Should I Install Bifold Doors in UPVC vs Aluminium?

There are several advantages of both UPVC and aluminium bifold (or ‘bi-fold’) doors, and each material will give you the same simple, low-footprint folding mechanism that is appealing in a bifold door design. However, the best material for your new bifold door home improvement will probably depend on a few factors.

As leading providers of many UPVC and aluminium doors, we are an ideal source of information on the different materials and the benefits or drawbacks of each. Please contact us for a free, fast and accurate quote on bifold doors in either material in the south coast region of the UK.

8 Pros & Cons of UPVC or Aluminium Bifolding Doors

The following are some facts and characteristics of UPVC bifold doors and aluminium bifold doors, which may sway your material decision either way:

1. UPVC resists cold weather conditions a bit better: Though we use rubber insulation pads and other techniques in our aluminium bifolds, the thermal efficiency of plastic is a bit better. If you live in a rural area or worry about the cold, UPVC may be best.
2. Aluminium has more colour options: Several colours and finishes are available with UPVC but a powder-coated aluminium bifold door has more potential for choices in terms of colour. If you have your heart set on a colour aluminium is the better option.
3. UPVC is recyclable, but aluminium has an eco-friendly edge: UPVC and aluminium will be good materials for your green credentials, but aluminium has the edge by a hair’s breadth. This is because UPVC uses a lot more energy during manufacture.
4. Aluminium is more expensive: If you are fitting extensive amounts of glass in a door UPVC may be better to keep project costs manageable. If you still want aluminium a French door design may be a better option as this door frame uses fewer materials.

5. UPVC is not as strong: Although both are very strong bifold door materials, UPVC is not quite the match to aluminium. If you are anticipating heavy use in your new doors then aluminium may be a better choice, as it will more effectively resist any damage.
6. Aluminium can corrode: Without powder-coated finishing, or if the coating comes off after receiving damage from a scratch, the metal may corrode in harsh conditions. It is solvable with maintenance, but in coastal areas doors may be more likely to corrode.
7. UPVC can change colour in the sun: Plain white UPVC, although inexpensive, may turn to a slightly yellow tone if it has consistently strong UV and sun exposure. Colour or finish options may eliminate this issue but it is not a problem for aluminium bifolds.
8. Aluminium is lighter: A large bifold door will be lighter in aluminium than UPVC, which means it is easier to open and close and there is less strain on the internal hinges in each of the panels. The weight difference is significant in a very large door.

You might have an instant reaction to one of the above points that decides it for you. However, there are a few things that either material can provide in almost equal measure. You will not have to worry about any of the following features with either UPVC or aluminium:

• Energy efficiency: Although aluminium is a little more prone to heat transfer, as the bifolding design uses so much glazing in the panels any change to energy efficiency will be negligible in terms of your home’s thermal performance – or your fuel bills.
• Security: With robust triple and double-glazing options and bifold doors with sturdy locking mechanisms both aluminium and UPVC doors offer similar levels of security. Of course, you will require high-quality window designs for this benefit to be relevant!

Overall, whether you choose bifold doors in UPVC or aluminium materials, they will make for a good home improvement. A balance of budget, design considerations and your essential performance features, such as weatherproofing, will often tip the balance for most people.