If youโve been searching for bi-folding doors, youโre probably wondering how long do they take to install? In this blog post we will look at how long it can take to install your bi-folding doors and where to find an accredited contractor to install them.ย
Lead Time – Ordering Your Bi-Folding Doors
Before installation starts, your bi-folding doors must be made. A lot of UK manufacturers quote a standard lead time of around 4 to 6 weeks for custom made bi-folding doors. This includes bespoke colours, configurations and material finishes. Some brands even offer 3-day delivery on ready to assemble sets. However, unless you’re ordering stock size doors or using fast track suppliers, the usual wait is roughly about a month. That waiting time includes:
- A site survey to measure the opening.
- Finalising the panel layout, finish and hardware.
- Manufacturing, glazing and quality control.
- Delivery to your installer or your home.
If you are looking to order and install bi-folding doors, at Consumer Advisory we can put you directly in touch with accredited contractors who are reliable, qualified and work to safety standards. Click on the following link to get up to 3 free quotes. Get Up to 3 Free Quotesย ย
Installation Day – How Long Does Installation Take?
When your bi-folding doors arrive, youโll need to arrange a date with your bi-folding doors installer. This is an average breakdown of times:
- A standard three panel bi-folding door set will take around 3 to 4 hours on site for professional installers.ย
- Larger sets such as 5 or 6 panels will usually take half a day to install.
- For very large projects this can take up to a full working day.ย
If you’re hiring bi-folding door installers, you can expect most installations to be completed within a day.ย
What Affects How Long It Takes to Install Your Bi-Folding Doors?
1. Number of Panels and Door Size
If you have more panels and heavier frames this can take longer to manoeuvre, align and seal correctly.ย
2. Opening Preparation
If youโre fitting into an existing opening or replacing doors then the times are generally shorter. Your installers will often remove old doors and insert the new set in under a day. If any structural work is needed such as opening a wall, setting RSJs or building lintels, then thatโs a separate process and will take longer.
3. Weather and Site Access
If you are having external bi-folding doors installed, the rainy weather or awkward access such as steep garden steps or narrow corridors can slow down the installation time. Your Installers might prefer a dry day and better access for an efficient working environment and quality installation results.
4. Installer Experience
Professional bi-folding door installers with experience can complete the work much faster and more accurately than inexperienced installers or if you’re considering DIY. At Consumer Advisory, our accredited contractors are fully qualified and experienced, so you can expect to receive a professional finish.ย
Helpful Tips Before You Hire a Bi-folding Door Contractorย
- If youโre searching online for โbi-folding doors near meโ look for installers who clearly outline the lead time and installation day duration.
- Ask for a site survey date and confirm the delivery slot.
- Make sure your area is clear inside and out on installation day, this will make access easier for your installer.
- Confirm the number of tradespeople arriving. For large doors two or more contractors are normal.
- Ask whether theyโll handle removal of old doors and whether any extra preparation work is included.
- If you want experts and donโt want to go through the stress and time-consuming task of searching for a professional contractor, then we will do all the hard work for you. You just need to fill out a simple enquiry form on our website and leave the rest to us.
What If You Choose to Install Your Bi-Folding Doors Yourself?
If you’re considering installing your bi-folding doors yourself:
- Internal sets might take a few hours if youโre experienced but plan at least four hours for a basic internal door set.
- You can expect longer if you’re not familiar with setting frames, glazing, weather sealing and adjusting.
- You should also always have a helper as bi-folding doors can be heavy and hard to handle.ย
- Understand that if you install your bi-folding doors improperly this can lead to leaks, misalignment and even security issues.
- At Consumer Advisory, we always recommend hiring a professional to install your bi-folding doors. They are experienced and can install your bi-folding doors quicker and to perfect standards. This saves you time and stress.ย
Simplified Timeline of Bi-Folding Doors Installationย
Here is a simplified estimated breakdown of a bi-folding door installation process.
| Stepย | What Happensย | Time Needed |
| Site Survey and Orderingย | Design choices and measurementsย | 1 to 2 weeks to scheduleย |
| Manufacture and Delivery | Custom bi-folding doors made and deliveredย | 4 to 6 weeks (this can be quicker for stock ready sets)ย |
| Installation | Remove old doors and fit new frame, hang panels, adjust and seal | 3 to 8 hours, can be up to a full working day |
| Clean Up and Handover | Professional clean up and demonstrationย | 1 hourย |
Conclusionย
Understanding the timeline of bi-folding doors installation can help you plan ahead. There are different factors that can impact the overall installation time of your bi-folding doors, this will be confirmed with your chosen bi-folding doors installer. If youโre looking to have bi-folding doors installed, you should hire a professional accredited contractor to ensure quality results. An accredited contractor who specialises in bi-folding door installation will offer experience and knowledge and will install your bi-folding doors efficiently and to the highest standards. Consumer Advisory will put you directly in contact with approved and accredited contractors, to give you peace of mind.ย
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