How Secure Are Bifold Doors?
Are you looking to update your property’s external doors? Bifold doors are an increasingly popular choice for homeowners across the UK, and with their potential to add value to your property, it’s easy to see why. These versatile doors have the ability to seamlessly connect indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing natural light to flood into your home while creating a sense of openness.
But with this newfound sense of connection to the outside world, you might be wondering, "How secure are bifold doors?" Let’s explore the inner workings of bifold doors and discover how you can ensure your doors are secure.
How do bifold doors work?
If you’ve been researching new external doors, you’ll have noticed that there are a whole host of options available, and all have their own merits. So before we delve into the security aspects, let's get acquainted with how bifold doors operate. Bifold doors — also known as folding doors or concertina doors — consist of multiple panels that fold and stack neatly to one side when opened. You’ll usually find bifold doors made from materials like uPVC, aluminium, or timber.
The magic lies in their smooth gliding system and the way they pivot on multiple points along their tracks. When you want to open up your space to the outdoors, you can effortlessly slide these panels to the side, creating an expansive opening that blurs the lines between your interior and garden or patio.
Are external bifold doors a good choice for my home?
Finding the right doors for your home depends on a range of factors, including your style preferences, budget, and the layout of your property. Take a look at these benefits and see if bifold doors would be a good fit for you.
Aesthetic appeal: Bifold doors can add a touch of modern elegance to your home. They come in various styles and finishes, allowing you to choose one that complements your home's aesthetics seamlessly.
Natural light: If you crave an abundance of natural light, bifold doors are an excellent choice. Their expansive glass panels allow sunlight to flood your living space, creating a brighter, more inviting atmosphere.
Versatility: Bifold doors are incredibly versatile. When closed, they provide an excellent barrier against the elements, ensuring your home remains warm and secure. When opened, they transform your living space, making it perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying a breath of fresh air.
Property value: Installing bifold doors can also enhance the value of your home. Their contemporary appeal and practicality are often seen as desirable features in the property market.
Space saving: Unlike traditional doors that swing open and occupy floor space, bifold doors fold neatly to the side. This makes them a great option for homes with limited space.
Are bifold doors secure?
We can see that bifold doors offer a myriad of benefits — but where do they stand in terms of security? It’s vital that external doors are strong and sturdy enough to both withstand potential intrusion and deter trespassers from trying.
Fortunately, bifold doors can indeed be highly secure so long as the correct precautions are taken.
Quality materials and construction
Start by choosing high-quality materials for your bifold doors. Aluminium doors are popular for their durability, and uPVC is a great budget-friendly choice. Make sure you purchase your doors from a reputable supplier.
At Flying Doors, for instance, we manufacture all our doors from top-quality materials here in the UK. In fact, we’re so confident in the durability of our bifold doors that we offer a 10-year guarantee.
Robust locking mechanisms
When choosing your bifold doors, look for models that include secure multi-point locking systems. Our customisable bifold doors feature a 5-point locking system with additional shootbolt locks along the tracks for ultimate security and peace of mind. These locking systems make it significantly more difficult for intruders to force your doors open.
Professional installation
Proper installation is also crucial. While you can go down the DIY route and fix the bifold doors yourself, your best bet is to hire a professional installer who can ensure that your doors are fitted securely and in compliance with safety standards.
How do you make sure a bifold door is safe and secure?
Carefully choosing the bifold doors you install is a big part of the battle. However, there are some additional security measures you can put in place to improve your doors’ safety.
Firstly, keeping up with regular maintenance will help keep them in top condition to withstand any form of intrusion. Simple acts such as lubricating the hinges and tracks, checking if the doors need adjusting, and checking for any signs of wear or damage on a regular basis can do wonders for your bifold door security. Here are some other security measures to consider:
Security bars: Installing security bars or grilles can act as a visual deterrent to potential intruders. They can also strengthen the doors against forced entry.
Smart locks: You may also want to consider upgrading to smart locks that allow you to control and monitor access to your home remotely. Some smart locks even integrate with home security systems for added convenience and peace of mind.
Video doorbell: Another option is to install a video doorbell that allows you to see anyone who approaches your door. If they come into the motion-detected perimeter, you’ll get an alert on your phone.
Security film: Applying security film to the glass panels of your bifold doors can make it more difficult for burglars to shatter the glass, providing an extra layer of protection.
Motion-activated lighting: Motion-sensor lighting around your bifold doors is another way to alert you to a visitor’s presence. It’s likely to deter potential intruders, too.
Upgrade your property with Flying Doors
So, are bifold doors secure? The answer is yes, they can be incredibly secure when the right materials, installation, and security features are in place. With these precautions, you can enjoy the many benefits of bifold doors while ensuring the safety of your home and loved ones.
If you're considering upgrading your doors, take a look at our collection of uPVC bifold doors. Ideal for a variety of property styles, these doors are versatile and robust. Plus, our ‘build your own’ tool means you can customise your bifold doors to meet your exact requirements — from the number of panels to the handle colour. The price updates in real time so there are no unexpected additional costs.
Make the most of your living space and enhance your home's security with Flying Doors today.