Glazing
Bi-fold doors on Kent extensions — get the detail right
Bi-folds look fantastic in brochure photos. On a real Medway site they need a solid opening, a sensible threshold and somewhere for the rain to go. Here is what we insist on.
Bi-fold, sliding or big French doors?
Bi-folds stack to open almost the full width — great for summer entertaining. Sliders can feel cleaner with fewer frames in the view. Large French or aluminium doors suit smaller openings and tighter budgets.
We talk through how often you will open the full run. Plenty of homeowners leave bi-folds closed most of the year and live with the sightlines — that is fine, just choose glass and frames you like when shut.
The opening and the threshold
The steel or lintel span has to match the door set. Cheap doors in a poorly prepared opening stick, leak or look crooked forever.
Level thresholds need careful waterproofing and drainage outside. Kent rain is not gentle. We detail the slab, cill and patio falls so water does not sit against the frame after a wet week on site.
- Engineered opening sized to the door
- Thermal breaks and good U-values
- External drainage and patio falls
- Security and multi-point locking
Lead times and budget
Quality aluminium bi-folds are not off-the-shelf in every size. Order early so they arrive when the opening is ready — not three weeks after plaster.
Napwood can install as part of the extension package or work with your preferred supplier. Either way, we protect the frames through the rest of the fit-out.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Are bi-folds worth the money?
If you use the garden and want a wide opening, yes. If the doors will stay shut most of the year, consider sliders or a glazed wall with one opening leaf for similar light at less cost.
Do bi-folds make the room cold?
Modern thermally broken aluminium systems perform well when specified properly. Cheap frames and poor installation are what create cold spots.
How long do they take to order?
Often several weeks depending on colour, size and supplier. We build lead time into the programme so the opening is not left boarded longer than needed.
Can you match existing windows?
We can aim for a coherent look with frame colour and proportions. Exact matches to old PVCu are not always possible — honesty beats a forced mismatch.
Ready to discuss your project? Call us or request a free estimate today.
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