How a sliding folding door works
The panels are hinged to one another and run along a track at the top and bottom of the frame. Pull the end panel and the set folds up like a concertina as it slides to one side. Fully open, only the stack of folded panels is left at the side of the opening.
A set can fold to one side or split and fold to both sides. It can also be arranged so that one end panel opens on its own like an ordinary door, which saves folding the whole set every time you step outside.
Planning a folding door
- Stack space. The folded panels need somewhere to sit, so look at what is beside the opening: a wall return, a window or a pillar.
- Folding in or out. Panels can fold into the room or out onto the patio. Think about furniture inside and pot plants or steps outside.
- Number of panels. More panels means narrower glass and a thicker stack. Fewer panels means wider glass that is heavier to move.
- Threshold. A raised sill copes better with wind-driven rain on an exposed wall than a flush one.
- Glass. Door glass must be laminated or toughened safety glass under SANS 10400 Part N.
Folding doors we have installed
Folding door questions
Are folding doors better than sliding doors?
Neither is better in every case. Folding doors open more of the wall; sliding doors have fewer moving parts and need no space for a stack. Our comparison of the two goes through it in more detail.
Can folding doors go into an existing opening?
Yes, as long as there is space beside it for the folded panels. We check this when we measure.
How do I keep folding doors running smoothly?
Keep the tracks clear of sand and leaves, rinse the frames with fresh water, and use a silicone spray rather than oil on the hinges and locks, since oil holds on to grit.
Which frame colours are available?
Any colour. The photos above show charcoal and natural silver frames.