How to Replace French Doors with Aluminium Bi-Fold Doors
French doors have been a mainstay in many properties throughout the UK for decades. This classic design typically features two large glass panes that make up the majority of the door. While they are very stylish and can bring a lot of light into your home, the problem with French doors is that they are old and can become very worn down over the years. Consequently, it might be time for you to think about replacing French doors in your home with a better alternative.
The perfect solution to this problem is to install some high-quality aluminium bi-fold doors in your home. Bi-fold doors offer a more contemporary style, and the sliding/folding mechanism makes them easier to install than French ones. With that in mind, we’re going to walk you through the process of removing old French doors and installing new bi-fold ones instead.
Measure your current doors
To start, you need to take measurements of the current door opening where your French doors sit. This is because you need to know if your new aluminium bi-fold doors are going to fit. If you take a look at the XP10 doors we sell on our website, you’ll see the different dimension options available to you. Pick one that fits the current opening to be sure that your new doors are going to fit.
Remove your old doors
The next step is to remove your old French doors. This can be challenging, but the good news is that you can do it all by yourself. If you still have the installation guide that came with your doors, look inside it to find the section on removing them. Follow the instructions until the door is completely removed.
If you don’t have the guide, you can look online to see if it’s available to download. Or, contact the manufacturer directly for advice on how to remove the doors.
Installing your aluminium bi-fold doors
The great news is that our aluminium bi-fold doors come pre-assembled for you. All the panels are already fitted together, so all you need to do is fix the door in place. We provide detailed instructions on how to do this, and you can contact our support team for additional help if you are struggling.
In essence, it’s a simple case of lining up the door with the correct points, then screwing it into place. Of course, you need to do some toe and heeling as well. This is a specific technique that’s used when installing windows and doors because the glass panels are so heavy that they can cause the door panels to drop and catch on the bottom track when opened. In essence, toe and heeling involve supporting the unit on the lock side, so less pressure is put on the hinge.
Don’t worry, we have a full breakdown of the steps needed to do this right here.
Just like that, your new aluminium bi-fold doors will be installed. Some small adjustments might be required to the height of the doors, but you can do this easily by following the installation instructions. Now, you can enjoy the beauty of bi-fold doors, while safely disposing of your old French ones.
Why install aluminium bi-fold doors?
Why should you go through the effort of replacing French doors with these new aluminium bi-fold ones?
Save space in your home
French doors typically hinge inwards or outwards, meaning space is taken up either inside or outside your property. The sliding and folding mechanism on our bi-fold doors means no space is taken up at all. It lets you save space in and outside your home, getting the most out of your property.
Add value to your property
Bi-fold doors are highly sought after, so you will add a lot of value to your property when you make this investment. Whether you’re planning to sell now or in the future, this is a cost-effective home improvement that can help you gain as much from your sale as you possibly can.
Enjoy excellent longevity
Likewise, the structural makeup of our bi-fold doors means they last for a very long time. The aluminium makes the doors strong and secure, helping to battle the elements. You get a 10-year manufacturer’s guarantee on them, but they can last for much longer.
Alongside these benefits, bi-fold doors still provide all the benefits that French doors give you. In fact, they are even better at letting natural light into your home, and they look even more stylish and contemporary. If you’re interested in swapping French doors for aluminium bi-fold ones, now is the perfect time to make the switch!