Bi-fold doors have become an incredibly popular feature in modern homes, and it’s easy to understand why.
Large areas of glazing can flood a room with natural light, create a greater sense of space and provide an almost uninterrupted connection between the house and garden.
But when the sun comes out, all that glass can sometimes create another problem: too much heat and glare.
Rooms with large bi-fold doors can become noticeably warmer during sunny weather, particularly when the glazing receives direct sunlight for several hours of the day.
Fortunately, replacing the doors or spending the summer with the blinds and curtains closed aren’t the only options.
Why Can Rooms with Bi-Fold Doors Get So Hot?
The same large expanse of glass that makes bi-fold doors so attractive also allows solar energy to enter the room.
Depending on the orientation of the property, the size of the glazed area and the amount of direct sunlight it receives, this can lead to:
- Uncomfortable heat build-up
- Glare on televisions and computer screens
- Hot spots close to the glazing
- Increased use of fans or air conditioning
- UV exposure that can contribute to fading of furnishings and flooring
Closing curtains or blinds can help, but that rather defeats one of the main reasons for installing bi-fold doors in the first place — enjoying all that natural light and the view outside.
Can Window Film Be Applied to Bi-Fold Doors?
In many cases, yes.
Solar control window film can be professionally installed directly onto suitable existing glazing, helping to manage the amount of solar energy entering the property without the disruption and expense of replacing the doors.
Different films offer different levels of solar control, light transmission and appearance, so it’s important that the film is correctly specified for both the glazing and the result you want to achieve.
A Recent Silver 20 Installation
This recent Shades Window Films project is a good example.
The property has a substantial set of bi-fold doors overlooking the garden, providing plenty of natural daylight but also creating a large area of glazing exposed to the sun.
We installed Silver 20 internal solar control window film to the bi-fold doors to help reduce unwanted solar heat and glare.
Silver solar control film also gives the glazing a smart reflective appearance when viewed externally, while still allowing natural light into the room.
It’s a relatively simple upgrade to existing glazing that can make a significant difference to how comfortable a heavily glazed room feels during bright, sunny weather.
Will Window Film Make My Bi-Fold Doors Look Too Dark?
This is understandably one of the questions homeowners often ask.
Solar control films are available in different specifications and finishes, allowing the level of solar protection to be balanced against the amount of natural light you want to retain.
The aim isn’t to turn a bright room into a dark one.
It’s to reduce the unwanted effects of the sun while allowing you to continue enjoying the benefits of your glazing.
The right choice will depend on factors including the type of glass, the direction the doors face and the level of heat or glare you’re experiencing.
More Than Just Heat Reduction
A correctly specified solar control film can offer several benefits for rooms with large areas of glazing:
- Reduced solar heat gain for a more comfortable indoor temperature
- Less glare, making televisions and screens easier to see
- Reduced UV exposure, helping to protect furnishings from fading
- Continued natural daylight rather than relying on closed blinds
- Improved comfort without replacing existing glazing
The same principles can apply to large windows, patio doors, roof glazing, conservatories and other heavily glazed areas of the home.
Choosing the Right Film for Your Bi-Fold Doors
There’s no single window film that’s right for every property.
The glazing itself needs to be considered alongside the orientation of the room, the amount of direct sunlight it receives and what you’re trying to achieve.
That’s why professional assessment and correct specification are important.
If your bi-fold doors look fantastic but are making the room too hot or uncomfortable when the sun shines, Shades Window Films can assess your glazing and recommend an appropriate solar control solution.
Get in touch with Shades Window Films to discuss the options for your home.