Can you change patio doors to bifold?

Sleek sliding doors have been a favourable addition in Wolverhampton homes as far back as we can remember, delivering the perfect door style for smaller households that don’t have the space for hinged doors. However, when patio sliders come to the end of their lifespan, they need replacing immediately to keep you and your family safe and warm.

As the trend for open plan living continues, so does the popularity of innovative bifold doors. With this in mind, we’re often asked whether it’s possible to replace sliding patio doors with bi-folding doors – and the short answer is yes, you can!

Our Bifold Doors

Is it hard to replace a sliding door with a bi-folding system?

Replacing sliding doors with bifold doors is relatively straightforward for competent and experienced double glazing specialists (like us!). Even if your home improvement plans involve widening the doorway, to go from a 2-pane sliding door to an extensive 7 panelled bifold door for example, as long as you’re not building an extension, planning permission isn’t usually required. It will require building regulation approval, but as FENSA approved installers we will take care of this for you.

Our slender aluminium bifold doors can achieve impressive entrances up to 2.5m high and 7m wide, so you will need to make sure you have enough space (internally and externally) for the bifold panels to stack to the side. For example, our aluminium bifolds feature slim sight lines of just 131mm, so with 7 leaves you would need at least 917mm free for a comfortable fit.

Do I need planning permission to replace sliding doors with bifold doors?

As long as your new bifold doors are fitted at the rear or the side of your home, and not facing onto a road, planning permission won’t usually apply. However, you may need to seek planning permission if you answer yes to any of these key points:

•  Is it a listed building?
• Is it in a conservation area?
• Is it in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty?
• Are they for a large glazed conservatory or orangery that exceeds 6m? (terraced/semi-detached houses in England)
• Are they for a large glazed extension that exceeds 8m? (detached houses in England)
• Is it a new build property?
• Are you changing the building use? E.g. from commercial to residential.

If any of these apply, contact us for expert local planning permission advice and support.

When should I replace my sliding doors?

Dedicated to delivering home improvements that are both ethical and sustainable, it’s always advisable to repair before replacing. If you’re unsure, here are 8 signs it could be time to replace your sliding doors:

• The door keeps jamming or won’t move
• Gaps between the doors
• Cracks between the doors and the frame
• The glazing is cracked, chipped or has condensation in between the panes of glass
• Noticeable drafts or heat transfer
• Visible cosmetic damage e.g. warping, pest infestation
• Outdated locking mechanisms
• Water ingress, e.g. moisture, leaks

Our Patio Doors

Sliding doors vs bifold doors

To make it as clear as possible, we’ve put together this handy comparison table for you.

Beautiful bifold doors & striking sliding doors in Wolverhampton & beyond

Whether your home improvement dreams involve framing the view with striking sliding doors or letting the outside in with beautiful bifolds, Wolverhampton Glass can help you every step of the way – from design right through to installation and aftercare. Get a quote, visit our showroom, or contact us online to discuss your options further with our knowledgeable team of experts.