When choosing new bifold doors for a home, two popular options stand out: uPVC doors and aluminium bifold doors. Both offer unique benefits, but which is right for your project? Whether you’re an installer advising a client or a homeowner weighing up options, understanding the key differences can help you make an informed choice.
uPVC Doors: Affordable and Practical
uPVC doors remain a cost-effective choice for many households. They are:
- Low cost: Often cheaper upfront compared to aluminium.
- Energy efficient: Modern multi-chambered profiles improve insulation.
- Low maintenance: Easy to clean and resistant to rot or rust.
- Versatile designs: Available in a wide range of colours and finishes.
However, uPVC doors are generally more limited in size and strength, making them less suitable for large openings or heavy use.
Aluminium Bifold Doors: Strength, Style and Performance
Aluminium bifold doors have surged in popularity, particularly for homeowners seeking a premium finish and wide openings that bring the outdoors in. Systems like Sheerline Prestige, Sheerline Index, and Cortizo set high standards for the market.
- Strength and durability: Aluminium frames are slimmer yet stronger, allowing for larger glazed panels without compromising performance.
- Sleek aesthetics: Ultra-slim sightlines deliver a modern, minimalist look.
- Thermal efficiency: With advanced thermal breaks and U-values that rival uPVC, top systems like Sheerline Prestige ensure energy performance is not sacrificed.
- Customisation: Wide colour palettes and finish options let homeowners match doors to any architectural style.
- Longevity: Aluminium resists warping, swelling, or fading over time, even in harsh weather conditions.
The Trade Perspective
For installers, aluminium bifold systems such as Sheerline Prestige, Sheerline Index, and Cortizo are designed with ease of installation in mind. Clip-in beads, precision engineering, and robust hardware reduce fitting time and post-install adjustments. With increasing homeowner demand, working with reliable trade suppliers of bifold doors ensures projects run smoothly and profitably.
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose uPVC doors if budget is a primary concern, the opening size is modest, or a traditional look is desired.
- Choose aluminium bifold doors for large spans, premium aesthetics, and long-term performance.
Both options have their place, but for contemporary living spaces with a focus on light and space, aluminium bifold doors—particularly from Sheerline and Cortizo—are the standout choice.
