Folding Door Hardware: A Comprehensive Guide
Folding doors have become increasingly popular in modern homes due to their space-saving and aesthetic benefits. However, choosing the right hardware is crucial to ensure your folding doors' smooth operation and longevity. In this article, we will take a deep dive into folding door hardware, covering everything from the different types of hardware to their installation and maintenance.
Folding doors are a great space-saving option for homes with limited space. They can be used in closets, room dividers, and even as exterior doors. Folding doors comprise multiple panels that fold in on themselves when opened, creating a compact bundle of panels that takes up very little space. You must choose the right hardware to ensure that these doors operate smoothly. This article will explore the different types of folding door hardware and their installation and maintenance.
Butt hinges: These are the most common type of hinges used in folding doors. They are attached to the edges of the panels and allow them to pivot as the door is opened or closed.
Piano hinges: These are continuous hinges that run the entire length of the folding door. They are commonly used in accordion-style folding doors.
Top pivot sets: These are attached to the top of the folding door and allow it to pivot open and closed.
Bottom pivot sets: These are attached to the bottom of the folding door and allow it to pivot open and closed.
Bi-fold tracks and rollers: These are used in bi-fold doors and consist of two panels that fold in on each other.
Multi-fold tracks and rollers: These are used in multi-fold doors with three or more panels that fold in on each other.
Flush handles: These recessed handles sit flush with the door's surface. They are commonly used in closet doors and room dividers.
Surface-mounted handles: These are handles that are mounted on the surface of the door. They are commonly used in exterior folding doors.
Mortise locks: These are locks that are installed inside the door panel. They provide a high level of security and are commonly used in exterior folding doors.
Door size and weight: The size and weight of the door will determine the type and strength of the hardware required.
Style of the door: The style will determine the type of hinges, pivot sets, tracks and rollers required.
Level of security required: The level of security required will determine the type of locks required.
It is important to consult with a professional when choosing the right folding door hardware to ensure the hardware is compatible with the door and the door frame or jamb.
Screwdriver
Level
Measuring tape
Pencil
Space-saving: Folding doors take up very little space when opened, making them a great option for small rooms and closets.
Aesthetic appeal: Folding doors can be customized to match the style and décor of any room.
Versatility: Folding doors can be used as room dividers, closet doors, and even exterior doors.
Easy to operate: Folding doors are easy to open and close, even for children and the elder.
Energy efficient: Folding doors can help to reduce heating and cooling costs by keeping the indoor air inside and the outdoor air outside.
Folding doors are a great space-saving option for homes with limited space. They can be used in closets, room dividers, and even as exterior doors. Folding doors comprise multiple panels that fold in on themselves when opened, creating a compact bundle of panels that takes up very little space. You must choose the right hardware to ensure that these doors operate smoothly. This article will explore the different types of folding door hardware and their installation and maintenance.
What is Folding Door Hardware?
Folding door hardware refers to the various parts of a folding door system. These include hinges, pivot sets, tracks and rollers, handles, and locks. Each of these parts plays a crucial role in ensuring the door operates smoothly and is secure when closed.Types of Folding Door Hardware
1. Hinges
Hinges connect the panels of the folding door. The hinges allow the panels to fold in on themselves without separating from each other. There are two types of hinges used in folding doors:Butt hinges: These are the most common type of hinges used in folding doors. They are attached to the edges of the panels and allow them to pivot as the door is opened or closed.
Piano hinges: These are continuous hinges that run the entire length of the folding door. They are commonly used in accordion-style folding doors.
2. Pivot Sets
Pivot sets connect the folding door to the door frame or jamb. They allow the door to pivot open and closed. There are two types of pivot sets used in folding doors:Top pivot sets: These are attached to the top of the folding door and allow it to pivot open and closed.
Bottom pivot sets: These are attached to the bottom of the folding door and allow it to pivot open and closed.
3. Tracks and Rollers
Tracks and rollers guide the folding door along its opening and closing path. The rollers are attached to the door panels, while the tracks are attached to the door frame or jamb. The rollers slide along the tracks as the door is opened or closed. There are two types of tracks and rollers used in folding doors:Bi-fold tracks and rollers: These are used in bi-fold doors and consist of two panels that fold in on each other.
Multi-fold tracks and rollers: These are used in multi-fold doors with three or more panels that fold in on each other.
4. Handles and Locks
Handles and locks are used to open and secure the folding door. Different types of handles and locks are available depending on the door style and the level of security required. Some common types of handles and locks include:Flush handles: These recessed handles sit flush with the door's surface. They are commonly used in closet doors and room dividers.
Surface-mounted handles: These are handles that are mounted on the surface of the door. They are commonly used in exterior folding doors.
Mortise locks: These are locks that are installed inside the door panel. They provide a high level of security and are commonly used in exterior folding doors.
Choosing the Right Folding Door Hardware
Choosing the right folding door hardware is crucial to ensure the door operates smoothly and is secure when closed. There are a few factors to consider when choosing the right hardware:Door size and weight: The size and weight of the door will determine the type and strength of the hardware required.
Style of the door: The style will determine the type of hinges, pivot sets, tracks and rollers required.
Level of security required: The level of security required will determine the type of locks required.
It is important to consult with a professional when choosing the right folding door hardware to ensure the hardware is compatible with the door and the door frame or jamb.
Installation of Folding Door Hardware
Installing folding door hardware can be a DIY project, but following the manufacturer's instructions is important. Here are the basic steps involved in installing folding door hardware:1. Tools Required
DrillScrewdriver
Level
Measuring tape
Pencil
2. Pre-installation Preparation
- Measure the height and width of the door opening to ensure that the door and hardware will fit properly.
- Mark the location of the hinges, pivot sets, and tracks and rollers on the door and the frame or jamb.
- Drill pilot holes for the screws to securely attach the hardware.
3. Installation Steps
- Attach the hinges to the door panels using screws and a drill.
- Attach the pivot sets to the top and bottom of the door using screws and a drill.
- Install the tracks and rollers on the door frame or jamb using screws and a drill.
- Attach the handles and locks to the door panels using screws and a drill.
Maintenance of Folding Door Hardware
Proper maintenance of folding door hardware is essential to ensure that the door operates smoothly and is secure when closed. Here are some basic maintenance tips:1. Regular Cleaning
Clean the hardware regularly using a soft cloth and mild soap and water. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can damage the hardware.2. Lubrication
Lubricate the hinges, and pivot sets, tracks and rollers regularly using a silicone-based lubricant. This will help the door operate smoothly and reduce wear and tear on the hardware.3. Tightening and Adjusting
Check the hardware regularly for loose screws or misaligned components. Tighten screws as needed and adjust the components to ensure the door operates smoothly.Benefits of Folding Door Hardware
Folding door hardware offers several benefits, including:Space-saving: Folding doors take up very little space when opened, making them a great option for small rooms and closets.
Aesthetic appeal: Folding doors can be customized to match the style and décor of any room.
Versatility: Folding doors can be used as room dividers, closet doors, and even exterior doors.
Easy to operate: Folding doors are easy to open and close, even for children and the elder.
Energy efficient: Folding doors can help to reduce heating and cooling costs by keeping the indoor air inside and the outdoor air outside.