comes to selling up. Additionally, each Lite Haus door is designed to be thermally insulating, an important consideration for anyone purchasing their next home, improving your energy rating, and ultimately adding greater value.Bifolds and Sliding Doors: Security Features
Bifolds
Installing a set of aluminium bifold doors shouldn't be disregarded because of safety. Bifold doors come with multi-point locking and inline systems, making it impossible to accidentally or intentionally lift the doors from their track.Sliding Doors
Similarly, our sliding doors come with a multi-point locking system and inline tracking to ensure the doors can't be lifted. The addition of double or triple glazing will also make the doors more secure, as well as bolster their thermal and energy efficiency.Result? Draw
With both styles as secure as each other, there is no need to worry about the security of your bifold or sliding doors. Our multi-point locking systems combine with inline tracking to ensure the safety and security of your property for many years to come.Bifold Doors or Sliding Doors?
Now that you know everything you need to make an informed decision, browse our bifold and sliding door ranges. These collections feature exceptional products from leading manufacturers such as Schuco and Origin, with plenty of colours, styles, and configurations available to suit your requirements. Still not sure which doors are suitable for your home? Speak to our team of experts today! Call us on 024 7646 0115 or fill out our contact form and we'll get back to you as possible. READ MORE
28 Aug - 2024
Why Steel Gridded Doors Is The New ‘In’ Thing
If you’ve been keeping up to date on the latest interior design trends, you may have seen the word steel gridded popping up in recent news. But what are steel gridded style doors and windows, and why is this becoming a popular trend? Learn about steel gridded doors and the benefits they can offer your home.
What Are Steel Gridded Style Doors?
Internal steel gridded doors offer a classic design with a modern twist. These aluminium internal door frames hold large glass panels, creating a stylish interior. This type of glazing is widely recognised for its elegant metal black frames, but can also be made in other colours. Steel gridded style doors can also be used on windows. These Art Deco style aluminium internal doors are perfect for the interior of your home. They can be used to style different rooms in your home, including your living room, home office and even the kitchen. They make the perfect room divider rather than a wall to break up any space. It’s the perfect way to add a touch of sophistication to your home interior. But why are they so popular at the moment? Homeowners are looking to invest in this current interior design trend to create a sense of flair for their homes rather than opting for standard glass doors. And with a buzz being created on social media, this trend is set to continue to be big in the interior design world.Benefits Of Steel Gridded Doors
Although there is a buzz around the look of these stunning door frames, they offer much more. The popularity of these doors has increased over recent years amongst homeowners who want to add a modern touch to their homes. Some of their many benefits include:Modern Aesthetic Appeal
Steel gridded doors' slim frames and glass panels can add a modern and elegant touch to any interior design. The distinctive design of these doors helps you create an eye-catching feature in any room of your home.Natural Light
Not only do they look super stylish and modern, but steel gridded doors also allow natural light into any room. The large glass panels allow light to seep through any room, especially on a bright sunny day. This can even decrease your energy bills! The more natural light you allow in, the less you’ll need to switch on your lights, lowering your electricity bill.Versatile Design Options
One of the best things about steel gridded interior doors is the versatile nature of the design. Aluminium frames are available in almost any colour so you will be sure to find something to suit the aesthetic of your home. Don't forget about the glass panels! Each internal door can be designed in a range of styles and sizes to suit your preferences. Doors you design for your home can feature a few large glass panels or lots of smaller glass panels, for example. The design options are endless.Energy Efficient
The highly thermal efficient materials used to create steel gridded style doors help you stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Therefore, reducing the need to heat up or cool down your home. Not only can this reduce bills but if you are looking to sell in the future it can be a great selling point for potential homeowners.Origin Internal Doors at Lite Haus
Here at Lite Haus, we offer made-to-measure Origin internal doors to help you create a stylish home. Our aluminium internal doors are modern, stylish and of high quality. When you choose Lite Haus and Origin you get a choice of a wide range of handles and hardware finishes. You can also choose from various RAL colours for your aluminium frames! So you will be sure to find something to pair perfectly with your home’s interiors. Get a quote from our friendly team today! READ MORE
26 Oct - 2023
The Benefits Of Upgrading Your Patio Doors To Bifold Doors
With the days getting darker sooner, it's time to start thinking about upgrading your patio doors to make the most of the sun. Bifolding doors are a great addition to your home and are perfect for when you are hosting a garden party. Discover a range of benefits of swapping out patio doors for bifold doors!
