How many panels, how wide, and what to consider when specifying a Smart Visofold 1000 Slim bifold set — the system behind our aluminium bifold doors range.
Our core bifold system is Smart's Visofold 1000 Slim — the UK's most popular bifold range — and getting the panel configuration right is the single biggest decision when specifying one. Here's what the system offers and how to think through the layout.
| Feature | Visofold 1000 Slim |
|---|---|
| Sightline | 122mm — 10mm slimmer than the standard bifold door |
| U-value | 1.5 W/m²K (1.0 W/m²K centre pane), polyamide thermal break |
| Frame depth / glazing | 70mm frame depth, glass up to 28mm |
| Sash size | Up to 1.2m wide, 2.5m high, 100kg max per sash |
| Security | PAS 24:2016 tested, multi-point locking, shoot-bolts on floating mullions |
| Threshold | Low or rebated, your choice |
| Colour | Standard, non-standard & dual colour options — see our colours & RAL guide |
| Opening | Folds internally or externally |
Figures as published on our aluminium bifold doors page, cross-checked against Smart's own Visofold 1000 Slim literature.
Bifold sets are commonly supplied from 2 panels up to 7 or more, depending on the total opening width. More panels mean a narrower stack when fully open and finer sightline division when closed; fewer, wider panels mean a bolder look but a bulkier stack.
General trade configuration guidance — exact panel count depends on your opening width and the 1.2m per-sash maximum above.
A "traffic door" (sometimes called an access door) is a single panel within a bifold set, hinged to open independently without folding back the whole run — useful for popping outside without unlocking and stacking every panel. Most bifold sets of 3 panels or more include one, usually at the end of the run nearest the main walkway.
Visofold 1000 Slim has a 122mm sightline — about 10mm slimmer than the standard bifold door — using the same polyamide thermal break technology, for a marginally less obtrusive frame when the doors are closed.
Individual sashes on the Visofold 1000 Slim system go up to 1.2m wide and 2.5m high. Exact limits for your specific configuration and glazing spec should always be checked against your opening — ask our trade counter for a size check before you order.
Sometimes, depending on the total span, wind loading and structural requirements — check with your installer or a structural engineer for very wide openings before finalising the design.
No — overall width is limited by how many panels you use and each panel's individual size limits. A very wide opening needs either more panels or a structural opening check; it isn't simply a case of scaling up a smaller configuration.