Top tips for installing an aluminium bifold door

Aluminium bifold doors are a popular door choice for both residential and commercial applications. For architects, installers, and developers, a good knowledge of bifold door installation will enable you to provide your customers with the most professional service possible.

At AliView, we supply and install high performing slim aluminium bifold doors to customers across North West England. We have a wide-ranging experience in both manufacturing and installing aluminium bifold doors. Therefore, we want to help our customers by providing some handy tips to ensure a successful bifold door installation every time.

Ensure the track is flush and centred within the door frame

The importance of correct positioning for a bifold door’s sliding track system cannot be underestimated. There is only a minimal margin of error, and you should ensure that all measurements are accurate by taking at least three separate measurements before you begin fixing the track in place.

A small gap of no more than 2mm should be left at the end of each track inside the door frame. Position the pivot bracket at the opening side of the frame. The screw holes in the track can be used to mark the location of the pivot points. Once these have been marked with a pencil, accurately drill a pilot hole and fix the track in place with the screws provided.

Provide sufficient support for installations in load bearing walls

Many bifold doors are installed as external patio entrance doors. In most cases, the wall will be a load bearing wall. If you are enlarging an opening, eg. Replacing French doors with a wider set of bifold doors, the existing supporting lintel may not provide sufficient support for the new wider door system.

In this case, you will need to install a heavy duty or rolled steel lintel to reinforce the structural support of the wall. Horizontal support for load bearing walls is essential to avoid potential wall collapse. Find out more about installing bifold doors into load bearing walls in one of our recent articles.

Make sure you have the correct permission

Installing external bifold doors won’t usually require planning permission. If an aluminium bifold door is replacing an existing door of a similar size, then planning permission won’t be required. You will, however, need to ensure that the new bifold door meets all the necessary building regulation requirements.

If you are planning to widen the door aperture to fit new bifolds, you may require planning permission. You will also need to ensure that you have sufficient structural support. If you are creating a new opening for your bifold doors or you are working on a listed building or in a conservation area, you will need planning permission. Contact your local authority before you begin work to avoid any delays.

Prepare all the tools and equipment before you begin

Careful planning is an essential part of any aluminium bifold door installation project. Some essential tools for a successful bifold door installation include:

• Bifold door assembly kit including all hardware and fixings
• Tape measure
• Electric drill
• Spirit level
• Screwdriver set

High quality sealant will also be required. And you may need to use polyurethane expanding foam to fill any gaps around the door, particularly in older properties.

Installing the door frame and doors

The door frame should be installed straight and square into the door opening space. Seal around the frame with high quality silicone sealant, then permanently fix the top track in place. Once the frame is securely installed, you can fit the weather seals. These are designed to be carefully but firmly brushed into the frame head to create a durable weatherproof seal.

Once you’ve fitted the first set of pivot hinges and pivot blocks to the door track, you can install the first pivot door. Lift the door panel onto the bottom pivot (two people will be required for steady adjustment). Ensure that the first door panel sits straight in the frame and attaches smoothly to the pivot hinges.

Next, fit the middle doors and attach them into the frame. Once all the doors are fitted and connected, you can make any necessary adjustments to ensure that they open and close smoothly and easily. Most bifold door sets come with an allen key for adjusting the doors.

Completing your bifold door installation

The final steps of a bifold door installation are simple but just as important as the more technical aspects. Fit the locking system into the frame jamb. All components are supplied with the door set. Next mark the points for the keyhole and handle screws and securely fix these in place.

Finally, install the door stop and magnetic catches. Your bifold doors should be easy to open and the locking system should effortlessly engage and provide a secure closure to your doors.

If you’d like to find out more about working with AliView as your dedicated aluminium bifold supplier, get in touch today. You can call us on 01254 588 727 or e-mail info@aliview.co.uk.