Sliding and bi-fold glass doors are two-door options with impressive aesthetics. Picking between these two doors can be challenging because they present similar characteristics. Even after narrowing down options to budget and personal preferences, they still connect the interior and exterior of the home seamlessly.
In addition, they provide better lighting, adding style and elegance to the home. However, there are a few critical details that set these doors apart. Here is a detailed comparison of these doors for better decision-making.
Sliding Glass Doors
Sliding doors are built with oversized glass panels on aluminium frames and open by moving sideways in the opposite direction. They can have two or more panels that slide behind each other for a wider entryway. These glass slide and fold doors are complementary for wider openings for uninterrupted views of the outside environment.
Advantages of Sliding Glass Doors
- Maximize space efficiency than bi-fold doors
- Lightweight aluminium frames easily glide across the racks
- Magnificent views of the outside views even with closed doors
- Cost-effective and easy to maintain
Disadvantages of Sliding Glass Windows
- Application is limited to a modern home or office designs because they appear out of place in traditional building styles.
Bi-Fold Glass Doors
Bi-fold glass doors have two, four or six glass panels fixed on aluminium frames to open in a concertina design. Hinges connect the panels with a carriage system enabling them to move forward and backwards on the tracks. These glass slide-and-fold doors open inwards or outwards, depending on the available space.
Advantages of Bi-Fold Glass Doors
- Open fully for seamless connection of the home interior to the exterior
- A variety of panel sizes, colours and finishes are available
- Lightweight aluminium and glass combination
- Suitable for small and large doorways
Disadvantages of Bi-Fold Doors
- Needs additional space for panels to fold and allow entry
- Aluminium frames may inhibit maximum light penetration and obstruct views
- Cost more than sliding doors
Differences between Sliding and Bi-Fold Glass Doors
Views
Although both doors offer magnificent views of the outdoors, sliding doors maintain the same even when closed. On the other hand, bi-fold French doors have multiple aluminium frames that may obstruct views unless you open them fully.
Ease of Use
Sliding doors are easier to use than bi-fold doors because they operate on the lift and slide mechanism. Even heavier panels can move with a slight push to the side. However, installation is restricted because they cannot fit in corners or bays. On the other hand, bi-fold doors are more diverse and can fit any wall. In addition, their folding mechanism allows opening outward or inward. However, they may confuse individuals who have yet to understand their operations.
Aesthetics
Both sliding and bi-fold doors feature impressive aesthetics contributing to the magnificent views of the exterior environment. Unlike bi-fold doors, sliding doors have fewer connecting panels, which gives them a minimalistic and simple look. Bi-fold doors with smaller panels can appear cluttered and may interfere with the interior décor requirements of the home.
Thermal Efficiency
Sliding doors have the best thermal efficiency since they lose more heat through the frames than glass panes. In addition, modern glazing techniques allow these sliding doors to open at the same width with only two planes. Alternatively, bi-fold doors have more glass panels and seals, which inhibits thermal performance due to reduced air tightness.
Choosing Between Sliding and Bi-Fold Doors
Sliding doors are excellent when choosing a door that provides better views when opened or closed because the individual panels are bigger and capture the outside views uninterruptedly.
Bi-fold doors are great for maximizing access in smaller entryways. They also have 2, 4, or 6 glass panel configurations that complement different architectural needs and can improve the curb appeal of the home or apartment where installed.
Sliding and bi-fold glass doors have unique advantages and disadvantages, and selection entirely depends on the installation needs. Aluminium door and window manufacturers can incorporate various designs to make these doors more reliable.
