Last Updated on 23 October 2024 by Tia Ellahi
How Do I Hang a Bifold Door?
The installation process for bifold doors depends on the specific model. Generally, it involves fitting the outer frame, adding the glazing, applying the magnetic catch, and finally installing the door handle.
Bifold doors are a versatile and elegant option for many spaces, offering both aesthetic appeal and functionality.
Whether you’re using them to open up to the outdoors or create a stylish room divider, proper installation is key to ensuring they operate smoothly and align perfectly.
While it’s possible to install bifold doors yourself if you have the right tools and experience, we highly recommend choosing professional installation to avoid complications and ensure a flawless fit.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step and help you understand exactly what’s involved.
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Step-by-Step Bifold Door Installation
Before diving into the step-by-step guide below, it’s important to note that installation procedures can vary depending on the bifold door model. Some doors may require a slightly different approach.
Always check the manufacturer’s guide specific to your bifold door to ensure the correct process is followed. This guide is based on our Smart Aluminium bifold doors but can also be used for Korniche and Cortizo bifold doors.
Also, while it’s possible to install them yourself, for the best results and a perfect fit, we always recommend opting for professional bifold installation.
Step 1: Install the Outer Frame
The first and most crucial step is installing the outer frame.
When installing the outer frame, here are a few things you need to do for successful installation:
- When fitting the frame, always ensure that the drainage holes are at the bottom and facing outside.
- Use suitable fittings for the structure of the building that the door is being fitted into.
- All bifolds must be fitted plumb and level.
It is important to note that the fixings through the head are essential for the correct operation of the door. No fixing should be closer than 125mm to any corner joint.
Use the drawing below as a guide. When fixing the head of the frame to the lintel, the internal measurement of the frame upright is the measurement the frame should be all the way along.
Wondering how much are bifold doors? Read our article for information on bifold pricing.
Step 2: Now Add The Glazing
With each sash, you should have a glass adjuster. Be sure to use this whilst toe and healing and ensure the steel plate sits onto the packer.
We would recommend using the below configurations as a guide on where to place your packers.
Configurations
Single Pane Door
Two Pane Door
Three Pane Door
Four Pane Door
Five Pane Doors
Six Pane Door
Quick Glazed Bead Installation
As soon as the packers have been placed, you can now move onto the quick glazed bead installation.
- Install the glass unit ensuring it has been pushed forward to engage compression of the E gasket.
- Begin with horizontal beads, locate the bead into the clip channel of the sash.
- Apply firm pressure to the bead to hold it in position.
- Using a nylon mallet, tap the bead into the channel working from one end to the other (using the image below as a guide).
- Repeat step 2-4 to install the vertical beads.
Step 3: Applying the Magnetic Catch
A magnetic catch is fitted to the top rail of the traffic door and also on the top rail of the next door so that the two parts line up with each other (as shown in the image below):
- Check that the doors are square, aligned and adjusted correctly.
- Separate the two parts of the catch and unscrew the outer part from the base.
- Fit the base to the outside of the opening door in the position shown in the above drawing with the large screw supplied.
(Note that the bases are slightly tapered so that the doors are not completely parallel when fully folded back). - Turn the base so that the catch is leaning the correct way and then lock it in position with the small lock screw. The outer part of the catch can then be screwed back onto the base.
- Put the second part of the catch up to the part that is screwed to the traffic door and it will be held in place by the magnet.
- Open the traffic door until the magnetic catch touches the next sash and mark the position.
- Remove the loose part of the catch and separate the inner and outer parts.
- Fit the base to the sash in the same way as previously and then screw on the outer part.
- When the traffic door is opened the two parts should line up and the magnet will hold them together as the doors are folded.
Looking for inspiration? Why not explore the different alternative to bifold doors?
Step 4: Install Door Knobs or Pulls
With the doors in place and properly aligned, the final step is to install the door knobs or pulls for easy operation.
To install the handle on your bifold door, simply use the two screws provided and secure them into the predrilled holes for the handle. Once tightened, test the handle to ensure it is securely in place.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful installation, bifold doors can occasionally experience problems. Here’s how to troubleshoot 7 common issues, along with their causes and solutions:
1. Master Sashes Catching the Top or Bottom
- Possible Cause: Insufficient or incorrect glass packaging (toe and heeling) or the sash being set too high or low.
- Solution: Check the glazing packers, reposition them and re-pack the glass properly to ensure the sash sits correctly.
2. Doors Pull Bottom Rubber Out When Fully Opened
- Possible Cause: The sashes have dropped out of alignment.
- Solution: Re-toe and heel the sashes to restore them to the correct position.
3. Gap Between Panels
- Possible Cause: A missing gasket or a gasket not fitted properly.
- Solution: Ensure all gaskets are in place and refit any that are incorrectly installed.
4. Rattling Folding Door
- Possible Cause: The shootbolt is not engaging fully in the channel.
- Solution: Adjust the shootbolt by removing the guide and turning the shootbolt anti-clockwise to extend or clockwise to retract, ensuring it engages securely.
Looking to enhance your home with bifold doors? Check out our selection of Smart aluminium bifold doors.
5. Bead Doesn’t Fit
- Possible Cause: The sealed unit is the incorrect size.
- Solution: Replace the unit with one that is the correct size for the frame.
6. Water Collecting in the Track
- Possible Cause: Obstructed drainage hole.
- Solution: Remove any obstructions from the drainage path to allow water to flow freely.
7. Locks Won’t Engage
- Possible Cause: The door isn’t fitted level or plumb, or incorrect toe and heeling.
- Solution: Check that the frame is plumb and level. Ensure the glass is toe and heeled correctly to maintain the proper alignment.
Get Quality Bifold Doors With GFD Homes
While our installation guide is easy to follow and the process may not seem overly complicated, we strongly recommend having your bifold doors professionally installed. Doing so will minimise the risk of future issues and ensure that your doors function smoothly for years to come.
If you’re ready to take the lead into a bifold door, or simply have more questions about them you can give our expert team a call on 01642 309 576 or book a visit to the GFD Homes Teesside showroom.
FAQs about Hanging Bifold Doors
Is it difficult to install a bifold door?
If you have a significant amount of fitting or DIY experience, you may be able to install a bifold door on your own. However, because it’s crucial to get every step right—especially in terms of alignment and adjustments—we highly recommend professional bifold installation.
A professional installer will ensure that the doors are fitted correctly, minimising the risk of issues down the line and providing the best long-term results.
Can you install bifold doors without a bottom track?
No, you cannot install a bifold door without a bottom track as the rollers won’t function. A bottom track is essential for ensuring smooth bifold operation.
What is the correct sequence for installing a bifold door?
For Smart, Korniche, and Cortizo bifolds, the correct installation sequence starts with fitting the outer frame, followed by glazing the door panels, applying the magnetic catch, and finally screwing on the bifold handles.
Can you install bifold doors yourself?
Yes, if you have fitting experience or a large amount of experience in tricky DIY jobs, you may be able to install bifold doors yourself with the proper tools and high attention to detail.
However, if you’re unsure or want to ensure a perfect fit without future problems, we recommend opting for professional installation by a truster fitter. This will help you avoid potential headaches and ensure the doors function smoothly long-term.
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