Aluminium vs UPVC Bifolds

The best material for bifolds has been under heated debate for a while, and it’s easy to see why. With both aluminium bifold doors and PVC bifolds boasting benefits galore, it’s no wonder people can’t settle on a final choice. 

We’re here to take you through all the aspects you may want to consider when purchasing your bifold doors, and hopefully it will help you make you mind up about which option is right for you! 

Security 

Both aluminium and UPVC bifolds are excellent choices for security. When your bifolds are located at the back of your house, you want the ultimate faith that they’ll be durable enough to resist any attempted break-ins. 

Luckily, both UPVC and aluminium bifold doors have been designed with high security in mind. The glass is tough double glazing and they feature multi-lock points in the frame, making them almost impossible to break into. Although aluminium in itself is a stronger material, the design of the system allows UPVC to perform to a similar standard of security. 

Cost 

Aluminium bifold doors can be up to double the price of PVC bifolds. Don’t let this put you off though, there is good reason!

Aluminium is touted to look more stylish and be slightly more durable than UPVC, with a marginally longer lifespan too. This makes aluminium more costly upfront, but a worthy lifetime investment. 

If you’re looking for a bifold option on a budget, UPVC is definitely the choice for you. It looks sleek and sophisticated without the higher price tag.

Although aluminium usually lasts longer, the life expectancy of UPVC isn’t short by any means – the doors can function like new for 10+ years!  

The only thing to note is that you may end up paying slightly more over time for the maintenance and upkeep of UPVC, but if you’re happy to spread these costs over the years rather than pay more upfront, they could be the perfect option for you. 

Thermal Efficiency 

Both UPVC and aluminium external bifold patio doors are thermally efficient – the double glazing helps insulate the home and keep it cool in the summer and traps heat in the winter. However, UPVC ever so slightly takes the prize here – it’s not quite as conductive as aluminium, so heat does not pass through the frames as easily. This is an incredibly minor difference though and both are energy efficient, so this is probably not going to be the deciding factor. 

Maintenance 

Aluminium just about takes the crown when it comes to maintenance. The powder coating and durability of the material means all it will ever really need is a wipe down every now and then – read more about how to clean your bifolds. 

UPVC can begin to look faded or tired after years of direct sunlight, but this ultimately depends on the exact positioning of the bifolds in your garden. It can also warp out of position slightly when faced with extreme weather. Regular maintenance is the way to avoid this, but they are rare circumstances.  

Despite this, UPVC is still a strong material that requires little and often maintenance, and these changes are only likely to affect the bifold doors after a prolonged period of time, so there’s definitely the opportunity to make the most out of them before this is even a possibility. 

Aesthetics 

Both PVC bifolds and aluminium bifold doors allow you to maximise your space and views in your home. The large glass panes encourage natural light to flood your home. Aluminium frames are oftentimes slightly thinner, so might look slightly sleeker depending on the build of your home. 

However, both choices are available in a few classic colours so you can choose which best suits your home. 

Conclusions 

Whilst there are minor differences between UPVC and aluminium bifolds in certain areas, these differences are minimal and both materials are a recommended option. There is no right or wrong choice here – whatever is more suitable simply comes down to your individual circumstances. If cost is an issue and your garden doesn’t get direct sunlight, UPVC would be your best bet, whereas if your garden is under the wrath of the elements on frequent occasions, aluminium might be more appropriate. 

If you’re having trouble deciding which bifold system is best for you, our experts are always on hand to help! Get in touch, or shop bifold doors online today.