How do you find a solution to limited living space in a city like Sydney?

Where most properties are small in area and your neighbours walls are almost your own, the struggle is real when home owners try to make a house feel spacious, filled with light and well ventilated.

The answer is simple: open up.

Bifold doors: what are they and how can they be used in Sydney?

A simple way of understanding how aluminium bifold doors operate is picturing an accordion and how it closes/opens up. This is exactly how bifold doors work, folding back on themselves to create an open space.

With an amazingly seamless process, bifold doors are built-in with runners, which provide an easy operation when they slide open.

Effectively, you are saving space when installing bifold doors, as you do not have to worry about them swinging open like an ordinary door.

There are two types of ways to use bifold doors:

• Internally – these can be placed within the home to separate certain spaces, commonly used in laundry rooms or wardrobes.
• Externally – these are usually placed between the inside and outside of your home creating the perfect indoor-outdoor living atmosphere.

Irrespective of the ways in which they are used, bifold doors provide an opportunity to open up an area completely as they maintain a full opening, maximising the open space (unlike a aluminium sliding doors).

Bifold doors also come in a range of materials, offering seamlessness within your home and complementing your decorative scheme. Common materials used for bifold doors include:

• Wood
• Unplasticised Polyvinyl (UPVC)
• Aluminium

Depending on the design of your house, different materials can be used to complement the style of your area, design and decor. However, aluminium is usually the common selection when it comes to the modern homeowner because of all of its benefits!

& the bifold door said to Sydney: “Let there be light!”

Possibly one of the most advantageous features of bifold doors is their capacity to let natural light in, if installed between internal and external spaces. Exterior bifold doors create the ultimate indoor-outdoor living haven.

Having bifold doors installed in such a prime position, you are allowing the access of natural light, flooding the room with a vibrant, lively aura. In addition to this, the installation of bifold doors is cleverly crafting a smooth connection between outdoor and indoor living spaces, and is the perfect way to make the most of your space.

A tip to optimise this ‘clever craft’ is to fill the outside space with as many natural elements as possible, to allow for the positive vibes to flow from outside, in.

Some considerations for your outdoor area are:

• Include as much natural greenery as possible
• Include vegetation and florals where possible, sticking to 1-3 colours at most
• Include minimal furniture

The lusciousness and fullness of a ‘natural’ outdoor area can create a grounded, warm feeling inside the home, as the bifold doors are capable of sliding right open, bringing the outdoor vibes into your home.

For Sydneysiders, increasing the illusion of space is as simple as installing bifold doors in your home. An affordable (and incredibly awesome) option, this simple trick can also increase the value of your home.

Easily tucked away, bifold doors are extreme space savers, and don’t take up much room (if any) of your home!

Not only does it save space, but bifold doors also offer better insulation as well as soundproofing when shut. You can block out your kids whining with one easy sliding movement (but we didn’t say that out loud)!

FAQs – Frequently asked questions

• Are bifold doors secure?

Bifold doors are, in fact, more secure than a traditional door. Many have a concern of installing a bifold door externally, as they feel as if they are not completely secure. However, with a quality locking system – you should not have a problem feeling safe. There’s always the option of installing an alarm on the doors which provide you with confirmed security.

• Do bifold doors let in cold air?

This can vary depending on the quality of the bifold door. The type of glass chosen can make a difference in the thermal proficiency of the doors. Energy efficient glass can be installed to help with reducing your home’s CO2 output (that means carbon dioxide). However, if you do not want to install these extra features – no need to worry! Bifold doors are built to seal your home from the outside air and are just as effective as traditional doors.

• Are bifold doors easy to install?

After customising the right size and requirements for your door, the installation process is quite easy and quick.

• Are bifold doors easy to clean?

Just like cleaning your windows, bifold doors can be maintained with a simple wipe down. You can clean your bifold doors by wiping the surface with a damp rag and some multi-purpose cleaner. You could also use warm, soapy water finished with a glass cleaner to help create a sparkling finish. The first step is to soap down the glass panels and then use a squeegee to remove the soapy water. HINT: Start from the top and work your way down in an ‘S’ shape to eliminate marks as swiftly as possible.

• Can you access rooms without having to open the entire bifold door?

You sure can, by installing a traffic door in your bifold door system! A traffic door is simply a panel that operates separately from the bifold door and is usually installed when there is an uneven number of panels. Providing quick and easy access between inside and outside, or between different rooms, a traffic door provides convenience without having to fold out all the panels.

• Will bifold doors add value to my home?

Bifold doors can add value to your home by creating a more favourable space, possibly making it easier when it comes to selling. It allows your home to be filled with natural light while opening up the space, and it looks pretty good too!

Take the plunge, Sydney, and realise the potential of devoting the space in your home to the outside world. Contact A-Tech Australia now on 1300 775 525, and let light shine in your home!