Three recently published glazing market trends reports all predict continuing demand both in the UK and worldwide for folding sliding doors, commonly known as bi-fold doors, with an average compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of circa 7.0%.
In recent years, many residential and commercial properties have been fitted with aluminium bi-fold systems. They are installed in residential properties, for example, to provide flexibility of living space within the home, and externally to increase natural light within the home. Commercial properties benefit from the use of bi-fold systems (often automated) in spaces with large openings such as shopping centres, factories, car showrooms, schools, and museums.
Aluminium bi-folds have also become popular amongst hospitality venues, because of their versatile and secure designs being ideal and practical solutions for pubs, restaurants, and cafes. Schools, universities, offices, and government buildings are also predicted to propel the future growth of both the internal and external bi-fold door market.
Due to the aging of the UK housing stock, many millions of homes are being repaired and renovated. Homeowners in particular, when improving or extending their properties, are increasingly turning to aluminium bi-folds to create more light and airy spaces within their homes, and to take advantage of the insulation benefits they provide as well as heat retention.
There has also been renewed growth in internal bi-folding doors. In recent years a trend has been developing for a more ‘broken plan’ layout, rather than an open plan design, with defined spaces within open spaces being created by using glazing, storage units and larger items of furniture.
Internal bi-folding doors are a good way to alter internal open plan spaces as they provide more flexibility and convenience than using glazing, or items of furniture to divide large open spaces in the home. Nowadays more people use bi-folds to create the privacy or a sense of cosiness of a smaller space, with the flexibility of being able to simply, and easily, fold them away to reinstate the larger area when desired.
External bi-folding doors provide the modern alternative to traditional patio and French doors used to connect internal and external spaces. The concertina-style folding of each panel allow areas such as alfresco patios, balconies, and terraces to be easily opened up and connected.
Aluminium bi-folds are a popular choice due to aluminium’s ability to resist corrosion and wear-and-tear. They are lightweight and strong while offering a modern look, they areeasy to clean, adjustable and designed to offer maximum insulation and ventilation. Furthermore, it is easy to customise aluminium bi-folds with a wide range of colours and finishes to match any interior or exterior decor.
More consumers now consider environmental factors before making their choice as to which product to purchase, particularly the material it is made of and the overall carbon footprint of the product. Aluminium consistently performs better than alternative materials.
Aluminium is 100% re-cyclable. It remains commercially viable at the end-of-life stage. This means there is no need for aluminium frames to end up in landfill as they can be melted down and the aluminium put back into production with no loss of quality.
