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.