Bifold Door Installation Guide

Home renovations can significantly enhance your living area, bringing a refreshed look and feel. However, these improvements often come with a substantial cost.

Choosing premium materials for your renovations not only improves aesthetics but also ensures durability. This is especially the case with aluminium bifold doors.

One effective way to cut down on home improvement expenses is to handle the installations yourself.

This is advisable only if you possess the necessary skills and experience to do the job properly.

Inadequate installations can significantly shorten the lifespan of products and may also void the warranty.

If you’re considering installing bifold doors, refer to the guide below. We have outlined the necessary tools and materials for installation, along with a universal step-by-step guide to installing bifold doors.

Considerations for Installing Bifold Doors

Installing bifold doors can significantly enhance the brightness and flow of your home. External bifold doors expand your access to outdoor living spaces and increase the natural light entering your home.

Internal bifold doors offer homeowners versatile options for dividing spaces. They can be used to separate rooms or opened up to create an open-plan layout.

While bifold doors are not the most complex installations, there are several important factors to consider before you start. These include:

Planning Permission for Bifold Doors

Not every bifold door installation necessitates planning permission, however, it is required under certain conditions.

For external bifold doors, you may need planning permission in the following situations:

• If the door opening needs to be widened to accommodate the new doors.
• The structure must support the weight of the doors, which means compliance with building regulations is crucial.
• Creating a completely new door opening generally requires planning permission.
• If the building is listed or located in a conservation area, installing or replacing bifold doors will almost certainly require planning permission.

Condition of the Property

The state of your property can greatly influence the ease of installation for bifold doors.

Before beginning the installation, ensure that internal brickwork surfaces are level and that lintels are in sound condition.

While you might be capable of installing the doors yourself, it’s important to assess whether the property is in suitable condition to proceed with the installation. Do you have the necessary experience to make this determination?

Taking Accurate Measurements

Accurate measurements are crucial for the proper installation of a bifold door system.

Although it may seem straightforward, meticulously verifying the width and height is essential to avoid any errors.

Remember to include the dimensions of the door frame, fittings, and the track in your calculations when selecting the size of your bifold doors.

Assess Your Skills

Do not overestimate your DIY skills. If you’re uncertain, it’s wise to opt for professional installation.

Attempting to install bifold doors yourself to save money can be risky. Consider the potential costs of having to replace them if the installation is not executed properly.

Installing Bifold Doors: Essential Tools and Materials

Proper preparation is key to the successful installation of bifold doors. Having the right tools, materials, and safety gear is crucial for both internal and external bifold door installations.

Tools Required for Installing Bifold Doors

Ensure you have the following tools ready for a successful installation of bifold doors:

• Tape measure
• Spirit level
• Pencil
• Drill driver
• Screwdriver (electric or manual; a drill driver can also be used as a screwdriver)
• Wood drill bits (2mm and 5mm)
• Hammer
• Rubber mallet
• Silicone sealer
• Step ladder
• Packers
• Nails

Gathering these tools beforehand will aid in accurately measuring, securing, and installing the bifold doors efficiently.

Materials Needed

To install bifold doors, you will require:

• The door components, including the doors themselves, along with the track and fixings
• Door fixtures, such as knobs and locking mechanisms

Safety Equipment

For your safety while installing:

• Safety goggles
• Dust mask to prevent inhalation of particulates

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing External Bifold Doors

To securely install your bifold doors, follow the instructions below:

Step 1 – Preparation

Proper site preparation is crucial for a smooth installation. This includes levelling the brickwork and verifying all measurements are accurate.

Ensure you have all necessary tools and materials at hand before starting. This will streamline the process.

Confirm that all door components, including tracks and fixtures, are complete and accounted for before you commence.

Step 2 – Assemble the Door Frame

Now, assemble the door frame. It’s best to construct it in two sections and then connect them. Install the door jambs and secure the sills using the provided wood screws.

Make sure the dimensions of the assembled frame correspond to your initial measurements to prevent any installation problems.

Step 3 – Choose the Opening Direction

The opening direction of your doors is crucial for the functionality and flow of your home. Decide whether you want the doors to open from the left or the right.

With your choice of opening direction in mind, assemble the top track. Then, attach it securely to the door frame you assembled previously.

Step 4 – Install the Door Frames

Now it’s time to install your assembled door frames. Ensure the sill is oriented towards the outside. It is crucial that the frame is both square and level.

Once the frame is properly aligned and secured, apply silicone sealant around the base joints and the jambs to seal them. Following this, firmly attach the top track to the frame.

Step 5 – Seal the Frame

To safeguard your door frame against the elements, it’s crucial to seal it properly—especially in the UK, where weather conditions can vary dramatically.

Effective sealing is vital for the performance and energy efficiency of your bifold doors. Install weather stripping around the frame and brush seals along the top of the frame (frame head) to ensure a tight seal. This will help keep out wind, rain, and drafts.