Crawley · West Sussex
Bifold Doors in Crawley
We cover Crawley and the rest of West Sussex for bifold door supply and fitting, from a three-panel set for a kitchen to wide multi-panel openings.
- RH10
- RH11
- Guide from £3,595
Bifold doors in Crawley: what to know
Bifold doors take longer to manufacture than standard doors because each set is made to the opening and coated to order. Fitting a typical set usually takes one to two days, depending on width, removal of old doors and any making good to plaster, flooring and the patio outside.
Thresholds range from a raised weathered sill to a low or flush threshold for level access between floor and patio. Low thresholds rely on drainage outside, such as a slot drain, and some shelter from driving rain. The right choice depends on exposure, patio levels and how the doors are used.
Creating a new bifold opening in an external wall is structural work that needs building regulations approval and a correctly sized lintel or steel beam. Replacing existing doors in the same opening is simpler. Planning permission may also be needed for new openings in listed buildings, flats or conservation areas.
Aluminium is the usual material for bifold doors because its strength allows slim, stiff panels that hold heavy double or triple glazed units without distorting. uPVC bifolds cost less but have bulkier frames and suit smaller openings. Engineered timber bifolds offer a natural finish but need periodic re-coating.
What's included
- Fitting, levelling, adjusting and sealing the frame
- Removal and disposal of any existing doors
- Written guarantee terms and advice on building regulations sign-off
- Toughened or laminated safety glass to every panel
Crawley at a glance
- Postcodes covered
- RH10, RH11 and the surrounding area, including Horley, Horsham and East Grinstead
- Coast
- Crawley is well inland, around 31 km from the nearest coast, so salt exposure is not usually a factor.
- Daylight and sun
- In Crawley the midwinter sun reaches about 15° above the horizon at noon, with roughly 7.7 hours of daylight, rising to about 62° and 16.3 hours in midsummer. A wide bifold opening on a south or west-facing wall brings in strong sun and can overheat a room, so solar-control glass or integral blinds may help. North-facing bifolds benefit from high light-transmission low-E glass to make the most of winter daylight.
- Access and setting
- Long, heavy bifold panels need planned access through the house or a side passage, and parking close by for unloading. In terraces and flats, check permitted development rights, freeholder consent and conservation area rules before ordering.
- Rules in England
- Approved Document K requires safety glass in critical locations in England: glazing in doors and in side panels within 300 mm of a door, up to 1500 mm above floor level, and any glazing in walls or partitions up to 800 mm above floor level.
Guide prices in Crawley
| Typical job | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| Aluminium bifold, 2400 mm wide | £4,295 – £5,495 |
| Aluminium bifold, 3000 mm wide | £5,095 – £6,595 |
| Aluminium bifold, 4800 mm wide | £7,495 – £9,595 |
| uPVC bifold, 3000 mm wide | £3,595 – £4,595 |
Get a guide price for your size
Approved Document L sets the minimum energy performance for replacement windows and doors in existing homes in England: a U-value of 1.4 W/m²K, or Window Energy Rating band B for windows; doors can instead meet a Door Set Energy Rating (band B, or band C for doors more than 60% glazed); rooflights need 2.2 W/m²K.
Options to choose between
Aluminium bifolds
Slim, stiff thermally broken panels that carry large glass units, powder coated in a wide range of colours and finishes.
Timber bifolds
Engineered hardwood or softwood panels for a natural finish, factory coated and needing periodic re-coating over their life.
Low or flush threshold
A low-profile track for near level access between inside and out, paired with drainage outside and some shelter.
Bifold Doors in Crawley: questions
What guarantee comes with bifold doors?
Manufacturer guarantees apply to the frames, coating, hardware, rollers and sealed units, and the terms are confirmed in writing. Cover for running gear can depend on regular cleaning and adjustment, so read the conditions. Guarantee terms for the installation are set out in writing with your quote, so you know what is covered before going ahead.
Can I fit bifold doors in a conservation area or a flat?
Possibly, but you may need permission first. Flats and maisonettes do not have the same permitted development rights as houses, and listed buildings need consent for significant works. Conservation areas and Article 4 directions can restrict changes visible from the street. Check with your council before ordering; the council can tell you what an application needs, and we can provide product details and specifications to support it.
Are bifold doors secure?
Good bifold doors are secure when the traffic door has a multi-point lock and anti-snap cylinder, the other panels have shoot bolts top and bottom, the glass is internally beaded and the hinges and track resist lifting. Ask whether the system has been tested to PAS 24, and consider laminated glass for ground-floor doors.
Do bifold doors need building regulations approval?
Yes. Fully glazed replacement doors like these are controlled fittings, and in England an installer registered with a competent person scheme can self-certify them, or building control approves the work. A new or widened opening is structural work and needs building control approval for the lintel or steel. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland set their own requirements.
Do you cover Crawley for bifold doors?
Yes. We can quote for bifold doors across Crawley and the surrounding West Sussex area, including postcode districts RH10 and RH11, and nearby Horley, Horsham and East Grinstead. Start with your postcode on the quote form and a glazier will arrange a free survey before giving you a written quote.
Get a written quote in Crawley
Free survey for new glazing, clear guide prices and one point of contact for every glazing job.