A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting the Perfect Bifold Fit

five pane bifolding door installation

Whether you’re looking to install bifold doors or replacing an existing one, it’s important to get the correct measurements for a perfect fit. Bifold doors and windows are a great way to add style and functionality to your home, but this is impossible without a proper fit. Fortunately, with the right tools and a little bit of know-how, you can easily measure for a perfectly fitting bifold door or window. In this blog, we’ll talk you through the process of measuring and bifold door installation.

Our Step-By-Step Guide: Bifold Fitting

Follow our simple steps in our step-by-step guide to prepare for your bifold door installation.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Ordering Bifolds

Before measuring for the outer frame and ordering your brand new bifolding doors, it’s important to consider a few things:

  • Which way do you want the door panels open, into or out of the property? Which side would you like door handles on?
  • What are your opening preferences: should the panels move right or left of the door opening?
  • Do you want a ‘traffic’ or access door as a main door opening for daily use?

installer fitting aluminium sliding doors

Measuring for a Perfect Bifold Door Fit

Measuring for a perfect bi fold door installation is not as difficult as it may seem. You may want to contact a professional installer for help if you feel you need it, but generally the process is simple.

All you need to get the correct measurements and a few simple tools. With a bit of patience and attention to detail, you can ensure your external bifold doors will fit perfectly. This guide will walk you through the process of measuring for a perfect bifold fit, step-by-step.

You should also check your manufacturer’s instructions for any specific requirements for your new bifolding door. For large openings, you may require a step ladder to reach the heights of the opening. Before work starts on your bi fold doors, you should ensure correct measurement of the opening.

The Basics of Measuring for a Bifold Door

Before work begins, it’s important to understand the basics of measuring for a bifold window or door. You’ll need to measure the width and height of the place where the window or door is going to be fitted, this is also known as the ‘opening’. The good news is that you don’t need a lot of tools to measure the opening. All the tools you’ll need is a measuring tape, a pencil, and a notepad. You can also use a spirit level to check the measurements are taken perfectly square.

Before you begin measuring, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First of all, make sure to measure more than once, this will help you to get an accurate measurement. We recommend measuring in at least 3 places along both the width and height of the opening. Also, be sure to measure in millimeters. This will make it easier to find the right bifold as most are available in mm.

aluminium bifold door opening

Measuring the Width and Height of Bifold Doors

The first step in measuring bi fold doors is to measure the width and height of the opening. To do this, use a tape measure to measure the width and height of the area from the outside edge. Make sure to double-check your measurements and write them down on a piece of paper. This will help work out the size of the outer frame of the bi fold door.

To ensure accurate and specific measurements of the height and width of your bi fold doors, you should measure at several different points along the length and height of the opening.  Generally, you should measure the opening every 500mm. Start from one edge and work your way across. If the measurements continue to equal the same, then you can be confident that your opening is square.

If the measurements are not all identical, then you should use the smallest one to ensure that your bi fold door will fit into the space upon installation. You should also take two diagonal measurements from corner to corner to make sure that the opening is completely ‘square’ before installing.

Top Tips on Measuring for a Bifold Door

Now that you’ve taken all of the necessary measurements, there are a few final tips to keep in mind to install bifold doors.

  1. First, make sure you have measured the width and height of the area at least three times to ensure accuracy.
  2. Before ordering your bi fold doors, if the measurements are all different, use the smallest measurements for your order.
  3. Order the door 10mm shorter and 10mm narrower than the opening that you plan to install the bifold into. If the frame is exactly the same size as the opening, you will have difficulty getting the door in position.

Measuring for a perfect bifold fit doesn’t have to be difficult. By following the simple steps outlined in this guide, you can easily measure for a bifold that fits perfectly in your home.

 

Bifold Door Installation

For professional installation of your bi folding doors, we recommend checking your manufacturer’s instructions, and having assistance from a experienced professional. This is important if you have never fit a door before, as bifold doors run along a bottom or top track, which is crucial to get right for smooth operation.

External bifold doors are generally simple to install, following you have the tools needed for bi fold door installation. You shouldn’t need planning permission for bifold doors. Plus, when ordering from UK Doors Online, you’ll be sure they meet all the required building regulations.

You can also follow our specific instructions of how to toe and heel and install bifold doors by reading our fitting guide on our blog. Upon bi fold door installation, the doors adjust slightly to fit your opening, but the more accurate the measurements, the better the fit.

modern garden room with aluminium bifold doors

Looking for New Bifold Doors?

Once you have your confirmed bifold measurements, you can use our online design tool to create your perfect bifolds or contact our team to place your order.

If you are ever unsure about any of the measurements for the outer frame, please contact us for advice. We’re always happy to help!

At UK Doors, we supply a variety of bifolding doors in a range of configurations. Our bifolding doors allow for up to 7 leaves folding each way, that’s 14 in total! The door panels can be manufactured to open from the left or right, and towards the inside or outside of the property, depending on which best suits you. With minimal visible framework and a maximized glazed area, our bifolding doors aim to improve outdoor views with sightlines of just 107mm from frame to sash. Plus, with our streamlined factory setup, you’ll enjoy a quick turnaround for your doors!

Our doors also have excellent weather seals and magnetic catches, helping your doors from blowing in the wind. Each door can vary depending on your specification, however our doors are all designed to be easy to install.

Bi-fold windows work in a similar way to bi-fold doors by folding open to allow more natural light to enter a property and offer better views of the scenery. Bi-fold windows are a great alternative to a bi-fold door, especially where space is limited. They offer a unique aesthetic, perfect for those looking to create a jaw-dropping home!

Our windows are also entirely customisable; as well as their opening configuration, the bifolds can also be personalised with a number of design options, from colour to glazing and door hardware. To view the full range of design options, check out our online bifold door designer here.

Get in touch with us today on 01924 929 600 or at info@ukdoorsonline.co.uk for more information on external bifold doors.

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