How To Adjust External Bifold Doors
When it comes to conservatory door style choices, homeowners are often faced with a myriad of options. Selecting the most practical door for your needs requires careful consideration of factors such as functionality, aesthetics, and ease of maintenance. Bifold doors are a versatile choice.
However, just as with any fixture or fitting, issues can arise with uPVC bifold doors. From lock misalignment to stiff hinges, bifold doors can face problems. Fortunately, in most cases, a bit of adjustment will do the trick and get your bifold doors back on track.
Wondering how? Read on to discover how to adjust external bifold doors to tackle a variety of common problems.
What are external bifold doors, and how do they work?
External bifold doors consist of multiple panels that fold and slide to one side, creating a wide opening between indoor and outdoor spaces. These doors are hinged together and operate on a track system, allowing for smooth and effortless movement.
Typically, external bifold doors run on a type of folding door system designed to seamlessly connect your indoor and outdoor spaces. At the same time, you can enjoy plenty of natural light. These types of doors are popular with homeowners who want their living space to have a bright, open feel. Bifold doors are also excellent for summer gatherings, such as barbecues, when you want to bring your interior space and patio or garden together.
Plus, did you know that bifold doors could add value to your home?
Why might you need to adjust your external bifold doors?
When it comes to adjusting bifold doors, it’s usually because there’s an issue that needs fixing rather than for style purposes. These issues often include doors not opening or locking properly, which can raise security concerns for homeowners, as well as time wasted — especially if you can’t get your door to lock or close properly on your way to work!
Wobbly bifold doors can also be an issue, as can doors that stick or snag when opening or closing. When these problems arise, it’s necessary to adjust bifold doors to rectify the issue and restore their proper operation. With regular maintenance and adjustment, you can ensure that your bifold doors function smoothly, align correctly, and provide the desired convenience and security for your living spaces.
How to adjust bifold door hinges
Hinges play a vital role in the smooth operation of bifold doors. Have you noticed any issues with how your doors open and close? It’s a good idea to check the hinges and realign them if they seem out of place.
First, carefully examine each hinge for any signs of damage or loose screws. Tighten any loose screws and replace any damaged hinges.
Horizontal alignment
To adjust the horizontal alignment, locate the adjustment screws on the hinges. Use a screwdriver to turn them clockwise or counterclockwise, moving the panels closer or farther away from the door jamb as needed.
Vertical alignment
If you notice misalignment in the vertical direction, adjust the hinges accordingly. Use the vertical adjustment screws to raise or lower the panels, ensuring even alignment with adjacent panels.
Adjusting the door height
Over time, bifold doors can drop. When this happens, it’s essential that the door height is adjusted to make sure that they are restored to their former functionality. To begin the adjustment process, locate the height adjustment screws, usually found at the bottom of the door panels or on the track.
Using a screwdriver, turn the screws in a clockwise direction to lift the door gradually. It's important to make small adjustments and check the alignment frequently. Test the doors by opening and closing them to ensure they are level and operate smoothly. Repeat the process for any other misaligned panels.
Fine-tuning the roller mechanism
Rollers are essential components that enable your bifold doors to slide smoothly. Sticking doors may benefit from roller mechanism adjustment. Here’s how to do it.
Start off by carefully examining each roller for any signs of wear, debris, or misalignment. Clean the rollers using a soft brush and remove any obstructions.
Height adjustment
Most rollers have height adjustment screws. Use a screwdriver to raise or lower the rollers, ensuring even alignment with the track system.
Wheel alignment
Open and close the bifold doors to check if the panels glide smoothly along the track. If necessary, adjust the position of the rollers to ensure effortless movement. To do this, you typically need to locate the adjustment screws or mechanisms on the door panels. These are usually found at the top or bottom of the doors.
Using a screwdriver, you can turn the adjustment screws to move the rollers up or down. This alters the height and angle of the doors, allowing them to align properly with the track.
Optimising the track system
The track system is the foundation for the proper functioning of bifold doors. Follow these steps to adjust it correctly:
Track cleaning
Thoroughly clean the tracks to remove dirt, debris, or any obstacles that may hinder the smooth movement of the doors. Use a vacuum or a stiff brush for effective cleaning.
Lubrication
Apply a silicone-based lubricant to the tracks to reduce friction and promote smooth sliding. Avoid using oil-based lubricants, as they can attract dirt and grime.
Track alignment
If the tracks appear misaligned, loosen the screws holding the track brackets in place. Gently adjust the brackets to align the tracks correctly and tighten the screws to secure them.
Adjustments not working?
If you’ve used this guide to adjust your bifold doors yourself, and you’re still having some issues with them, it might be time to invest in a replacement. Sometimes, manual adjustments just won’t cut it when your bifold doors have dropped beyond repair, or they’re snagging along their track, for example.
When you invest in quality craftsmanship that’s built to last, you’ll have less of a chance of running into issues with your doors further down the line. At Flying Doors, we offer a range of quality doors at trade prices, all with a bespoke delivery service, plus a 10-year guarantee.
Quality, external bifold doors from Flying Doors
External bifold doors offer an excellent solution for homeowners seeking practicality and aesthetic appeal in their conservatories, especially by pairing bifold doors with the most suitable blinds for your home.
By following our steps on how to adjust external bifold doors in this article, you can ensure the optimal performance and functionality of your bifold doors. At Flying Doors, we offer guaranteed delivery via our private couriers, plus a 10-year guarantee, so you can purchase your new external bifold doors with confidence.
Browse our range of composite front doors, uPVC single, French, and bifold doors, or windows, and contact us on 01246 914 914 to get a quote today.