North West Bifolds

Bifolding Doors and Home Improvements for the North West UK

Tel: 0800 587 4068
The North West's specialist installer of architectural aluminium
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BIfolding doors glossary of terms

14th September 2017 by Northwest Bifolds

At Northwest Bifolds we specialise in bifolding doors from the market leader Origin with their dependable 20-year warranty. We also provide AluK folding doors that are affordable and high quality. The Schuco bifolding door offers excellent engineering and the slimmest sight lines.Whichever of our quality bifolding doors you choose, they all share common terminology. We have put together a bifolding doors glossary of terms to help you understand these exceptional doors better.

 

bifolding doors glossary of terms for aluminium

Bifolding Door System.

The bifolding door system refers to the brand name of the bifolding door from the aluminium systems company that designed it. Origin, Schuco and AluK are all systems companies with their range of windows and doors of which bifolding doors form part of that range.

Our Schuco door is the ASS70FD, and our AluK product is the Optio BSC94. The Origin door system is our best selling product for which we are approved installers.

Bifolding door configuration.

Configuration refers to how you can design your bifolding door with our expert help and advice. The number of folding panels to the slide and fold direction as well as whether you want your doors to open in or out. These options fall under bifolding door configuration.

Colour choices, handle options, thresholds and even colour matched gaskets and hardware available with Origin bifolding doors are also part of the configuration.

Bifolding door threshold.

Most bifolding door systems come with the choice of a standard threshold with a full rebate or a lower level threshold. The selection of the threshold depends on the location and use of your door. Some doors with a low threshold are only suitable for internal use with minimal weathering.

Whether you require flat floors with a low-level threshold, we can help you choose this right to ensure your new bifolding door meets your requirements.

Bifolding door sight lines.

How your doors look in the closed position is a consideration for many looking to buy a bifolding door. The sight line refers to how much visible aluminium you see on your doors, especially when they meet together. Our Schuco doors are the slimmest with an impressive 121m sight line. Our Origin doors are still narrow at 154mm.

The thinner door sight line does not mean it is a better door. Contact us to view the profiles and for more information.

Traffic Door.

The traffic door is a fantastic feature on a bifolding door enabling it to be useable and functional whatever the weather. Traffic doors work just like a regular hinged door that you can use to get in and out without folding all the doors back. Most bifolding door configurations can accommodate one or more traffic doors.

If your new folding door is the only back door to your garden, we recommend you configure your door set with a traffic door.

Bifolding door outer frame.

The frame surrounding your bifolding door is the outer frame, fixed to the structure and used to support the door panels. On the outer frame you may find a trickle vent, the lock keeps and other components. Outer frames feature grooves that also hold the gaskets and seals keeping the door weather resistant.

Trickle Vent.

Building Regulations call for proper trickle ventilation to be provided in new windows and doors (or elsewhere in the room). A trickle vent is a slimline controllable ventilator that allows a consistent airflow into the room.

On a bifolding door, a trickle vent can be fixed to the frame or even on top of the door sash, depending on the system.

Bifolding door cill

The bifolding door cill is an aluminium profile that sits beneath the door threshold. It is designed to deflect rainfall down the glass, the door and deflect away.

A cill is not essential with every door. The requirement for a cill and the size is determined at the time of the survey.

Thermal break.

Bare aluminium is not the best conductor of heat. To create energy efficient and warmer bifolding doors, the aluminium profile consists of a thermal break.

A thermal break is a polyamide insulating material that forms a bridge between the inside and outside faces of every aluminium section found on a door. In conjunction with the energy efficient glass, thermal breaks help doors achieve low U-Values.

Bifolding door U Value.

The energy efficiency of a bifolding door is measured in U-Values, the lower the value, the more thermally efficient the door.

Our bifolding door systems are designed with quality and energy efficient glass to give you low U-Values and help keep your home more comfortable.

Polyester Powder Coating

Polyester powder coating is the method used to colour and protect aluminium bifolding doors. This dry paint process has been in use for over 35 years in the UK and is the best way to give you a choice of matt or gloss colours and even different colours inside and out.

A bifolding door is available in over 150 different colours.

Intermediate or slave door leaves.

A bifolding door consists of a master door and slave doors with most configurations. Any door that is not the main locking door is referred to as an intermediate leaf or a slave leaf.

Bifolding door hardware.

The hardware on a bifolding door is what enables the doors to hinge, slide, fold, stack and lock.

The carriage and top guides are found in the frame head and cill comprising rollers and guides to keep your doors in place as they move. The shoot bolts and gear box are found on the slave door leaves giving locking points and additional security. The slave handles are what you use to pull the door panels shut and then lock.

These are just some types of bifolding door hardware.

Northwest bifolds are bifolding door specialists transforming homes in Liverpool and the North West region. Contact us today for a free quotation and to view our range of quality bifolding doors.

Filed Under: Bifolding Doors

What our customers say:

North West Bifolds
North West Bifolds
4.5
Based on 27 reviews
See all reviewsWrite a review
When we approached Northwest Bifolds, we were pretty certain that the doors we wanted were way beyond our budget. Thankfully, Steve was able to make suggestions for an alternative option. This option came within our budget without compromising quality at all.Steve was easy to work with and was very responsive to calls and emails. On the day of installation, Steve and his team were very professional. The finished product is high quality and we’d be happy to recommend his service to others.
James
James
08:21 19 May 22
Steve and his team supplied and fitted some Origin Bifold doors. Service and product were faultless. Steve suggested an alternative to the solar glass that I’d chosen. Excellent advise as from interior no tint is visible. Ended up specifying same glass on the whole of the project. Very efficient and professional service from start to finish. Would highly recommend.
Janet S.
Janet S.
13:35 20 Feb 22
Steve @ NW Bi folds, has just finished our project.Beyond expectations is the best way I could describe the whole install.As I built the extension myself, I was looking for a company that would help me along the way, with aspects such as opening sizes and level thresholds.Steve was brilliant from the very first Email. A quick quote and then always happy to pick up the phone to give advice. The Origin Bifolds are magnificent and I couldn't be happier.Thank you.
david L.
david L.
14:12 21 Aug 21
So pleased with bifold doors - exactly what we ordered. Very quick and efficient installation. When we had a query about our installed doors Steve was quick to respond and sorted it with no problem. Would highly recommend!
Fiona M.
Fiona M.
07:12 03 Jul 21
Highly recommend this Company, very professional and friendly lads and excellent productsthanks
Jarrad B.
Jarrad B.
14:51 05 May 21
5 star professional serviceSteve and the team were professional throughout. We had a huge 7.5m door fitted and he liaised with the builder beforehand to ensure everything was perfect in order to get the optimum size out of the build.Had one slight issue when installing, but a company should be judged on how they sort issues, they didn’t question, were quick to resolve and we are left a very happy customer!Excellent all round
david B.
david B.
18:25 19 Apr 21
Friendly and knowledgeable service and excellent installation with minimum disturbance of existing decor. The product , in our case Origin French Doors, also appear very well made and look great.
Tom D.
Tom D.
10:31 14 Feb 21
North West Bifolds have recently installed 2 sets of bifold doors and a window in our kitchen. We are absolutely delighted; if we could score 10 stars then we would.The customer service we received at all stages was superb; from initial contact, through measuring up and the quote, to actual fitting and finishing off.The doors etc. are made by a company called Origin. If you visit their website and read customer reviews, you'll discover that Origin are leaders in the market. The materials are real quality and look great.North West Bifolds are one of Origin's preferred suppliers; who offer very competitive quotes. You won't be disappointed. So, in summary, you won't go far wrong if you trust North West Bifolds to supply and fit your next replacement windows and doors.
Dave C.
Dave C.
17:12 16 Nov 20
Quality install and workmanship. Very pleased with my Origin bifold doors. Excellent service throughout from Steve. Would highly recommend
anil p
anil p
09:05 26 Jun 20
We would highly recommend Steve and his company who are professional, reliable, courteous and efficient. He came to our home to discuss our requirements at some length. Once we had decided on bifolds with integral blinds, and the frame and blind colours, everything went very smoothly. Steve fitted our doors and windows in one day, with no hassle or fuss, and the results are absolutely amazing! Thanks!
Lawrence A.
Lawrence A.
15:42 20 Jun 20
Big thanks to Steve and his crew for doing such a fantastic job. Fitted new windows and bifolds to our new extension as well as replacing all the existing windows to our cottage. Excellent service from the start giving help with selection and quotes. Really quick turnaround for bespoke windows and installation started next day after delivery. Had a few issues with the old window openings when our tired hardwood windows were removed, but Steve took all this in his stride! We couldn't of had worse weather during the insulation but this didn't stop any of the work, a really dedicated team.The quality of the Origin widows is exceptional, we went for the walnut finish and we are really pleased how it all looks. We would certainly recommend NorthWest Bifolds ... very friendly and easy to work with!
Jean A.
Jean A.
21:01 22 Jan 20
Had origin bi fold doors fitted by Ste and northwest bifoldsVery professional and attention to detail exceptionalHad one small problem a couple of months after with the door called Ste and came within 2 days and fixed the problemHighly recommended and top guy tooThanks
Craig S.
Craig S.
10:46 16 Jul 19
The replacement of the old fashioned patio windows with the Bi Fold sliding patio unit was carried out in a professional and courteous manner. Steve's handling of our requirements was both informative and helpfull in making our decision as was the cooperation we received prior to and following the installation. Very pleased with the window system and the service we received. Many thanks to Steve and his team.
Robert H.
Robert H.
06:50 16 Jul 19
Steve has installed numerous sets of Bi fold doors for me. As a builder i only recommend Steve to my customers, he is a pleasure to deal with. His accuracy and professionalism is 1st class, turns up when he says he will, does a top job and the product speaks for itself. Great company to work with!
Steven R.
Steven R.
15:28 14 Jul 19
Could not recommend more came out the next day and fixed my mums Bifolds where others had failed Steve prevailed, great honest friendly service.Thanks Steve
David H.
David H.
15:20 09 Jun 19
My bifolds that were installed by the previous house owner had broken. With one quick email to Steve he was round the next morning and had them fixed right away. He even made them work better than they had done before! Excellent honest and knowledgable service. He went above and beyond as was only happy when they worked perfectly! Could not recommend enough.
Lucy M.
Lucy M.
06:32 23 Apr 19
Steve was very helpful and we went to site visit to doors installed in 10 days. They're amazing quality and we couldn't be happier.
Lucy Rose Louise H.
Lucy Rose Louise H.
14:03 04 Feb 19
We did a good amount of research before getting our bifolds. Steve was by far the most knowledgeable of everyone we saw. We visited the Origin department in Warrington, and even they said they never have any problems with Steve's installation.Always been honest, accurate and reliable. Would definitely recommend him.
Adam F.
Adam F.
17:45 11 Dec 18
Well what can we say about these guys?About 18 months ago we had an extension built and we called Steve @ NW Bi folds to fit our doors with integral blinds fitted inside the glass.For the first 16 months the blinds were great until they became somewhat stiff and hard to use.We contacted Steve and he was out to inspect them straight away, After we and Steve had contacted integral blinds to raise are concerns not much was done,they at integral tried to put the blame on NW Bifolds or anyone else for that matter. Integral blinds must have the worst customer service we have ever come across, and as far as they are concerned our blinds still don't work properly. Now as for Steve and his son,they took it a lot more seriously and sorted our problem, Steve contacted another of his suppliers Hi Tec blinds, payed for and fitted at our new blinds at his own expense. That's what you call customer service .Well done NW Bifolds you went above and beyond your duty,Quality through experience.
Paul W.
Paul W.
20:23 21 Sep 18
Contacted NW bifolds about our bifold doors installed some time ago and with a different company. Steve was very helpful and came round within a few days to look at the issues. Fixed them straight away and was very knowledgeable on the doors. Would highly recommend using NW bifolds and I would do so again without hesitation.
Jon R.
Jon R.
17:52 09 Sep 18
Had two sets of Origin bi-fold doors supplied and fitted by North West Bifolds. Price was very competetive. Quality of the doors and their installation is excellent. Doors were installed within 7 days of paying deposit ( no other company could beat 4 weeks). Highly recommended.
Tim C.
Tim C.
17:46 07 Sep 18
I had my windows fitted 2 years ago by this company excellent service and quality. I have returned again to have my front door replaced. After an excellent consultation and a visit to the showroom we decided to have an Endurance solid secure door along with the ring CCTV door bell fitted. The options to customise your own door are excellent. Once again superb work completed. Highly recommend this company for their windows and doors. From beginning to end the company is professional,honest, trustworthy and extremely proud of their work. They are a great team of fitters who get the job done and are very clean and tidy to. Extremely happy customer thanks again .
simon N.
simon N.
22:09 12 May 17
Friendly service, well priced and great installation, the Origin door really stands out for looks and quality.
Gary N.
Gary N.
09:18 16 Oct 15
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Google Rating
4.5
Based on 27 reviews
North West Bifolds
North West Bifolds
4.5
James
James
08:21 19 May 22
When we approached Northwest Bifolds, we were pretty certain that the doors we wanted were way beyond our budget. Thankfully, Steve was able to make suggestions for an alternative option. This option came within our budget without compromising quality at all.Steve was easy to work with and was very responsive to calls and emails. On the day of installation, Steve and his team were very professional. The finished product is high quality and we’d be happy to recommend his service to others.
Janet Scott
Janet Scott
13:35 20 Feb 22
Steve and his team supplied and fitted some Origin Bifold doors. Service and product were faultless. Steve suggested an alternative to the solar glass that I’d chosen. Excellent advise as from interior no tint is visible. Ended up specifying same glass on the whole of the project. Very efficient and professional service from start to finish. Would highly recommend.
david leyland
david leyland
14:12 21 Aug 21
Steve @ NW Bi folds, has just finished our project.Beyond expectations is the best way I could describe the whole install.As I built the extension myself, I was looking for a company that would help me along the way, with aspects such as opening sizes and level thresholds.Steve was brilliant from the very first Email. A quick quote and then always happy to pick up the phone to give advice. The Origin Bifolds are magnificent and I couldn't be happier.Thank you.
Fiona Morland
Fiona Morland
07:12 03 Jul 21
So pleased with bifold doors - exactly what we ordered. Very quick and efficient installation. When we had a query about our installed doors Steve was quick to respond and sorted it with no problem. Would highly recommend!
Jarrad Bycroft
Jarrad Bycroft
14:51 05 May 21
Highly recommend this Company, very professional and friendly lads and excellent productsthanks
david ball
david ball
18:25 19 Apr 21
5 star professional serviceSteve and the team were professional throughout. We had a huge 7.5m door fitted and he liaised with the builder beforehand to ensure everything was perfect in order to get the optimum size out of the build.Had one slight issue when installing, but a company should be judged on how they sort issues, they didn’t question, were quick to resolve and we are left a very happy customer!Excellent all round
Tom Durr
Tom Durr
10:31 14 Feb 21
Friendly and knowledgeable service and excellent installation with minimum disturbance of existing decor. The product , in our case Origin French Doors, also appear very well made and look great.
Dave Cotterill
Dave Cotterill
17:12 16 Nov 20
North West Bifolds have recently installed 2 sets of bifold doors and a window in our kitchen. We are absolutely delighted; if we could score 10 stars then we would.The customer service we received at all stages was superb; from initial contact, through measuring up and the quote, to actual fitting and finishing off.The doors etc. are made by a company called Origin. If you visit their website and read customer reviews, you'll discover that Origin are leaders in the market. The materials are real quality and look great.North West Bifolds are one of Origin's preferred suppliers; who offer very competitive quotes. You won't be disappointed. So, in summary, you won't go far wrong if you trust North West Bifolds to supply and fit your next replacement windows and doors.
anil p
anil p
09:05 26 Jun 20
Quality install and workmanship. Very pleased with my Origin bifold doors. Excellent service throughout from Steve. Would highly recommend
Lawrence Addlestone
Lawrence Addlestone
15:42 20 Jun 20
We would highly recommend Steve and his company who are professional, reliable, courteous and efficient. He came to our home to discuss our requirements at some length. Once we had decided on bifolds with integral blinds, and the frame and blind colours, everything went very smoothly. Steve fitted our doors and windows in one day, with no hassle or fuss, and the results are absolutely amazing! Thanks!
Jean Ashley
Jean Ashley
21:01 22 Jan 20
Big thanks to Steve and his crew for doing such a fantastic job. Fitted new windows and bifolds to our new extension as well as replacing all the existing windows to our cottage. Excellent service from the start giving help with selection and quotes. Really quick turnaround for bespoke windows and installation started next day after delivery. Had a few issues with the old window openings when our tired hardwood windows were removed, but Steve took all this in his stride! We couldn't of had worse weather during the insulation but this didn't stop any of the work, a really dedicated team.The quality of the Origin widows is exceptional, we went for the walnut finish and we are really pleased how it all looks. We would certainly recommend NorthWest Bifolds ... very friendly and easy to work with!
Craig Sutherland
Craig Sutherland
10:46 16 Jul 19
Had origin bi fold doors fitted by Ste and northwest bifoldsVery professional and attention to detail exceptionalHad one small problem a couple of months after with the door called Ste and came within 2 days and fixed the problemHighly recommended and top guy tooThanks
Robert Hulley
Robert Hulley
06:50 16 Jul 19
The replacement of the old fashioned patio windows with the Bi Fold sliding patio unit was carried out in a professional and courteous manner. Steve's handling of our requirements was both informative and helpfull in making our decision as was the cooperation we received prior to and following the installation. Very pleased with the window system and the service we received. Many thanks to Steve and his team.
Steven Rotherham
Steven Rotherham
15:28 14 Jul 19
Steve has installed numerous sets of Bi fold doors for me. As a builder i only recommend Steve to my customers, he is a pleasure to deal with. His accuracy and professionalism is 1st class, turns up when he says he will, does a top job and the product speaks for itself. Great company to work with!
David Haddad
David Haddad
15:20 09 Jun 19
Could not recommend more came out the next day and fixed my mums Bifolds where others had failed Steve prevailed, great honest friendly service.Thanks Steve
Lucy Mead
Lucy Mead
06:32 23 Apr 19
My bifolds that were installed by the previous house owner had broken. With one quick email to Steve he was round the next morning and had them fixed right away. He even made them work better than they had done before! Excellent honest and knowledgable service. He went above and beyond as was only happy when they worked perfectly! Could not recommend enough.
Lucy Rose Louise Hall
Lucy Rose Louise Hall
14:03 04 Feb 19
Steve was very helpful and we went to site visit to doors installed in 10 days. They're amazing quality and we couldn't be happier.
Adam Flynn
Adam Flynn
17:45 11 Dec 18
We did a good amount of research before getting our bifolds. Steve was by far the most knowledgeable of everyone we saw. We visited the Origin department in Warrington, and even they said they never have any problems with Steve's installation.Always been honest, accurate and reliable. Would definitely recommend him.
Paul Willcock
Paul Willcock
20:23 21 Sep 18
Well what can we say about these guys?About 18 months ago we had an extension built and we called Steve @ NW Bi folds to fit our doors with integral blinds fitted inside the glass.For the first 16 months the blinds were great until they became somewhat stiff and hard to use.We contacted Steve and he was out to inspect them straight away, After we and Steve had contacted integral blinds to raise are concerns not much was done,they at integral tried to put the blame on NW Bifolds or anyone else for that matter. Integral blinds must have the worst customer service we have ever come across, and as far as they are concerned our blinds still don't work properly. Now as for Steve and his son,they took it a lot more seriously and sorted our problem, Steve contacted another of his suppliers Hi Tec blinds, payed for and fitted at our new blinds at his own expense. That's what you call customer service .Well done NW Bifolds you went above and beyond your duty,Quality through experience.
Jon Raven
Jon Raven
17:52 09 Sep 18
Contacted NW bifolds about our bifold doors installed some time ago and with a different company. Steve was very helpful and came round within a few days to look at the issues. Fixed them straight away and was very knowledgeable on the doors. Would highly recommend using NW bifolds and I would do so again without hesitation.
See all reviewsWrite a review
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North West Bifolds Ltd.

Abbots Grange Farm
Welsh Road
Ledsham
Ellesmere Port
Cheshire
CH66 9PA

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