- November 14, 2025|
- Doors|
- sandymount_admin
Key points
- Bifold doors enable you to enjoy indoor-outdoor living, whilst cutting energy bills thanks to their advanced thermal break technology
- Modern bifold door systems maximise natural light intake, improving wellbeing and reducing the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours
- These doors fold easily to one side when open, and allow you to enjoy unobstructed views of the great outdoors when closed
- Sandymount’s Origin aluminium bifolds come in three configurations (OB-36, OB-49, OB-72) with customisable colours, including popular anthracite grey finishes
As autumn settles in and daylight hours dwindle, many homeowners find themselves switching on lights earlier and cranking up the heating to combat the seasonal gloom. But what if there was a way to keep your home naturally bright and warm without the soaring energy bills?
Energy-efficient bifold doors are changing how British homes handle the transition from summer to winter. These aren’t just about creating impressive openings for garden parties, they’re sophisticated thermal barriers that flood your home with precious natural light whilst keeping the warmth exactly where you need it.
Modern aluminium bifold doors deliver exceptional thermal performance that traditional patio doors simply can’t match. The result? Homes that stay comfortable, bright and energy-efficient even as the temperature drops outside.
What are bifold doors, and when should you consider them?
Bifold doors are innovative door systems that fold back on themselves like an accordion, creating expansive openings that traditional patio doors simply can’t match. Unlike French doors or sliding patio doors that offer limited opening widths, bifold patio doors can open almost entirely, removing the barrier between your home and garden.
Most homeowners install external bifold doors where they once had smaller patio doors, typically leading from living rooms, kitchens or dining areas onto patios, decks or gardens. The transformation is remarkable – what was once a modest doorway becomes a grand opening that can span several metres.
Whilst many associate bifold doors with summer entertaining and letting the sunshine stream in, they’re equally brilliant during autumn months. When closed, energy-efficient bi-fold doors create a crystal-clear view of your garden’s changing colours whilst their superior thermal performance keeps the warmth inside where it belongs. You get all the visual connection to nature without the heat loss that older door systems allow.
The benefits that matter most
Modern bifold door systems deliver advantages that go far beyond aesthetics, touching everything from your family’s health to your household budget.
Maximising natural light for better wellbeing
Research from Harvard Medical School shows that natural light exposure significantly improves mood, sleep quality and overall mental health.
Bifold doors, with their expansive glass panels and minimal door frame sightlines, flood your home with daylight that traditional doors can’t match. The slim profiles of modern aluminium bifolds mean maximum glass coverage – some configurations achieve over 90% glazing.
Creating genuine indoor-outdoor flow
The magic of bifold doors lies in their ability to completely disappear when open. Folded bifold doors stack neatly to one side, creating uninterrupted flow between spaces. This transforms how you use your home, making even modest gardens feel like natural extensions of your living areas.
Superior energy efficiency
Here’s where modern bifold door technology truly shines. Today’s thermally efficient bifold door systems dramatically outperform older patio doors in preventing heat loss.
The key figure to understand is the U-value – the lower the number, the better the insulation properties of that material. Quality aluminium bifolds achieve U-values as low as 1.0 W/m²K, compared to 2.8 W/m²K or higher for older door systems.
Why we choose aluminium for our bifold doors
At Sandymount, we specialise in aluminium bifold doors because aluminium offers the perfect combination of strength, thermal efficiency and longevity. Aluminium is a lightweight yet incredibly strong metal that allows for larger glass panels without compromising structural integrity.
Here’s why aluminium makes the perfect bifold door material:
- Exceptional thermal performance – Modern aluminium profiles include thermal break technology that prevents the transfer of temperatures between internal and external surfaces
- Minimal maintenance requirements – Unlike wooden doors that need regular painting, aluminium bifolds need only occasional cleaning
- Slim sightlines – Aluminium’s strength allows for thinner door frames, maximising glass area and natural light
- Weather resistance – Powder-coated aluminium finishes resist fading, corrosion and weather damage for decades
- Design flexibility – Available in over 150 colours including dual-colour options, from subtle anthracite grey to bold statement finishes
The thermal break technology deserves special mention. This involves inserting insulating material within the aluminium frame, creating a barrier that stops heat flowing from your warm internal surface to the cold external surface. It’s this innovation that transforms aluminium from a conductive material into an excellent insulator.
Our aluminium bifold door range
We’re proud partners with Origin, an award-winning manufacturer whose door systems represent the pinnacle of British engineering.
Origin OB-36 (Soho Collection) – the heritage choice
The OB-36 delivers that coveted steel-look aesthetic with ultra-slim 84mm sightlines that maximise glass coverage. This system particularly suits period properties or homes seeking an industrial aesthetic. Despite its slender profile, security remains paramount with an 8-point locking system and anti-snap barrels. The configurable glazing bars allow you to create heritage or contemporary looks depending on your property’s character.
Origin OB-49 (Contemporary Collection) – the modern favourite
With 110mm sightlines, the OB-49 strikes the perfect balance between minimal framing and structural strength. This popular choice delivers exceptional thermal efficiency whilst maintaining the clean, contemporary lines that modern homes demand. The system accommodates various configurations and opens smoothly thanks to precision-engineered hardware that’s built to last.
Origin OB-72 (Contemporary Collection) – the premium performer
The OB-72 offers the ultimate in thermal performance with 154mm sightlines that support the largest configurations and corner-bifold setups. This system excels in exposed locations or where maximum energy savings are priorities. The wider profiles accommodate enhanced insulation whilst maintaining Origin’s signature smooth operation and security features.
Frequently asked questions
How much can energy-efficient bifold doors reduce my heating bills?
Quality aluminium bifolds can reduce heat loss by up to 70% compared to older patio doors, potentially cutting hundreds of pounds from annual energy bills whilst improving comfort throughout your home.
Do bifold doors meet current building regulations?
Yes, all our Origin bifold door systems exceed current building regulations for thermal performance, security and accessibility. We handle all certification requirements as part of our comprehensive service.
Can I match my bifold doors to existing windows?
Absolutely. With over 150 RAL colours including dual-colour options, we can match your new bifold door to existing aluminium windows or create complementary colour schemes that suit your property’s style.
How much value do bifold doors add to my home?
Quality aluminium doors typically add significant property value whilst offering excellent thermal efficiency and low maintenance benefits that modern buyers actively seek in today’s market.
How long do aluminium bifold doors last?
Quality aluminium bifolds typically last 30+ years with minimal maintenance. All our installations come with comprehensive guarantees plus in-warranty repair services for complete peace of mind.
Who are Sandymount?
We’re a leading provider of premium home improvement products across North Wiltshire and surrounding areas including Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and the outskirts of Bristol. With years of experience serving homeowners and trade customers, we’ve built our reputation on quality installations, exceptional customer service and competitive pricing.
Our commitment to excellence is backed by FENSA, BRFC and CHAS accreditations, ensuring every installation meets the highest industry standards. All our building and fitting is completed in-house, giving us complete control over quality and customer satisfaction.
Beyond bifold doors, we offer a comprehensive range including uPVC and aluminium windows, composite doors and French doors – all designed to complement both traditional and period properties. Every product comes with long-lasting guarantees and our dedicated aftersales service.
Visit our Cirencester showroom to experience our extensive product range firsthand, or contact our team for expert advice tailored to your specific requirements.
Ready to transform your home with energy-efficient bi-fold doors? Contact us today on 01793 230684, email windowsanddoors@sandymount.co.uk, or visit our showroom at Unit 4, Sandpool Farm, Oaksey Road, Cirencester, GL7 6EA. Our experienced team will guide you through every step, from initial survey to final installation.
