For flawless external bifold door installation, we’ve put together these helpful ‘must dos’ to help you out.

What do I need to install a bifold door?

Our top bifold door frame installation tips

◉ It’s essential that the bifold track is level to avoid potential issues.
◉ If you need to drill into concrete to fix the track into place, make sure this is done first.
◉ For concrete, use a 3mm drill bit that’s at least 8 inches long and use it throughout the installation for drilling into concrete.
◉ Clean the track thoroughly before fitting the doors into place.
◉ Prepare to connect the frames together by laying them out on the ground, making sure all the pieces are facing in the same direction.
◉ When connecting the header to the jamb, be sure to remove the top piece of weather stripping before connecting them together. Do the same with the bottom for a standard track. Make sure the weather stripping you’ve removed is cut to the correct length and put back into place at the end of the installation.
◉ If the pieces don’t align correctly re-check the alignment, as forcing them together could cause irreparable damage.

upvc bifolding doors

◉ When you remove the pin from the other bottom trolley piece, ensure there is exactly a 5mm gap (or one blue shim) in the part that slides into the wheel portion of the trolley.
◉ Before inserting each door, make sure that the protective bushings are present in each of the hinges.
◉ The first door is the one marked with an X indicating it is on the side with the hinge jamb. But if you have the hinge jamb on both sides you can start fitting the doors from either side.
◉ Make sure all 3 hinge pins are in place for the first door.
◉ For the 2nd door, only the top and bottom pins should be in place.
◉ With the third door, only the middle pin needs to be fitted into place.
◉ The flat side of each pin must be aligned with the flat spot inside the trolley piece when inserted. If it’s not aligned correctly, it will not go in. Use the glazing paddle to gently tap the pin into place until flush, making sure it stays aligned throughout the process. Now tighten the screw it came with on the other end of the pin until snug.
◉ Repeat this process with the top trolley but fix the pin in from underneath and then repeat the process for the remaining panels.
◉ For bifold systems with even amounts of panels that all open in one direction you will need to install a sliding mullion once the door leaves are in place.

child safe aluminium bifold doors

◉ Use a shield to prevent damaging other parts of the door with screwdrivers or drills.
◉ Care should be taken to avoid overtightening the screws, as this could distort the door frame.
◉ Shims must be used at either side of each fixing to help prevent distortion.
◉ Cover the tops of any fixings with silicone to avoid any water ingress further down the line.
◉ Once the door is in place, check is level, plumb and square once again.
◉ Always refer to the door installation manual for further guidance.

☐ Smooth and streamlined sliding action

☐ Handles operate smoothly

☐ Locking mechanisms operate smoothly

☐ Locking mechanisms operate correctly when closed

☐ For the best operation and thermal insulation, make sure customers are aware they must keep the door track free of debris with a soft brush.