How Secure Are Bi-Fold Doors
Bi-fold doors are a stylish addition to any home. But how secure are they? We understand that as well as looks, you want your doors to be safe and secure, protecting you, your family, and your home. This blog will explore how secure bi-fold doors are by looking at risks, locking mechanisms, materials, and installation best practice, hopefully helping you to make an informed decision about your next door purchase.
Understanding Bi-Fold Door Security
Before buying your new bi-fold door it is a good idea to research and understand its security features and vulnerabilities. As with any type of door, there are vulnerable points such as around locks, handles and joins. However, it is a misconception that all bi-fold doors are not secure. Most modern bi-folds will feature multi lock systems that will protect you and your family, without compromising on aesthetics or usability. Understanding these features will help you purchase the best bi-fold door for you, your home, and your budget.
Common Security Risks for Bi-Fold Doors
During 2025, England & Wales's police forces received 215,389 crime reports about burglary. This is a decrease of 11% from 2024's figure of 241,955 reports of burglary, giving an overall crime rate of 3.21 per 1,000 people in 2025*. Whilst reports of burglary are dropping, understanding how someone may access your home will help you to protect it.
When it comes to bi-fold doors poor quality locking systems, insufficient frame strength, and gaps or misaligned panels, can all be common security risks. But by recognising these risks, you can help to mitigate them. Buying the best quality bi-fold door your budget will allow will hopefully guarantee a quality locking system, strong frame and correctly aligned panels.
Types of Locks and Security Mechanisms
There are several different locks that can be used on bi-fold doors. These include:
- Cylinder lock
- Deadbolt lock
- Shoot bolt
- Drop bolt lock
Most bi-fold doors, including those from National Plastics, come with a multipoint locking mechanism, which will secure the door at various points around the frame and track. For example, a system may comprise security hooks, shoot bolts, locks, and a tamper proof cylinder. Combined, these create a strong, resilient locking system that you can rely on.
Materials and Build Quality for Enhanced Security
In addition to a quality locking system, the quality of material and glazing will also have an impact on how secure your bi-fold doors are. In terms of material, bi-fold doors can come in a variety of different types such as PVC, timber, oг aluminium.
Whilst PVC and timber are sound choices, they do have their weaknesses, whereas aluminium offers strength, durability, security, and style. It is the most expensive option, but if your budget allows an aluminium framed bi-fold door will stay secure for many years.
The glazing of your new bi-fold door will also affect its security. Double or triple glazing options will provide a higher level of security, as well as offering other benefits, such as enhanced energy efficiency. Overall, by combining a strong, durable frame and robust glazing with a multipoint locking system, you will greatly enhance the security of your new bi-fold door.
Tips to Make Your Bi-Fold Door More Secure
As well as buying the highest quality bi-fold door you can afford, there are other ways of improving your door's security. If you have an existing bi-fold it is always worth assessing its locking system. It may be that due to age or technological advancements, the system is no longer as secure as it could be, and a replacement may be a sound investment. By consulting a professional, such as one from National Plastics, you will be able to determine if a new locking system is needed and which is the right fit for you and your door.
Installing an alarm or camera will also offer extra protection and security, as well as acting as a deterrent to potential burglars. Other options, such as frame reinforcement, may also be available but again, we would always recommend consulting a professional before embarking on any enhancement project. This will ensure you do not damage your door, affecting its integrity, aesthetics, or warranty.
Professional Installation and Expert Advice
As mentioned above, a factor that can affect the security of your bi-fold doors is misaligned panels. In general, incorrectly fitted doors can compromise their locking systems and alignment, creating weak spots that are very attractive to would-be burglars.
Having your bi-fold door professionally fitted is the only way to guarantee a correctly installed, safe and secure door. Our professionals are always on hand either in branch or at the end of the phone to discuss your security needs and talk through the secure door options we have available.
Summary: Balancing Security and Style
Overall, modern bi-fold doors are extremely secure. This can be enhanced by choosing the right materials and glazing, buying the highest quality door your budget can stretch to, and choosing a reputable company from which to buy your new door. There is no need to sacrifice style for security, and by talking to us, we can guarantee a new bi-fold door that looks stunning but will protect you, your family, and your home.
Call today on 0800 22 77 77 to talk to our friendly expert team or visit your local branch.
