When planning a new extension for your home, important considerations are ease of access and light. Filled with natural daylight, the extension can give bring nature indoors, creating a welcoming ambiance that is practical for family use throughout the year.
If there is easy access into the garden from the new extension, you will find that you make much more of the your garden – and it won’t just be for al fresco entertaining with the barbecue! For many years, bi-fold doors have been really popular as they can feature large windows, but are a clever space saving concept. Whilst they may prove the best choice for your extension, here we suggest why you should look beyond bi-fold doors and explore the alternatives to bi-fold doors.
What are Bi-fold Doors?
Bi-fold doors for extensions are made of several panels that fold and slide along a track. They can be used to open up a section of the extension or an entire wall and they cleverly create a seamless link between indoor and outdoor spaces such as patios and gardens.
They can be used to bring a modern aesthetic to an extension as they are sleek and enhance the appeal of the extension. Bi-folding windows are a great way to bring the same space-saving concept as bi-fold doors to windows and they create a nice open and airy feel.
Good and bad points
Bi-fold doors are one of the best glazing options for extensions because they create a very light and airy feeling in the extension.
Some of the designs feature a single door that can be opened without the need to open the entire bi-fold. One negative is that the tracks of the bi-fold doors need regular maintenance to ensure they operate smoothly. They need to be regularly cleaned to clear away dead leaves and other debris.
Getting good insulation can be a challenge even if double or triple-glazed glass is used. The bi-fold door is still likely to lose more heat than a solid wall and other glazing options. If budget is important, traditional sliding doors or French doors may prove better options.
French Doors
French doors are the classic choice for extension. French doors are a pair of glazed double doors that open either outwards or inwards for access to an outside space. They typically feature several large panes of glass to allow plenty of daylight in and to offer a good view of the outside. They are popular as there are different designs so they can be used to add charm and character to the extension as well as enhancing light and improving ventilation in the extension.
Good and bad points
French doors do lower insulation when compared to a solid wall or doors and they can offer reduced security – unless they are fitted with quality locks. They do need plenty of space either inside or out for them to be opened effortlessly and this factor can limit furniture and layout options.
Patio Doors
Patio doors – especially the style with large sliding glass panels are a practical way to connect indoors and outdoors. They maximise on natural daylight, give great views of your outside area and make entertaining easy. They can also make the extension feel larger and more spacious.
Good and bad points
A big plus is that this option is within the budget for most home owners. Regular cleaning is essential to keep the glass looking good and also the tracks clear of any dirt for smooth operation. Security and privacy can also be concerns although the use of toughened glass and multi-point locks can address security issues
Accordion Doors
These are a versatile and space-saving option for extensions. They are a series of glass panels that vertically stack to one side. Accordion doors offering flexibility in how you use your extension and how much of the room is opened up – depending on the weather and if it is a special occasion such as when you are entertaining.
They are both modern and dramatic and can transform the character of the extension instantly. They offer a wide and unobstructed opening that harmonises indoor and outdoor living spaces perfectly.
Good and bad points
This style of door tends to be more expensive than standard patio doors because accordion doors require precise installation. Accordion doors also require plenty of space outside for when they are fully open and there is a stack of panels to one end. They also require more maintenance – especially during times of bad weather.
Stacking Doors
This type of door consists of a series of sling panels that overlap and slide one behind the other with a smooth sliding action. They are a practical and stylish way to open up an extension. They offer a good solution if you want a wide opening without the need for a more complex folding mechanism. Stacking doors are generally easier to use than bi-fold doors and offer good flexibility without taking up too much room – either inside or out.
Good and bad points
Although nice and easy to use, this style of door does require a wider track system and this makes it far more visible than other styles. The design also means that when they are fully opened, it is slightly less width than offered by accordion doors because the final panel remains fixed in place. Having said that, stacking doors strike a good balance between style and usability.
Triple-Glazed Doors
If you are planning to use your extension to provide value extra space for your family all year round, you may well be considering triple glazing. Triple-glazed extension doors are made of three layers of glass with a layer of inert gas in between the layers. This type of door significantly reduces heat loss in the winter and also limits the amount of heat that pass through it into the extension. If you live near a busy road, triple glazing is also good at soundproofing the room.
Good and bad points
The main problem is that triple glazing is heavy and the panes of glass need a robust frame. The glass can be set into a wooden surround, but commonly aluminium, uPVC and composite frames are used. It is for this reason that triple glazing is more expensive.
Another problem is that the frames may reduce the amount of natural light entering the extension. Wooden frames add character to the extension, but unless they are top quality, they can warp in time. Aluminium is the preferred material as it is slimmer, stronger and needs the minimum of maintenance. Aluminium and composite options are more popular for large modern extension doors as they are longer-lasting.
Curtain Walls
Large-scale glass walls for extensions are one large glass panel that is usually full height and minimally framed. They are sleek and one of the modern extension door ideas – although as they are one single piece of glass there is the need for a separate door to be installed. Glass walls are popular as they allow maximum natural light into the room, which makes it feel spacious. A glass wall also offers uninterrupted
Good and bad points
Curtain walls are dramatic and seamlessly integrate outdoors and indoors so are ideal for modern extensions. There are several downsides to consider when opting for a curtain wall. They are a fixed large piece of glass so they offer no access into the garden, a separate door will be needed.
There is more heat loss and gain and they give no privacy. Curtain walls are expensive because they are made with specialist glazing and engineering and must be installed by specialists. Having said that, a quality curtain wall is a good investment as it adds value to a property.
Crittall Doors
Crittall doors for extensions are usually slim steel frames with large panes of glass. They get their name from the company that first designed them and are now a popular feature in both modern and classically styled extensions. They create a strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces and can be hinged, sliding or bi-folding. Crittall doors can also be installed with matching side panels to create a glass wall effect.
Good and bad points
Crittall doors have a minimalist design that is timeless and they maximise natural light. This style of door is durable and long-lasting. Crittall doors are more expensive than aluminium or uPVC alternatives and are heavier so need specialist installation. Crittall doors are often made with steel frames and they are not the most energy efficient. They particularly suit contemporary architecture as they can enhance the aesthetic appeal of the extension.
Sash Windows
Sash windows have a classic appearance and are ideal for use in extensions on older properties and those located in conservation areas. Sash windows can also add character to new properties. Sash windows are vertically sliding windows that comprise of two panels – ‘sashes’- that slide past each other in a frame.
Modern sash windows are made using double glazing and draught-proofing so that they are energy efficient. If sash windows are going to be used, a separate door will be needed if access to an outdoor space is required.
Good and bad points
Sash windows do cost more than other alternatives to have installed. If wooden framed sash windows are chosen, they can be harder to maintain and make be less airtight than those made with other materials.
Dutch Doors (Stable Doors)
This style of door splits in half horizontally so that the bottom and top halves can be opened. They were originally used in farmhouses, with the upper half open for ventilation and the bottom half closed to keep animals out! They are now used for extensions that are kitchens or utility rooms as both halves can be locked together to use as a door to the garden or other outside areas.
Good and bad points
Dutch doors are a great way to add rustic charm and character especially in country-style homes, but they do not suit modern design homes.. They are a convenient way to provide ventilation to a room without compromising the safety of young children or pets.
Modern versions of this style of door are well-insulated and secure. Dutch doors can be more costly to buy and more complex to install. They can be less weatherproof than other styles of doors, but they do score on practicality.
Comparing Durability and Maintenance
There is certainly a wide range of different doors on the market for extensions. It is important to spend time choosing the best glazing option for extensions – based on both function and aesthetics.
Key factors for consideration include the space available. Bi-fold and sliding doors suit wider spaces, whilst French doors are perfect when there is less space. Will the extension doors complement the style of the main building and your lifestyle? What level of energy efficiency and security is needed?
Other important factors include budget, maintenance and whether the doors will be a primary point of access or used occasionally.
Conclusion: Finding the Perfect Fit for Your Home Extension
Whether you choose bi-fold doors or plump for an alternative style, it is wise to invest in quality materials and professional installation to ensure that the doors are durable and perform well for many years to come. With the right choice, the doors will transform the extension, flooding it will natural light, connecting it to the outdoors and add value to your home.
If you have some ideas for an extension to your house, why not book a free Design Consultation with BuildTeam? The consultant will be able to advise you on the best glazing options for extensions that match your individual style and needs. Alternatively, get in touch with our Enquiries Team on 0207 495 6561 or email hello@buildteam.com.
We look forward to working with you in the future!
