Smart Visofold 3 Pane Bi-Fold Door In Grey (Matt) - (2100mm x 1700mm)

Yes - all of our bi-folding doors meet the new UK building regulations.

If your opening is bigger than the maximum size we can manufacture a bi-fold, we would advise a sliding patio door as a more suitable choice, as these can be made to larger sizes.

A bi-folding door is a large, heavy item with a lot of moving parts, and we recommend they are fitted by a qualified tradesman. Please consult our installation guides for more information.

If installed correctly, an aluminium bi-folding door will require little to no maintenance. Almost all issues reported with bi-folds are due to improper installation, so please exercise caution!

You can choose to have the doors delivered fully assembled or in ‘flat pack’. Flat pack orders will have the door sashes delivered separately and the frame delivered in four sections to be assembled on-site, ideal for larger doors or homes with limited access. Bi-folds over a certain size will automatically be delivered flat pack for easier transport. Please contact the office for more details before ordering if further information is required.

Yes, bi-folds are very secure due to their multipoint locking systems. If your door is in a vulnerable area or if you are concerned, you can upgrade to document Q specification. This improves many aspects of the door, including laminated glass, which does not shatter like normal glass and remains in place even if attacked, similar to a car windscreen.

Yes, we offer marine-grade upgrades for customers who live within 10 miles of the coast.

Deciding which threshold and sill combination you have on your bi-folding door is a crucial decision. If the wrong threshold is selected, you could face issues with floor levels and door opening clearance. We recommend consulting the help icon for a detailed explanation of each option.

Many customers desire a flush effect, where the transition between inside and outside is seamless when the doors are open. This should be discussed with your builder, as the floor levels create the flush effect, not the threshold.

Also, consider the door’s location. If it is prone to extreme weather, is exposed, or is not on the ground floor, a higher threshold may be more suitable for better weather protection.

You will need to consult your architect and planning officer to clarify if trickle vents are necessary. There are many factors affecting airflow in a building, so it is impossible for us to determine this without assessing those factors.

Planning permission is typically not required for replacement windows or doors, as long as no alterations are made to the original aperture.

For windows in new builds or extensions, planning permission will depend on the size and nature of the build itself. This should be checked with your local council or building authority at the planning stage.

For refurbishment projects in a property you own, you won’t need building control or authority sign-off, provided you are replacing the current doors with an improved or like-for-like product.

For new builds and extensions, building regulations consent is required, and the products must meet UK building regulations. Additional accreditations, such as document Q, PAS24, and Police Approved, may not be essential, but check with your architect or authority.

If uninterrupted views and larger glass areas are your priority, a sliding door might be a better option. Sliding doors can be up to 2.5 metres wide per door, compared to a bi-fold where the maximum is 1200mm. However, sliding doors will always have at least one fixed door, so you cannot open the entire aperture as you can with a bi-fold.

We use only industry-leading brands for our products. This is crucial for bi-folding doors as their quality can vary significantly. We proudly display every brand we supply, and researching these brands will confirm their high quality.

Lesser quality bi-folding doors often require frequent adjustments, which can become costly. Be cautious of companies that do not disclose the manufacturer of their doors.

Double glazed: The standard option, with two sheets of 4mm glass and a 20mm thermal spacer. Suitable for most applications and the most cost-effective.

Triple glazed: Adds another sheet of 4mm glass, offering improved energy efficiency and noise reduction. However, it is more expensive and heavier than double glazing.

Laminated: A high-security glass that holds together when shattered, offering greater security. Recommended for larger panes or vulnerable areas.

Integral blinds: Magnetic blinds inside the glass, operated via a slider. Ideal for those who want privacy without retrofitting blinds or curtains.

Our stock colours are Anthracite Grey, Black, and White. We can also offer any RAL colour. To quote for a bespoke RAL colour, please use our online door designer.

In our experience, uPVC bi-folding doors tend to have more maintenance issues. Due to their size and moving parts, bi-folding doors are better suited to stronger materials like aluminium. uPVC bi-folds are prone to ‘dropping’ and require more adjustments, making them less reliable than aluminium doors.

Yes, you can have a traffic door that acts independently from the other doors, allowing you to use it as an everyday door without having to fold back the other doors. This will be the master door on your design. For example, if the doors slide right, the traffic door will be on the far left.

On 3, 5, and 7 pane designs, the lead door acts as a traffic door. For 2, 4, or 6 pane designs, ensure the door is hinged at the wall side so it can function as a traffic door.

Bi-folding doors (also called ‘fold and slide’ doors) consist of multiple leaves (typically between 2 and 7) that fold back on themselves to create an open space. The doors can slide either way and are held together by magnets, running smoothly on a track.

Bi-folding doors are popular because they allow large openings to the outside and are both stylish and secure.

Not at all. 3 pane bi-folding doors remain stylish and functional, allowing full access to your home. Many building companies still specify 3 pane bi-fold doors on new builds, showing their continued popularity.

There is no technical minimum width for a 3 pane bi-fold door, but we recommend a minimum of 700mm per door (2100mm overall). Most customers prefer larger doors, such as 3 metres, for a better glass view.

3 pane bi-fold doors are very secure. Our aluminium doors are strong and come with insurance-approved locking systems and 3-star cylinders, highly resistant to tampering. Laminated security glass can also be added to further enhance security.

A two-man team can fit 3 pane bi-fold doors in a few hours, assuming the opening is prepared and cleaned. If an older door needs to be removed first, the installation may take a full day. Most of our 3 pane bi-fold doors are fitted into new openings such as extensions.

Good quality aluminium 3 pane bi-fold doors, such as those supplied by GFD Homes, should last a long time. Our doors have a 10-year guarantee and a 5-year glass guarantee. With proper maintenance, aluminium doors can last 25 years or more without peeling, bowing, or discolouring.