If you’re thinking about bifold doors for your home, you’re not alone. Perth homeowners are increasingly choosing these space-saving doors to connect their living areas with outdoor spaces.
Bifold doors are particularly practical for our climate, where alfresco areas get used year-round. If you’re planning a DIY project or a renovation, understanding the process, costs, and maintenance will help you make the right decision for your property.
Things to Consider Before Installing Bifold Doors
Before you start installing bifold doors, you’ll need to consider a few key factors:
- Frame type and material: Aluminium door frames are the most common choice for external doors in Perth due to their resistance to coastal air and low maintenance requirements. Timber bifolds work well for internal applications like bifold closet doors.
- Opening configuration: Decide which way your doors will fold and stack. Most bifolds fold to one side, but larger openings can fold to both sides.
- Track system: External bifolds typically use a top-hung system with a bottom pivot bracket, whilst some internal doors may have a full bottom track.
- Compliance: External glazed doors must meet AS 2047 standards and NCC 2022 requirements. If you’re in bushfire-prone areas, Bushfire Attack Level ratings will influence your material choices.
How to Install Bifold Doors: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re confident with tools and have some building experience, installing bifold doors yourself may be achievable. The process requires precision and patience. Here’s how to install bifold doors properly:
- Measure the opening accurately: Take measurements at three points (top, middle, and bottom) to check that the opening is square. Allow 2-3 mm clearance on all sides for adjustment.
- Prepare the frame: Ensure the head jamb and side jambs are level and plumb. Any irregularities here will cause problems later.
- Install the top track: Cut the track to size and fix it level, positioned approximately 25 mm back from the front of the header. This is critical for smooth operation.
- Fit the bottom track or pivot bracket: For external doors, you’ll typically install a pivot bracket flush with the finished floor level. Internal bifold closet doors might use a full bottom track.
- Attach pivot brackets: Fit the pivot brackets to the top and bottom of the jamb-side panel according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Hang the doors: Start by engaging the top pivots in the track, then seat the bottom pivots. Work carefully to avoid damaging the doors or your fingers.
- Install guide rollers: Fit the rollers on intermediate panels and engage them in the track. These keep the doors aligned as they fold.
- Add hardware: Install aligners, handles, and any lock mechanisms. Test the operation before final adjustments.
- Make final adjustments: Use an allen key to raise or lower doors via the bottom pivot screw. Adjust lateral alignment using the top hanger cams until all panels fold smoothly and sit level.
Tools and Materials Needed For Any Work On Bifold Doors
You’ll need:
- Spirit level (a long one is essential)
- Power drill and drill bits
- Allen key set
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Saw (if cutting tracks to size)
- Screwdriver set
- Screws and wall plugs (usually supplied with the door kit)
- Shims for levelling
- Safety glasses
How Much Are Bifold Doors in Perth?
The cost of bifold doors varies significantly based on size, material, glazing options, and whether you’re doing the work yourself or hiring professionals. Several factors can push costs higher in Western Australia:
- BAL compliance: Properties in bushfire-prone fringe suburbs require specific ratings, which affect material selection and price.
- Energy-efficient glazing: Perth’s hot summers make quality glazing a worthwhile investment for reducing cooling costs.
- Freight to WA: Shipping bulky door systems to Perth adds to the overall expense.
- Coastal considerations: If you’re near the coast, powder-coated aluminium with quality finishes is essential to protect against salt-air corrosion.
- Custom sizing: Non-standard openings require custom-made doors, which cost more than off-the-shelf options.
The team at Perth Window & Door Replacement Company can provide a free, no-obligation quote tailored to your specific project and budget.
How to Adjust Bifold Doors Based On Common Issues
Even properly installed bifold doors may need adjustment over time. Common problems include doors scraping the floor, panels not aligning correctly, or rollers jumping out of the track. Here’s how to adjust bifold doors when these common issues arise:
Door sitting too low or scraping the floor
Use an allen key to turn the adjustment screw at the bottom of the top hanger shaft clockwise. This raises the door. Make small adjustments and test the operation between each turn.
Door not sitting flush with the jamb
Loosen the two allen screws on the bottom pivot bracket. Rotate the centre cam to move the door in or out. Retighten the screws once you’ve achieved the correct position. The Woodworkers Company guide provides detailed adjustment instructions worth referencing.
Rollers jumping out of track
This usually means debris has built up in the track or the rollers are worn. Clean the track thoroughly and check the rollers for damage. Replace worn rollers to prevent ongoing issues.
Panels not folding smoothly
Check that all pivot points are secure and properly seated. Ensure the track is level and hasn’t shifted. Sometimes, a simple cleaning and lubrication of moving parts solves the problem.
How to Remove Bifold Doors Safely and Efficiently
You might need to remove bifold doors for maintenance, painting, or replacement. The process differs slightly depending on whether your doors have a bottom track.
For doors without a bottom track (common with internal bifolds):
- Open all panels so they’re flat against the wall
- Lift the door slightly to take weight off the bottom pivot
- Use a flat-head screwdriver to compress the spring-loaded top pivot pin
- Slide the guide roller out of the track, past the plastic snugger
- Tilt the door toward you and lift it clear of the bottom pivot bracket
For doors with a bottom track:
- Open panels fully
- Locate the adjustment screws on the bottom pivots
- Loosen (don’t remove) the screws to release tension
- Lift the door to disengage the top pivot from the track
- Carefully tilt and remove the door from the bottom track
Work with another person when removing or replacing doors, especially large external bifolds. They’re heavier than they look, and glass panels are fragile.
Get Professional Guidance From Perth Window & Door Replacement Company
Our team has nearly 40 years of experience supplying and installing custom-made doors and windows across Perth. We understand the local climate challenges, from coastal corrosion to bushfire compliance, and we’ll help you choose the right bifold doors for your home and budget. Every installation comes with our commitment to quality workmanship and follow-up service, backed by our 10-year warranty.
Visit our Malaga Showroom to see bifold door options in person, or contact us for a free consultation and quote. We’ll measure your space, discuss your needs, and provide honest advice about the best solution for your property.
FAQS
The most frequent issues include misaligned top pivots causing doors to scrape the floor, rollers jumping out of tracks due to debris or wear, and insufficient head support causing sagging over time. Regular cleaning and maintenance prevent most of these problems. In Perth's climate, expect salt-air corrosion to affect hardware, so choosing quality powder-coated aluminium frames helps avoid long-term issues.
To unclip bifold doors, first open all panels flat. Lift the door slightly to reduce pressure on the bottom pivot, then use a screwdriver to compress the spring-loaded top pivot pin. Slide the guide roller out of the track and tilt the door toward you to lift it clear of the bottom bracket. Always work with a helper for safety, particularly with external doors.
Not always. Many internal bifold systems, particularly bifold closet doors, use a top-hung design with only a floor-mounted pivot bracket rather than a full bottom track. This creates a cleaner look inside and eliminates the tripping hazard of a raised track. External bifolds more commonly use a bottom track for added stability and weather sealing, though some premium systems also rely on top-hung mechanisms with pivot points.