Smart Visofold 5 Pane Bi-Fold Door In Grey (Matt) - (3500mm 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 recommend a sliding patio door as a more suitable choice, as these can be made in larger sizes.

A bi-folding door is a large, heavy item with many moving parts. We recommend fitting by a qualified tradesman. Consult our installation guides for more information.

If installed correctly, an aluminium bi-folding door will require little to no maintenance. Most issues reported with bi-folds are due to improper installation, so caution is advised.

You can select either fully assembled or flat pack delivery. Flat pack orders will have door sashes delivered separately, and the frame delivered in sections, making assembly easier on-site. Large bi-folds are automatically delivered flat pack for ease of transport. Contact us for more details.

Yes, bi-folds are very secure due to their multipoint locking systems. For added security, you can upgrade to document Q specification, which includes laminated glass that does not shatter and remains in place even if attacked.

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

Choosing the correct threshold and sill combination for your bi-folding door is crucial. Incorrect selection may cause issues with floor levels and door clearance. Consult the help icon for a detailed explanation of each option.

If you want a flush effect between internal and external spaces, discuss this with your builder, as floor levels create the flush effect, not the threshold.

Consider the door’s location, especially if it’s prone to extreme weather or is in an exposed area. In such cases, a higher threshold might be more suitable for better weather resistance.

Consult your architect and planning officer to determine if trickle vents are necessary. Various factors like airflow, air bricks, and extractor fans affect this decision.

Planning permission is generally not required for replacement windows or doors unless the original aperture is altered.

For new builds or extensions, planning permission may be required depending on the size and nature of the build. This should be verified with your local council or building authority during the planning stage.

For refurbishment projects in your own property, building control sign-off is usually not needed, provided you’re replacing the doors with an improved or like-for-like product.

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

If uninterrupted views and larger glass areas are your priority, a sliding door may be a better option. Sliding doors can be up to 2.5 metres wide each, compared to bi-folds with a maximum width of 1200mm. However, sliding doors will always have at least one fixed panel, limiting full aperture opening compared to bi-folds.

We only use industry-leading brands for our products, which is especially important for bi-folding doors as quality can vary significantly. We proudly display all the brands we supply, and researching these brands will confirm their high quality.

Inferior quality bi-folds are problematic, often requiring frequent adjustments. Be wary of companies that do not disclose the manufacturers of their products.

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

Triple glazed: An additional sheet of 4mm glass provides better energy efficiency and noise reduction. However, it is more expensive and heavier than double glazing.

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

Integral blinds: Magnetic blinds enclosed within the glass, offering privacy without the need for external blinds or curtains.

Our stock colours are Anthracite Grey, Black, and White for all bi-fold systems. We also offer custom RAL colours. To get a 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. Their size and many moving parts are better suited to stronger materials like aluminium. uPVC bi-folds are prone to dropping and require frequent adjustments, making them less reliable than aluminium alternatives.

Yes, you can have a traffic door, which acts independently from the other doors. This allows you to use it as an everyday door without folding back the other panels. The traffic door will be the master door with an external handle.

For 3, 5, and 7 pane designs, the lead door automatically acts as a traffic door. For 2, 4, or 6 pane designs, the door must be hinged at the wall side to function as a traffic door.

Bi-folding doors, also known as ‘fold and slide’ doors, consist of multiple door leaves (usually 2-7) that fold back on themselves to create a large opening. The doors can slide either way and are held together by magnets, running on a track for easy folding.

Bi-folding doors allow large openings to the outside, making them popular for bringing the outdoors in during the warmer months. They are stylish and highly secure.

Not at all. 5 pane bi-fold doors remain a stylish and functional choice. They offer full access to your home and are frequently used in new builds, showing their continued popularity.

There is no technical minimum width for a 5 pane bi-fold door, but we recommend a minimum of 700mm per door (3500mm overall). Many customers prefer larger sizes, such as 2 metres wide, for better views through the glass.

Our 5 pane bi-fold doors are highly secure, made from strong aluminium and equipped with insurance-approved locking systems and 3-star cylinders, resistant to drilling, picking, and lock-bumping. For added security, you can choose laminated security glass, which does not shatter under attack.

On average, a two-man team can fit 5 pane bi-fold doors in a few hours, provided the opening is prepared. If an old door needs to be removed first, the installation may take a full day.

Good quality aluminium 5 pane bi-fold doors, like those from GFD Homes, should last a long time. They come with a 10-year guarantee, and the glass is covered for 5 years. With proper maintenance, these aluminium doors can last over 25 years without peeling, bowing, or discolouring.