Aluminium BiFold Doors

UK Building Regulations Approved Document L (2021) requires replacement BiFold doors to achieve a whole-door U-value (Uw) of no worse than 1.4 W/m²K. For new dwellings, the target is 1.4 W/m²K or better.

The Clearview BiFold achieves Uw from 1.2 W/m²K as standard, and Uw 0.8 W/m²K is achievable with our highest-performance 44mm sealed unit (double glazing with Ug=1 and psi=0.036). This makes it suitable for high-specification projects and near-Passive House builds.

Yes - modern aluminium BiFold doors can be highly secure when properly specified. The Clearview BiFold is available with our enhanced security option, which includes multi-point locking and PAS 24:2022-compliant hardware. PAS 24 is the current UK security standard for external doors and is required by Building Regulations Part Q for new dwellings.

For maximum security, we recommend specifying internally-beaded glazing and laminated glass panels - both of which are available as options when you step through to our full configurator.

Every Clearview BiFold is made to your exact measurements. The minimum opening width is 750mm and minimum height is 1,800mm. Each individual panel can be up to 1,200mm wide, 3,000mm tall, and 120kg in weight - these are per-sash limits, not total opening limits.

Total opening width scales with the number of panels. A 6-panel configuration at maximum sash width spans over 7 metres. Larger spans are achievable - contact our technical team to discuss panel count, structural considerations, and the best configuration for your project.

BiFold doors open up to 90% of the aperture width, creating a true indoor-outdoor connection - ideal for entertaining and creating a sense of open space. Sliding doors offer ultra-slim sightlines and a cleaner look when closed, but typically only open 50–66% of the aperture.

For wide openings of 3–6 metres, BiFolds are often the better all-round choice. For spans over 6 metres or where maximum glass area when closed is the priority, sliding may suit better. See our full comparison table above for a detailed breakdown.

In most cases, replacing existing doors or windows with BiFold doors is covered under permitted development rights and does not require planning permission - provided the property is not in a conservation area, listed, or subject to specific planning conditions. If you are creating a new opening in a wall as part of an extension or alteration, that work may require planning permission separately from the door itself.

Building Regulations always apply to new door installations, covering energy performance (Part L), ventilation (Part F), safety glazing (Part K), and security for new dwellings (Part Q). Always use a FENSA-registered or competent person scheme installer.

The Clearview BiFold accepts sealed units in 28mm, 30mm, and 44mm widths. Our standard 28mm unit suits most residential and commercial applications. The 30mm option improves thermal and acoustic performance. The 44mm maximum-capacity unit supports our highest U-values and is recommended for high-specification or near-Passive House projects.

Additional glass options include low-E coatings, argon fill, laminated safety glass, and acoustic glazing - available through our full configurator.

Yes. BiFold doors are widely regarded as a premium home improvement that can increase property value by 5–10% according to estate agent surveys, particularly when they open up a kitchen or living area onto a garden or terrace. The transformation to the living space - additional light, a sense of space, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow - is one of the most sought-after features in UK residential properties.

Beyond value, the improvement to everyday quality of life is often cited by homeowners as the most important return on their investment.