What Bifold Door Lintel?

Bi Fold Doors are popular in the UK when re modelling an existing house or replacing Patio Doors or French Doors.

A Bi-Fold Door is a great way to extend your Home into your Outdoor Space and has two or three folding doors. 

The Sliding Doors open and close in a concertina movement which span the opening.

The Benefits of fitting Bifold doors to your Home include;

• Extension into your Outdoor Space

• Creates more Natural Light

• Low Maintenance

• Multi-Point Locking System

• Compact and Space Saving

• Energy Efficient

• Modern Luxurious Feel

• Circulates More Natural Air

• Meet British Standards

Lintel Requirements for Bifold Doors

Using the correct Steel Lintel for your Bifold Doors is essential.

Whilst a slight deflection in Steel Lintels above Windows is unlikely to Impact the Window Opening, and Closing, Deflection above bifold doors is a different story.

The slightest bend in your Steel Lintel may stop your bi-fold doors from Sliding Open and Shut.

A Heavy Duty Lintel, as a minimum, is recommended to provide adequate structural support to your folding doors and Opening.

Of Course, any Project comes with its requirements, and whilst a Heavy Duty Lintel or rolled steel lintel is commonly used, there are other considerations.

You should always consider;

• Measure the Opening 

Add a minimum of 150mm to each end of the Openings.

• The weight of your Folding Doors

Your bi-fold door weight will add to the Loads when closed.

• Load Bearing Wall 

Floor Joists, Roof Trusses will affect loads and the type of lintel needed.

• Are your Bifold Doors Top Running or Bottom Running 

Aluminium Doors tend to be Bottom Running, whilst Timber Doors tend to be Top Running, which could vary depending on your Manufacturer.

• The Height of Masonry above the installation & How much either Side

• The Type of Masonry above Openings

Do I need a Structural Engineer for Sliding Doors?

A Structural Engineer will give you the necessary assurances and provide your Suppliers and Building Company with calculations and drawings.

Planning Permission is generally not required for a bifold but always check with your Local Authority.

A Reputable Approved Lintel Supplier will also have Qualified Technicians who can offer advice and review drawings.

Our Technical Team can help with selecting the Correct Lintel.

Conclusion

Adding Bifold Doors has many benefits and will be a great addition to your home.

Whilst installation may sound a little daunting, an excellent builder will have the experience and contact to ensure the process is Stress-Free.

We come across this work in progress on Twitter. 

Day 18. That’s Trevor finished for another week but he’s made great progress. We’re beyond first lift and the lintel for the bi-fold doors is in place. pic.twitter.com/hmH11Vh5z8

— TBD_Design (@TBD__Design) June 7, 2019

There is a wide selection of Lintels suitable for bi-fold doors, including Catnic Heavy Duty Lintels and Stressline Heavy Duty Lintels.

Our Specialist Lintels Team can Help with Selection.