User Experience with Large Bi-Fold Doors

The final floor height difference will be about 12inches from internal to external. New build extension, so from inside (by sitting the sill and frame on 1 brick lower than the rest of the dpc means I also only have an 10mm lip)the sill will sit 1 course down, then a Yorkshire stone path along the whole edge 6 inches below that, to a small retaining wall and up a couple of steps to the garden.

I'm just at finishing the roof off stage (gone for a warm roof epdm coating), next job is to put the new steels in the existing wall and knock through the whole back of the house :eek:, whole extension is about 28m2 and were 8wks into it. Kitchen ordered, appliances in the garage, just got to figure out lighting etc.
 
Sounds like we have similar projects going on. Going for same roof and finish too. What other glazing you having?

Still not sure if I'll go for roof lights or not, internally they are a nice feature. Have you done underfloor heating?
 
Hank_Marvin said:
Anyone got any knowledge on getting the floor levels internal and external similar.
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Use a water level with one end held at say a metre off the floor level inside and then mark this on a wooden stake outside (using the measure on the other end) and subtract the 1 metre to match the internal floor.

I say a metre but what ever measurement allows you to run the pipe from inside to out, without the tubing being higher than the measuring ends.
 
Got a window being moved from the current wall to the new wall and having 3 x 900mm velux roof lights in the ceiling. Should be nice and bright.
 
The architect took care of everything. The list below covered everything for building control, but they also mandated a fire door between our garage and the house which you can see on the plan.

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kefkef said:
The architect took care of everything. The list below covered everything for building control, but they also mandated a fire door between our garage and the house which you can see on the plan.

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Building_Regs.png
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That architect could do to use a steel rule:p. On a serious note, what difference does the type of door have to letting bugs in or was it a case of a window instead of a door?
 
Haha, that's why I asked him to do the plans rather than me using my 'leet' skills. I'd have been very worried if he'd sent that back to me..... :eek: :D
 
Had 3.3m of bifolds installed earlier this year. I think the make is origin, will check later. Went for aluminium, cost £3k fitted. Extremely good quality. South facing though so we will see how hot it gets in the summer. Considering an awning
 
We had a roughly 3.5M bifold door fitted in early 2022 as part of a new kitchen. We had a large front room/dining room that ran the full length of the house halved with a new false wall, then knocked through from the dining room into the old galley kitchen next to it to make a larger kitchen diner. Where the window was at the end of the dining room we replaced it with a 3-panel bifold. It opens from right to left (when inside) towards a small extension on the back of the kitchen so it's hidden and doesn't protrude beyond the house when fully open. It opens onto a fairly secluded patio area. Went for a white aluminium frame to avoid issues with expansion/contraction with uPVC as has already been mentioned.

I really love it. It looks great open or closed. In spring and summer when it's warmer we have it open fully quite often. As I'm sure you can imagine our 4-year old loves just going from inside to outside with ease and vice versa when playing. While not bifold specific, I have a desk setup in the far dining room side and it's just lovely having so much more light coming in when I'm working in there. I can't say I've noticed much of an issue with insects over the last couple of years of having the door open but there's still time for that to change I guess! Never had issues with it being difficult to open when hot and it is southeast facing. It also feels very robust, sturdy and secure.

Would I have another in another house? absolutely! I say go for it :)
 
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The rule of thumb I work to is a max panel width of 1000mm. Some manufacturers say the can go bigger. Some have mentioned a slider, the cost of the glass for a slider will be more expensive, as the pane size gets bigger the thickness of the glass has to increase and the handling of large heavy glass may require machine lifting.
 
Chabsy said:
The rule of thumb I work to is a max panel width of 1000mm. Some manufacturers say the can go bigger. Some have mentioned a slider, the cost of the glass for a slider will be more expensive, as the pane size gets bigger the thickness of the glass has to increase and the handling of large heavy glass may require machine lifting.
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Prices have probably changed in the 10 years since they asked ..............
 
haha oops indeed! I saw the thread pop up at the top of the list and didn't check the date! presumed it was a recent thread.
 
We have a 5m bifold span in our lounge which when we moved in had no curtains or blinds so definitely "leaked" heat in winter and there was a definite draught around the main door that opened.

We countered this by adding in a full width, heavy, thermal curtain which has really helped keep the room warm and you don't feel the draught at all now.

Don't notice any issues with bugs, even in summer when we have them open. They are a pain to keep clean though, especially with a little dog that loves to jump up on them from the outside
 
Unpopular opinion - bifolds are over-rated, we had them open in previous house a handful of times a year in UK climate. Large sliding doors offer more glass space for 99% of living time, and come at lower price/complexity point.
 
Mr.Stu said:
Unpopular opinion - bifolds are over-rated, we had them open in previous house a handful of times a year in UK climate. Large sliding doors offer more glass space for 99% of living time, and come at lower price/complexity point.
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We have them and have them open every day during the summer. suppose it depends on how your house and garden is designed, ours works well wih the kitchen straight out onto the patio and seating area.
 
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