Lincoln's top reviewed, family-run double glazing company

Lincoln's top reviewed, family-run double glazing company

How Bifold Doors Work: A Complete Guide for Homeowners

Black Bifold Doors

Ever wondered how bifold doors work? Check out our blog post.

Aluminium bifold doors are the home improvement product of the moment right now, featured in magazines and home improvements TV shows. But how exactly do they work?

When closed, a bifold door takes the form of one solid, secure wall of glass that can be opened fully to open up your home and create a seamless space between home and garden.

When it comes to blending indoor comfort with outdoor views, bifold doors are one of the most popular choices for modern homes. These sleek, space-saving doors are not only visually striking but also highly functional. But how exactly do bifold doors work, and why are they a great addition to any home? Let’s break it down.

What Are Bifold Doors?

Bifold doors, sometimes called folding sliding doors, are made up of multiple panels that fold against each other and slide along a track. Unlike traditional doors that swing open, bifold doors fold neatly to one or both sides, creating a wide, unobstructed opening.

They are commonly used to:

  • Open up living areas to patios or gardens
  • Connect indoor and outdoor entertaining spaces
  • Divide interior rooms with flexibility

At DS Windows & Doors, we offer custom bifold door solutions that match your home’s style and functional needs—whether you’re upgrading your patio, sunroom, or office.

How Do Bifold Doors Work?

Bifold doors operate on a track system that allows the panels to slide and fold with ease. Here’s a simplified breakdown of their components and how they function:

1. Panels

Each bifold door is made up of at least two panels that are hinged together. Larger openings may require more panels—typically an even number—to maintain balance and symmetry.

2. Hinges

The panels are connected by internal hinges, allowing them to fold inward or outward, depending on the installation.

3. Tracks

The doors glide along a top or bottom track (or both), guiding the panels smoothly during opening and closing. High-quality tracks ensure effortless movement and long-lasting performance.

4. Guide Pins and Rollers

Guide pins and roller systems help stabilise the panels and allow for smooth folding motion. This mechanism is key to the quiet and consistent operation bifold doors are known for.

5. Locking Mechanism

Modern bifold doors come with secure multi-point locking systems to ensure safety and thermal efficiency. You can lock the doors at the central panel or at the side, depending on the design.

Key Benefits of Bifold Doors

  • Maximised natural light: The large glass panels flood your interior with sunlight.
  • Space-saving design: Folds neatly to the side, unlike swinging doors.
  • Indoor-outdoor living: Ideal for creating seamless transitions to decks, patios, and gardens.
  • Customisable: Available in a variety of materials, finishes, and panel configurations.

Where Can You Install Bifold Doors?

Bifold doors are versatile and can be installed in various parts of your home:

  • Patio or garden entrances
  • Balconies
  • Sunrooms and conservatories
  • Interior dividers between rooms or home offices

At DS Windows & Doors, we offer bifold door systems tailored for residential and commercial properties in Lincoln, using high-quality aluminium for strength, style, and energy efficiency.

Ready to Upgrade Your Space?

Whether you’re looking to open up a living area, enhance natural lighting, or add a modern touch to your home, bifold doors are a smart, stylish solution. At DS Windows & Doors, we provide expert installation, customisable designs, and superior craftsmanship.

Contact us today for a free quote or visit our showrooms to see our range of bifold doors in action.

Bifold doors fold in pairs but if you choose an uneven number of leaves, you’ll be left with a panel that can be used as an independent door known as a ‘traffic door’. This is a great way to allow quick access into your garden without having to open all of the doors.

Get A Quote Today

Here at DS Windows & Doors we have fitted hundreds of sets of aluminium bifold doors in Lincoln and the surrounding areas, and we’d be happy to organise a free home survey to measure up and advise you on your new bifold doors.

Contact us today to book your home survey.

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Annaliese H.
11:09 27 May 25
Phenomenal service throughout. Jim was very informative about our options and was very helpful. Rob came and put our new front door in and did an excellent job. He was friendly and polite. We are extremely happy and would highly recommend. Will definitely use again in the future!
Steve H.
12:46 26 May 25
A very professional company from contact to fitting.
A few queries before fitting were cleared up...thanks Donna. Then on fitting day Rob and and Matt were very professional and courteous. Their work was very tidy and all cleaned up at the end. I would happily recommend this company and use them again.
Ryan W.
17:58 22 May 25
Had a new composite front door installed today by Matt. Matt was very friendly and polite, cleaned up after himself and made sure i was happy before he left. The customer experience from beginning to end has been great. No pushy sales team just years of experience on the job and all questioned answered and explained. You can tell this is a family run business and not a nationwide company that do a job and leave, they are people at the end of the day and interact like people. Its been a pleasure doing business with the team. Thanks everyone!
See All Reviews
Recently had the front windows and door replaced. From start to finish the service was spot on. Communication was great, did what they said when promised and the entire process or enquiry, measurement, choice and fitting was seamless. Matt the fitter was great, punctual and has helped transform the house. Would not hesitate to recommend their services and will certainly use again if needed.
Outstanding service from start to finish. Nothing was too much trouble for Darren and Judith. Our queries were answered promptly. Mat and Rob were very polite and courteous and left everything clean and tidy upon completion. A very professional company who we will definitely use again. We highly recommend DS Windows & Doors.
Response from the owner:Hi Helen, so pleased to hear about your positive experience with us – thank you once again for choosing DS.
We are very happy indeed with DS windows and doors. From initial enquiries; to measuring up; to fitting all of the windows we can not fault anything. Matt and Rob (the fitters) did an excellent job, in a friendly, but professional manner. They fitted the windows so neatly and cleaned up thoroughly.
We would highly recommend DS windows and doors
Response from the owner:Hi Jo, thanks so much for your kind words – reviews really help us as a small, family-run business. Many thanks for choosing DS Windows & Doors.
From the moment I made the enquiry to the day I had my new composite door installed, DS Doors were nothing but brilliant. The back office team along with Darren and Matt who fitted my front door were amazing and made sure there was no mess after installation. The door looks amazing and I’m sure and know that others will follow suit in replacing there existing front doors to these new amazing looking front doors. Thank you DS Doors for making our home look even better than before👍🥇
Response from the owner:Hi Andy, thanks so much for your kind words – reviews really help us as a small, family-run business. Many thanks for choosing DS Windows & Doors.
Very pleased with polite and friendly service with replacement of double glazed sealed window units. Kept us upto date on progress of order. Respectful of our property by safeguarding with dust sheets. Fully recommend
Response from the owner:Hi Denis, so pleased to hear about your positive experience with us – thank you once again for choosing DS.
Had all my old windows and doors replaced. Excellent service from friendly helpful staff Darren, Judith, Rob and Matt. Installers were ptompt, efficient and ensured that everything was cleaned up afterwards. Would be happy to recommend DS Windows to anyone thinking of replacing windows or doors. Thanks.
Response from the owner:Hi Julian, thanks so much for your kind words – reviews really help us as a small, family-run business. Many thanks for choosing DS Windows & Doors.
Great service, small problem with the finish of the door which the fitters picked up on and flagged to me as soon as they saw it and explained what they will do to resolve.
Highly recommended!
Response from the owner:Hi Philip, thanks so much for your kind words – reviews really help us as a small, family-run business. Many thanks for choosing DS Windows & Doors.
An overwhelmingly positive experience. Replaced my door with a better quality composite one. Effortless (from my point of view), quick, accurate measurements and quote, installed it in one morning and it looks fantastic (not to mention being much more secure). The installers were friendly and polite, did a high quality job and cleaned up after themselves- couldn’t ask for more.
Excellent service and very professional job. I would recommend this company to anyone.
Response from the owner:Hi Jacqueline, thanks so much for your kind words – reviews really help us as a small, family-run business. Many thanks for choosing DS Windows & Doors.
Matt & Rob turned up on time and set to work immediately. Excellent doors professionally installed. Absolutely no problems at all. Would highly recommend. Thanks DS Windows & Doors