Sleek sliding doors have been a favourable addition in Wolverhampton homes as far back as we can remember, delivering the perfect door style for smaller households that don’t have the space for hinged doors. However, when patio sliders come to the end of their lifespan, they need replacing immediately to keep you and your family safe and warm.
As the trend for open plan living continues, so does the popularity of innovative bifold doors. With this in mind, we’re often asked whether it’s possible to replace sliding patio doors with bi-folding doors – and the short answer is yes, you can!
Replacing sliding doors with bifold doors is relatively straightforward for competent and experienced double glazing specialists (like us!). Even if your home improvement plans involve widening the doorway, to go from a 2-pane sliding door to an extensive 7 panelled bifold door for example, as long as you’re not building an extension, planning permission isn’t usually required. It will require building regulation approval, but as FENSA approved installers we will take care of this for you.
Our slender aluminium bifold doors can achieve impressive entrances up to 2.5m high and 7m wide, so you will need to make sure you have enough space (internally and externally) for the bifold panels to stack to the side. For example, our aluminium bifolds feature slim sight lines of just 131mm, so with 7 leaves you would need at least 917mm free for a comfortable fit.
As leading installers of replacement door solutions, we offer an extensive range of high-performance front and back doors for homeowners across the Midlands.
DoorsAs long as your new bifold doors are fitted at the rear or the side of your home, and not facing onto a road, planning permission won’t usually apply. However, you may need to seek planning permission if you answer yes to any of these key points:
If any of these apply, contact us for expert local planning permission advice and support.
Dedicated to delivering home improvements that are both ethical and sustainable, it’s always advisable to repair before replacing. If you’re unsure, here are 8 signs it could be time to replace your sliding doors:
To make it as clear as possible, we’ve put together this handy comparison table for you.
| Features | Sliding Doors | Bifold Doors |
| Material | uPVC, aluminium & timber | Aluminium & timber |
| Opening mechanism | Sideways opening | Concertina stacking opening |
| Number of panels | 2, 3 or 4 | 2-7 |
| Security | Multi-point locking / PAS 24 | Multi-point locking / PAS 24 |
| Energy efficiency | A+ | A+ / 0.9 U-Value |
| Glazing | Double glazing | Double glazing |
| Suitability | Smaller spaces with panoramic views | Modern open plan living |
Whether your home improvement dreams involve framing the view with striking sliding doors or letting the outside in with beautiful bifolds, Astoria Windows can help you every step of the way – from design right through to installation and aftercare. Get a quote, visit our showroom, or contact us online to discuss your options further with our knowledgeable team of experts.
At Astoria Windows, we provide complete peace of mind by operating to recognised industry standards. We are a FENSA‑registered installer, ensuring that all window and door installations comply with current building regulations. For added reassurance, every installation is also covered by a 10‑year insurance‑backed guarantee, provided as standard.
With a team bringing together over 35 years of industry experience, we have built a strong reputation for quality workmanship, reliable service and honest advice. Much of our work comes through recommendation, and our customer reviews reflect the care and attention our team brings to every project. We take pride in the trust homeowners place in us and in the long‑standing relationships we’ve built by delivering consistently high standards.
