Aluminium vs uPVC Bifold Doors: Which One is Right for You?

Bi-fold doors are a practical and stylish addition to your home, but with so many different styles and designs to choose from, which is right for you? Aluminium and uPVC are the two most popular choices for many homeowners, so how do they compare? This blog will look at the benefits and disadvantages of both to enable you to make a more informed choice.

Choosing the Right Bifold Doors for Your Home

It's important to choose the right bi-fold door for your home, both in terms of aesthetics and practicality. Bi-fold doors are fantastic space savers, folding back into themselves rather than opening into the room. However, you need to ensure that you have the necessary amount of space for the doors to fold into, without impeding any other entrances or furniture. In terms of look, it is a good idea to choose an external colour that complements existing features of your home, such as window and door frames. Internally, your bi-fold door needs to harmonise with your current décor. Considering these factors before buying your new bi-fold door will ensure your new door fits perfectly into your home.

Aluminium vs uPVC Bifold Doors: A Quick Comparison

So what are the pros and cons of aluminium and uPVC bifold doors?

Aluminium Bifold Doors: Pros and Cons

Benefits of Aluminium Bifold Doors

• Strength: Aluminium bifold doors offer exceptional strength, providing you with peace of mind.
• Narrow frames: Due to their strength, aluminium bifold doors can have narrow frames without compromising on performance or security. In turn this means there is more glass and less frame, allowing for more natural light to flood into your home and enhancing your views.
• Flexibility: Aluminium is a flexible material and can be customised. So if a standard sized door does not fit your home, an aluminium bifold door can be made to fit perfectly.
• Low maintenance: Once installed, aluminium bifold doors require very little maintenance to keep them looking lovely.

Drawbacks of Aluminium Bifold Doors

• Cost: Aluminium bifold doors are one of the most expensive options on the market, compared to wood or uPVC.
• Prone to scratches: Whilst aluminium is extremely strong, it is prone to scratches if not carefully handled during installation or cleaning.
• Limited aesthetics: Aluminium offers a contemporary finish and is ideally suited to modern homes. However, it is probably not the best choice for more traditional buildings.
• Potential for corrosion: Whilst aluminium is durable and generally corrosion-resistant, it may corrode in high saline environments such as by the coast. If you live in an area such as this, it is worth investing in a special coating for your aluminium bifold door.

uPVC Bifold Doors: Pros and Cons

Benefits of uPVC Bifold Doors

• Cost effective: uPVC bifold doors are one of the most cost-effective options available, making them ideal for homeowners on all budgets.
• Effective thermal efficiency: uPVC bifold doors are thermally efficient, helping to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
• Recyclable: uPVC is fully recyclable and many uPVC bifold doors are manufactured from recycled materials, making them a good choice for homeowners looking for a sustainable option.

Drawbacks of uPVC Bifold Doors

• Less colour options: Whilst uPVC bifold doors come in a variety of colour options, aluminium can be powder coated, so if you have a particular colour in mind, aluminium may be your best option.
• Not as strong: uPVC bifold doors are strong and extremely safe, however, they are not quite as strong as aluminium.
• Fading: Most uPVC bifold doors will last for years, however, there is potential for discolouration, particularly if the doors are exposed to high levels of UV.

Cost Comparison: Aluminium vs uPVC Bifold Doors

As mentioned above, aluminium is one of the most expensive options available and uPVC is a more cost-effective choice. Regardless of your choice of material, it is always advisable to buy the best you can for your budget.

Which is More Energy Efficient?

Both aluminium and uPVC bifold doors offer high levels of energy efficiency. However, the extent of this efficiency will depend on the installation of the door. As such, it is recommended that you use the services of a professional, who can ensure the correct fitting of your door and therefore guarantee its efficiency.

Security: How Safe Are Aluminium and uPVC Bifold Doors?

As previously discussed, both aluminium and uPVC bifold doors provide exceptional security for homeowners. Whilst aluminium offers additional strength, which can provide additional security features, both options will deliver a high level of security if correctly fitted.

Which One is Right for You?

This will depend on many factors, for example, the age and style of your home, your budget, and your colour choice. Ultimately, whether you choose a uPVC bifold door or an aluminium bifold door will be your personal choice and preferences, but whichever you choose, ensure it is the best you can afford for your budget and seek the help of a professional when it comes to installation.

Conclusion

If you're unsure of which bifold door is best for you or have any queries about how a bifold door may help to transform your home, call our friendly, expert team today on 0800 22 77 77.