Adding bi-fold doors to your home's patio area can mean having more open space than a standard sliding door would allow as you can open more of the door for added light and air circulation. This also means more room for foot traffic in and out of the home when entertaining on the patio. When you're ready to shop for bi-fold doors for your home's patio area, note a few considerations to keep in mind.

Invest in timber

Aluminium doors may be very lightweight and may also be more affordable than timber, but timber is usually the better investment. Wood can better block cold and hot air during winter and summertime, keeping your home's interior well-insulated. Timber is also typically a better sound insulator than aluminium, so you won't be bothered by so much noise from a nearby roadway or your neighbour's house when the doors are closed. The timber may also simply look better! Since your bi-fold doors are something you should enjoy for a lifetime, it can be good to make that extra investment in timber bi-fold doors.

Ask about weather guarantees

The manufacturer of the bi-fold doors may guarantee their size and that they fit snugly against each other, but a weather guarantee will ensure the doors also fit the frame as snugly as possible. If there is a small gap at the bottom of the door, you'll have cold drafts and the potential for snow and rain getting into your home. A weather guarantee will ensure that the doors help insulate against any weather conditions and that they will fit securely to keep out rain, snow and drafts.

Choose the track that works for your

There are pros and cons of both a bottom track and of a top track; the bottom track may help the doors to glide more smoothl, since the weight of a door panel will be dispersed along the bottom of the doors. This will mean less resistance and drag when you open the doors with a bottom track.

However, a bottom track might create a large gap between the door and the floor, as mentioned above, so there is the risk of drafts. A bottom track might also interfere with your view to the outside when the door is open, and a poorly designed and installed track can be a tripping hazard. Don't let a salesperson tell you that one is better than the other, but consider what would work for your home and your preferences.