Discover how modern bifold doors combine style with bifold door security. Multi-point locks, anti-lift tracks, and laminated glass keep your home safe.
What You’ll Learn:
- Why the back door has historically been a security weak spot
- How modern aluminium frames and locks transform bifold door security
- What PAS 24 and Secured by Design accreditations mean for your doors
- Everyday tips to boost bifold door security at home
(Estimated Reading Time: 4-5 Minutes)
Introduction: Beauty and the Back Door
Bi-fold doors are one of the most sought-after features in UK homes today. They transform living spaces with light, open fully to connect indoors with the garden, and bring that “wow factor” estate agents love to mention. But there’s a question lurking behind the elegance: are they secure?
Burglars know that the back door is often less protected than the front. In fact, around 22% of break-ins happen via the back door, usually because it’s hidden from street view and easier to attack unnoticed. For homes with wide glass bifolds, it’s natural for homeowners to worry: “Am I inviting intruders in?”
The answer is no — not if you choose the right system. At GFD Homes, we supply Aluminium Bi-Fold Doors that combine sleek aesthetics with serious security engineering. This blog explores exactly how they keep opportunistic thieves firmly outside.
The Back Door Weakness (And How Bifolds Overcome It)
Traditionally, the rear of a property was the easiest point of attack. Older French doors and sliding doors could be forced open with crowbars or lifted off tracks. But modern bifolds have raised the bar dramatically:
- Multi-Point Locking Systems
- Each folding leaf locks at multiple points into the track and adjoining panels. This means no single panel can be forced independently.
- With up to five points of locking per panel, a full set of bifolds can have dozens of locking points.
- Shoot Bolts
- Top and bottom shoot bolts engage into the head and sill tracks, anchoring each panel like a deadbolt.
- Aluminium Strength
- Aluminium frames are lightweight for smooth sliding, but inherently stronger than timber or uPVC. They resist twisting and prying.
- Toughened or Laminated Glass
- Every pane can be specified with glass that resists impact and shattering. Laminated glass stays intact even when cracked, buying time and drawing attention.
- Anti-Lift Tracks
- Just like sliding doors, modern bifolds include anti-lift features that stop panels being levered out of the frame.
Certification That Matters
It’s one thing for a door to feel secure. It’s another for it to be tested and proven. GFD’s bifold systems are available to meet:
- PAS 24 standards – rigorous testing against attack methods.
- Secured by Design accreditation – the official police-backed standard for crime prevention.
This isn’t marketing fluff. These accreditations mean doors have literally been attacked in labs with crowbars, drills and hammers – and passed.
Everyday Security Tips for Bifold Owners
Even the best-engineered bifolds rely on you, the homeowner, to use them properly. Here are three quick tips:
- Always lock them, even when home. Around 24% of burglars enter through unlocked doors. Don’t make it easy.
- Use blinds or curtains at night. Preventing opportunistic window-shopping of your valuables is half the battle.
- Combine with lighting or CCTV. A wide glass opening is far less inviting if the space is well-lit and monitored.
Addressing the “What Ifs”
“What if a burglar smashes the glass?”
Unlikely. Not only does laminated/toughened glass resist impact, smashing it would create an enormous noise and risk – not what intruders want.
“What if they find a weak panel?”
Multi-point locking and shoot bolts mean every panel is secured. A single hinge or latch won’t compromise the system.
“What if I just want peace of mind?”
That’s exactly what these doors are designed for: beauty by day, fortress at night.
The Style-Security Balance
Bifolds don’t just keep you safe – they enhance your lifestyle. With slim aluminium frames, custom colours, and expansive glazing, they’re as much about design as defence. Homeowners no longer have to choose between safety and style.
Conclusion: Wide Open to Light, Closed to Intruders
The back door shouldn’t be a back-of-mind worry. With GFD’s aluminium bifold doors, you can enjoy panoramic views and indoor-outdoor living without compromising on safety.
So this October, as we mark National Home Security Month, take a moment to ask: “Are my back doors as strong as my front?” If not, it might be time for an upgrade.
🛒 Browse the full collection at www.gfdhomes.co.uk
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Browse our Articles
- Best Bifold Doors: Open Up Your Home in Style
- Doors Folding Doors: When Function Folds into Style
- How Secure Are Bifold Doors?
- Trade access to bifold door costs: looking for trade prices? Visit our trade site, The Trade Village.
FAQs
Are bifold doors secure?
Yes, modern bifold doors feature multi-point locks, toughened glass, and anti-lift tracks, making them highly secure.
Do bifold doors meet security standards?
GFD Homes’ systems are PAS 24 tested and available with Secured by Design accreditation.
Can bifold doors add value to my home?
Yes — they’re a desirable lifestyle feature for buyers, offering both kerb appeal and functionality.
Are aluminium bifold doors stronger than uPVC?
Yes, aluminium frames are more rigid, secure, and durable than uPVC alternatives.
