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Bi-Fold, Sliding and French Doors; making the right choice for your home

Bi-Fold, Sliding and French Doors in Hemel Hempstead

Upgrading your doors can make properties more accessible, aesthetically pleasing and even add value to your home. One of the ways to do this is by choosing between bi-fold, French and sliding doors.

But with so many options, it’s not always easy to decide between them. The great news is that if you’ve been considering adding one of these types of doors to your home, now is the time to do it. From improving security, to letting in more natural light and giving you the option to embrace outdoor living in the warmer months, there are countless benefits to taking the leap.

This article outlines the key points about bi-fold doors, french doors and sliding doors, helping you to make the right decision for your home.

Bi-fold doors

Bi-fold doors are sometimes referred to as bifold or bi-folding doors. Enabling you to create a contemporary look externally and internally, they can allow you to replace an entire wall with glass, with an opening that stretches over 90% of the wall.

What are bi-fold doors?

Bi-fold doors are made from a series of panels that slide open along a tracking system and fold up neatly against the wall like a concertina. This popular alternative to conventional sliding patio doors works as the perfect gateway to gardens and conservatories, or can even be used internally to split large rooms without losing much space. The bi-fold door has become the go-to choice for indoor outdoor living, opening up the home to the garden for plenty of fresh air and a spacious feel, particularly in the warmer months.

What are the benefits of bi-fold doors?

Bi-fold doors bring numerous benefits when installed. Benefits of bi-fold doors include:

  • Enhanced security
  • Easy to clean
  • Spectacular views of the outside
  • Let in plenty of natural light
  • Compact when open
  • Internal or external use
  • Energy efficient
  • Quick and easy to open
  • Add a modern edge to dated facades and enhance period properties
  • Maintenance-free
  • Maximise fresh air and natural light flow

While bi-fold doors do allow for the maximum opening to the outside, the only thing to bear in mind is that when the doors are closed, the panes can break up the view slightly.

What types of bi-fold doors are there?

Bi-fold doors are available in a range of materials, including aluminium and PVCu, meaning they can be tailored to fit any style of home.

Bi-fold doors can also be created in any size. At CRK Windows, we manufacture our own range of aluminium bi-folding doors, with our Vision Range designed and built to measure. Alternatively, we can also install high spec. Sunflex Bi-Folding Doors.

With CRK Windows, you don’t need to stick to ‘regular’ designs… so even if you’re looking for unique colours, specific dimensions, or have any questions about bi-fold doors, our team are able to help.

Learn more about CRK Windows’ bi-fold doors here.

Sliding doors

Sliding doors allow you to replace an entire wall with glass, maximising the view when doors are closed, as they have less panels than other options, such as bi-fold.

What are sliding doors?

Sliding doors do what they say in their name… they slide open along tracks, being both practical and aesthetically pleasing in a range of premises, from residential to commercial.

What are the benefits of sliding doors?

  • Space-saving
  • Can have multiple sliding panels
  • Energy efficient
  • Maintenance-free
  • Allow natural light in
  • Easy to open
  • Enhanced security
  • Easy to clean
  • Maximise the view of outside

You are also able to have multiple sliding panels and arrangements. These can include a two panel door with one or both panels sliding, a three panel door on a triple track with two doors sliding behind a fixed panel, a four panel door that slides open from the centre, or a four panel door on a quadruple track with doors sliding flush behind each other. The only thing to consider is the fact that part of the view does remain behind glass to some extent with all sliding door designs.

What types of sliding doors are there?

Sliding doors are available in aluminium or PVCu materials, as well as being able to be tailored to your needs. For example, the direction of sliding can be made to your exact specifications, as well as the number of panels that you would like in the design. Colours can also be chosen to match your desired look, with the CRK Windows team being able to manufacture these to your needs.

Learn more about CRK Windows’ sliding doors and patio doors here.

French doors

French doors are a popular design to open out onto patios or into gardens, however this classic type of door can also be installed inside homes if preferred.

What are French doors?

While French doors can differ in design, they are typically fitted as a pair, opening from the middle. They have one long panel of glass in each door and open from the centre, meaning when open, they create a wide opening.

What are the benefits of French doors?

  • Allowing in natural light
  • Internal and external use
  • Energy efficient
  • Easy to clean
  • Maintenance-free
  • Enhanced security
  • Create a wide opening
  • Lower cost option
  • Can match window design
  • Let in air without losing much wall space

French doors can also be designed to match traditional windows, however the only thing to bear in mind is that they don’t open as wide as bi-fold or sliding doors.

What types of French doors are there?

There are many variations of French doors, manufactured from slender aluminium or virgin-profile internally glazed PVCu, which provides a stable colour. They can also be made to open in or out, depending on your preference.

Other available features include:

  • Winkhaus 14 point double locking and suited door locks
  • White, cherrywood and rosewood in various combinations
  • Feature beading and 28mm Warm Edge sealed units
  • Georgian, square, diamond or bespoke leads
  • Coloured, bevelled or brilliant cut designs

At CRK Windows, French doors are fitted with toughened safety glass as a standard, as well as being maintenance-free and backed by a 10-year insurance guarantee for peace of mind.

Learn more about CRK Windows’ French doors here.

How to choose the right doors for your home

This article should have given you an insight into the unique benefits of each type of door for your home.

Whichever option you prefer, you’ll be pleased to hear that CRK Windows use high quality materials and toughened glass, making sure you can combine efficiency, safety and appearance.

How should I choose between bi-fold, French and sliding doors?

Your choice between bi-fold, French and sliding doors is likely to depend on what you place most importance on. From the way they function, to the ease of use and appearance, they each have unique benefits.

With all this choice, it’s lucky CRK Windows are here to make the decision easier! If you’d like to see all of the options on display, pop into our showroom and try them out for yourself.

Get a quote today

If you’re interested in having bi-fold, French, or sliding doors installed in your home, or want to learn more, reach out to the CRK Windows team today.

Whichever option you’re considering, when you choose CRK, you can be confident that:

  • We design, manufacture and install all our own doors, so our solutions are bespoke to your needs
  • We offer value for money - you’ll be surprised at how competitively priced our products work out
  • All our work comes with a 10-year guarantee for peace of mind

So, what are you waiting for? Call the team now on 01442 244200 and let us help create the home of your dreams!

Bi-fold, French and sliding doors FAQ

How can I see bi-fold doors in Hemel Hempstead?

To see bi-fold doors in Hemel Hempstead, you can visit our showroom at 38 Mark Road, Hemel Hempstead Industrial Estate, Hemel Hempstead HP2 7BW. This is the best way to see each type of door in action, as well as being able to ask our friendly team any questions that you have.

What kind of bi-fold, French and sliding doors do CRK Windows have available?

At CRK Windows, we have a range of bi-fold doors, French doors and sliding doors available to view in our showroom, but we are also able to manufacture to your exact specifications, meaning no size, colour or design is off limits. If it’s possible, we’d love to make it for you.

What is the difference between bi-fold and French doors?

Bi-fold doors slide to create an opening, while French doors open inwards or outwards. The functionality between the two differs, as well as the appearance.

What is the difference between bi-fold and sliding doors?

Bi-fold doors offer a wider, clearer opening when opened, while sliding doors only open partially, sliding behind the other panel, while still offering a good view. Bi-fold doors can have a more obstructed view when closed due to the various panels, while sliding doors have less individual panels.

Where can I get bi-fold doors in Hemel Hempstead?

If you’re looking for bi-fold doors in Hemel Hempstead, Watford, Berkhamsted, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, or surrounding areas, you’ve come to the right place and CRK Windows are able to help you with your decision, manufacturing and installation, making it simple and hassle-free.