Are Bifold Doors Safe?

When making changes to any windows or doors within your property, safety is always going to be an important factor to consider. With many different options on the market such as French doors or patio doors, bifold doors and sliding doors, we explore which option is the most secure for your home.

Materials 

No matter which door style you settle on, there are choices you can make to improve security when deciding on the spec for your new doors. For patio doors, bifold doors and sliding doors opting for aluminium frames over uPVC will ensure your glass is housed in a strong and durable material that is extremely difficult to break into. Aluminium also gives a more sleek and modern feel than uPVC which is an added bonus. 

There are also different options when it comes to choosing glass for your bifold door system. Because doors such as bifolds and sliding doors are made up of a large expanse of glass the glass itself needs to be extremely strong and shatterproof. Aluminium bifold doors usually come as standard with toughened safety glass. This glass type, also sometimes known as tempered glass is heated at extremely high temperatures and then cooled very quickly. This process makes the glass up to five times as strong as regular glass. Safety toughened glass is perfect for bifold doors as it is less likely to break if exposed to extreme temperatures or struck with an object. If safety toughened glass does break, it will shatter into small blunt pieces rather than sharp strands of glass. 

If you want to take the security of your bifold doors to the next level then you can opt for laminated glass within your aluminium frame. This glass type is manufactured with plastic for added strength. A thin layer of plastic is sandwiched between two panes of glass and compressed at high temperatures so that the plastic acts as a glue within the glass panes. If the glass is broken the plastic layer will hold it in place so that there is no hole and no shattered glass on the floor. 

The glass panes that make up your bifold door sit within an inline tracking system that an intruder would find almost impossible to lift the doors from. 

If you are unsure which glass or frame material to opt for when choosing your bifold door system, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with a member of our friendly sales team and we can help you select the perfect door. 

Mechanisms

So, you have selected the strongest frame and the toughest glass for your new bifold or sliding doors, the next security element to look at would be the handle and locking mechanism. 

Most bifold doors have a multi point locking system, this is where you lift the handle to engage the locking points initially before turning the key/thumb turn to move the security hooks of the locking system into place. Some bifold doors such as systems from Origin feature 8 points in their locking system for added security. 

In terms of the locks themselves, there are also several different options to consider: 

• Cylinder (barrel) – this lock type us made with a keyhole and pin-and-tumbler mechanism held within the cylinder. A combination of different size pins within the lock stops it from being turned without the correct key
• Dead bolts – deadbolts can be operated by using a key or a twisting locking mechanism that is fitted internally
• Twin point locks – A twin point lock has a handle positioned in the centre of the bi-fold doors and is designed to work from both the top and base of the bi-fold door. It can secure the doors in just one movement and is an attractive, sleek solution
• Drop bolts – Drop bolts are an additional lock that can be added to further improve the security of your bifold doors

Childproofing 

There are certain features on many bifold doors that help to protect children, these include: 

• Roller systems that are designed to help avoid children trapping their fingers in the sliding mechanism
• Magnetic catches that keep the doors securely open
• Some doors even have the option for “finger-safe” gaskets. These act as a cushion if a child—or indeed an adult—gets their fingers caught between the doors

Blinds & shutters

One of the main reasons that bifold doors are sometimes thought of as less secure than smaller door options is due to the large expanse of glass, allowing passers-by to see into your home with your possessions on display. A great way to combat this is to have some sort of barrier such as blinds or curtains that can be pulled across when you are not at home or in the evenings. You can get integrated blinds which are a great option. There are also options for glass that is tinted so that you can see out but those outside the property can’t see in. 

Reputable supplier 

As with any purchase or home improvement, it is paramount that you use a reputable supplier to ensure that your new bifold doors are high quality and secure. It is important to check out reviews as well as ask for evidence of previous work. The length of warranty is also a good indicator of how reliable a company is and how much they believe in the strength and durability of its products. 

How can we help?

At Bifold Shop, we have decades of experience in the industry. We can help you choose the most secure option for your home whilst ensuring a modern and sleek look that suits your decor and style. Get in touch with a member of our friendly sales team today for more information.