Folding doors that ‘bring the outside in’ have seen a huge surge in popularity in recent years but how do they differ from sliding doors? Which option is best for you?
The difference
Bifold doors fold back against themselves, concertina-style. Typically, between two and seven panels are connected by hinges and run along a concealed track on the floor or ceiling or both. Whereas sliding doors tend to be made of two or more large panes of glass which slide sideways to the end of a frame. One key difference is a sliding door doesn’t project outwards whereas a bifold door will require space for the panels to be stacked to one side.
The opening and the view
When looking at different types of doors, it’s worth noting that folding doors open up about 90% of the total frame size or aperture, whereas sliding patio doors by comparison typically open 50-65%. When the doors are closed, however, sliding doors offer the most uninterrupted views as they consist of fewer, wider door leaves with bigger panes of glass. Folding doors have more door leaves, each with a frame around them, so there will be more visible lines.
Folding door fully opened and fully closed (image below)
Practicality and wow factor
Sliding doors offer greater control. They can be opened an inch for a light breeze, a couple of feet to nip outside or all the way to let the outside in. If you do not need to open all the doors often but just need to open the door to catch the wind, sliding door may be a better option to consider.
Folding doors cannot do that, if you want to open to catch the wind you need to open at least one door if the number of wings is odd and at least 2 doors if the number of wings is even. However, in return, the sliding folding door brings a highlight and a higher level of impression to users as well as visitors. In addition, Folding door when opened and folded inside the house will affect the interior space because sliding door needs a large enough space to stack all leaves together.
Folding door with odd number of leaves (5 leaves) with incoporated swing door (image below)Folding door with even number of leaves (4 leaves) cannot incoporate swing door, open at least 2 leaves at the same time (image below)
Cost
Folding doors usually have higher cost than sliding doors due to the use of more leaves which increases the amount of aluminum frames and accessories (hinges, wheels…). Fabrication and installation of Folding doors also requires higher precision and requires more time for alignment.
However, Sliding door prices may be higher when customers choose oversized sliding doors or special solutions provided by Viet Hong such as Lift-slide doors, Pocket solution or Corner closing solution… These are all the most advanced door solutions in the world today, ensuring both aesthetics, practicality as well as safety.
Sliding system offer three solutions: Lift slide, Corner closing, Pocket (image below)
Specifications
Specification |
Folding system Reynaers CF 77 |
Lift-slide system Reynaers CP 130LS |
Max Dimensions (per leave) |
3000mm x 1200mm |
2700mm x 2700mm |
Max weight (per leave) |
120 kg |
300 kg |
Winload resistance |
1200 Pa |
1600 Pa |
Acoustic performance (Rw) |
34(-2;-5) dB |
35(-2;-6) dB |
Air tightness Max test pressure |
600 Pa |
600 Pa |
Water tightness |
250 Pa |
750 Pa |
Thermal insulation (Uf) |
2,25 W/m2K |
2,35 W/m2K |
Requirement & Personal choice
Folding doors or sliding doors both have different advantages, disadvantages and the degree of suitability depends on the space and installation location. Aesthetics, practicality and performance should come first when choosing the right door system to suit your individual project. Customers interested please don’t hesitate to contact us directly for more information on the most suitable system for your needs.
Viet Hong
Number one quality – First rate prestige