Bifold Doors vs. Slide and Stack Doors: Which Is Right for You?
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For years, bifold doors have been one of the best choices for a garden, patio, or extension entrance, thanks to their robust security features, ease of operation, and tidy folding design. However, a new contender has arrived, which provides a worthy alternative for homeowners interested in enhancing the entrance to their internal or external living space.
The new Quick-Glide Slide and Fold doors work well on almost all the same avenues as traditional bifolding doors. From broad patio and garden entrances to elegant two panel configurations. This then begs the question, which is the right choice for you?
Discover more about the latest door innovations below and find an installer today for your new doors.
Benefits of Bifold Doors
- Natural Light and Bright Atmosphere
- Space-Saving Design
- Enhanced Decorating Space
- Energy Efficiency
- High Security
- Low Maintenance
- Weather Resistance
Bifold doors have many advantages that make them the preferred choice for homeowners throughout the UK. Our aluminium bifold doors incorporate slim aluminium frames that allow for large, double-glazed units which can flood homes with natural light and create a bright and airy atmosphere, which is enhanced when the doors are opened.
Their opening mechanism is simple yet allows for a large opening without the need for double swing arcs like traditional French doors. While a bifold will still need space to open, a larger aperture can provide opportunities for more internal or external decorating space.
Modern bifold doors aluminium also contain hidden polyamide thermal breaks that allow for enhanced energy efficiency while maintaining all the other unique features of aluminium, such as high levels of security, low maintenance requirements, and weather resistance.
Introducing the New Slide and Stack Doors System
Lately, there have been many innovations within the window and door space, from energy efficiency to stylish new designs. So, in an evolving market, what is the new trend instead of bifold doors? Well, while double glazed bifold doors continue to be a staple for many homeowners, aluminium slide and stack doors (also known as aluminium slide and fold doors) are a modern innovation that can provide a unique alternative.
Unlike bifold doors, the slide and stack doors don’t have hinges holding the leaves together, nor do they open and close via a concertina principle. Instead, each panel slides to the end and then folds open to stack up against one another in sequence.
Comparing Performance: Are Sliding or Bifold Doors Better?
Energy Efficiency
One of the key features of any set of doors is its ability to retain heat and help maintain a home’s energy efficiency. That’s why Quickslide slide and stack doors and bifold doors are both available with double or triple glazing. When it comes to thermal performance, both of Quickslide’s door systems are very close to each other, with the Quick-Glide slide and fold door system reaching U-values as low as 1.5 W/m²K with double glazing, and the bifold doors reaching U-values of 1.6W/m²K. You can have peace of mind that you won’t have to compromise on your preferred door type, as whatever you choose can help keep you comfortable all year round.
Security
As both systems are fabricated using high-quality aluminium and incorporate double or triple glazing, they each can offer homeowners excellent security and safety. However, as always, the differences lie within the details of how each system operates.
The Quick-Glide slide and fold doors and bi-fold doors have undergone extensive testing to ensure they pass enhanced Document Q standards, which is essential for new builds.
Whichever product you choose, we’re pleased to offer a comprehensive PAS 24 upgrade package for either door.
Design Flexibility
There are multiple ways to customise the look and feel of our bifold or sliding doors, including colour scheme, glazing, and, of course, size and configuration. For smaller openings, the slide and fold doors can have as few as two panels and can increase to up to five for large openings.
With a hingeless system, square sashes, and flush trickle vents that integrate seamlessly into said sashes, the Quick-Glide door system lends itself immediately to new builds and modern home aesthetics. Meanwhile, bifold doors can be styled with astragal bars and a pure white colour that can help them blend beautifully with traditional sash windows or flush casements to maintain a heritage look.
Installation and Maintenance
One key advantage of both the Quick-Glide slide and fold, and bifold doors is their installation process with “tap in” quick beads. This makes it much easier to install the glass to the door panel, allowing you to relax knowing that you can receive a finished product quickly and efficiently.
Aluminium is an easy-to-maintain material ideal for door frames due to its lightweight yet robust nature and impressive rust resistance. While both of our door systems are crafted from aluminium, the new slide and fold design is even simpler to keep clean and fresh due to its much sleeker mechanisms that don’t use any hinges between the panels. The lack of hinges leads to fewer areas for grime or dirt to collect, creating an even faster cleaning experience.
Conclusion
So, sliding door vs. bifold door. Which is the best option for you? Well, if you already have a set of bifold doors and need a direct upgrade with modern energy efficiency and security capabilities, then our aluminium bifold doors may be the right solution. Meanwhile, for those looking for a contemporary design, a smooth installation process, and a high-performance set of doors with no visible hinges when closed (other than the handle, of course!), then the new Quick-Glide system could be the perfect addition to your home.
Find an installer close to you today with our online tool or contact our team for more information and guidance on Quickslide’s window and door options.
Sandra’s comprehensive understanding of sash windows, flush windows, bifold doors and more encompasses everything from initial manufacturing to after-sales support. As a trusted member of the Quickslide team, her authority helps trade partners, homeowners, and industry peers alike.
As one of Quickslide’s most prolific writers, Sandra contributes regularly to the industry with useful insights into the newest innovations in modern sash windows. Her passion for the product shines through in her articles, and her pieces are suitable for technical professionals and homeowners thanks to her digestible, simple breakdowns of complex manufacturing terms.
Each of Sandra’s articles is written using the latest research and industry developments, ensuring that readers receive reliable, up-to-date information as and when they’re published. As a marketing visionary, our clients and their customers can rely on Sandra’s insight for the latest in vertical sliders and other double glazed Quickslide products.
Please note, our news articles are relevant and accurate at the time of release, but as technical developments dictate, and times goes by the information in this article may no longer be applicable. If you have questions, please contact us using our online contact form or call us on 03332 412 240.
