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Bi-fold doors for wide-span access and high-clearance openings

Metalbilt designs and manufactures bi-folding doors for industrial, commercial, and specialised applications across New Zealand. These doors are suited to buildings with large or tall openings where clear access, structural efficiency, and reliable operation are required.

Bi-fold doors open by folding upward, allowing wide openings to be accessed without the need for long track runs or additional wall space. This makes them a practical solution for sites where space, structure, and opening size all need to be considered.

Each door is designed to suit the specific requirements of the project, supporting reliable day-to-day operation across a range of demanding environments.

Not sure if a bi-fold door is right for your project?
Talk to our team about your opening size and building requirements, and we’ll help you determine if a bi-fold door is the right solution.

What are bi-fold doors?

Bi-fold doors are made up of large panels that are hinged together and open by folding upward. As the door lifts, the panels fold and stack, allowing the opening to remain clear.

Unlike sliding doors, bi-fold doors do not require side wall space, and unlike sectional doors, they do not rely on tracks extending deep into the building. Instead, they operate as a single structure that lifts and folds, making them well suited to wide-span and high-clearance openings.

Because of this, bi-fold doors are commonly used in applications where both opening size and structural performance are important.

When to use bi-fold doors

Bi-fold doors are typically selected for buildings with large or high openings where other door types may not be practical.

They are commonly used in environments where side space is limited, making sliding doors unsuitable, or where overhead track systems are not desirable. Their ability to open upward while maintaining a compact footprint makes them ideal for sites where access needs to be maximised without impacting internal layout.

Bi-fold doors are widely used in applications where large or uninterrupted openings are required. In aviation, they are commonly installed in aircraft hangars where full-width access is essential. In industrial and workshop environments, they provide access for equipment, machinery, and vehicles through wide openings. They are also used in agricultural and large-format buildings where structural simplicity and durability are important.

They are particularly suited to buildings where both opening height and width are significant factors, and where the door must perform reliably across large spans and high-clearance openings.

The demands placed on the door will vary depending on opening size, structural requirements, wind loading, and frequency of use. Understanding these factors ensures the correct configuration is selected.

Configuration options

Commercial bi-fold doors can be configured in different ways depending on the structural and operational requirements of the site.

Vertical bi-fold doors can be configured to suit different site requirements, with options including hydraulic, truss frame, and purlin designs.

The most suitable configuration will depend on the size of the opening, building layout, and how the door will be used on a day-to-day basis.

Choosing the right bi-fold door for your site

Selecting the right bi-fold door depends on the size of the opening, the building structure, and how the space is used.

For large or tall openings, structural considerations and wind loading become more important. In industrial and workshop environments, reliability and ease of operation are key factors. The surrounding layout and available space also influence how the door is configured.

Understanding these factors early helps ensure the door performs effectively as part of the overall building design.

Need help confirming if a bi-fold door is suitable for your site?
Our team can assess your requirements and recommend the most appropriate solution.

Explore our bi-fold door solutions

Explore our bi-fold door solutions to understand how different configurations can be applied to large and high-opening environments.

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TRU-FOLD™ Bi-Fold Hangar Door

Designed to meet the high engineering standards of the aviation industry, the TRU-FOLD™ Bi-fold Hangar Door is individually engineered to the clients needs and has the ability to withstand a high wind load.

Renlita bi-fold door

Renlita™ 3000 Series Vertical Bi-fold Door

A counterweight balanced door spanning up to 30 metres, this tailormade, vertical bifold door will radically showcase your building. Each Renlita™ door is tailored to suit your architectural preferences with a wide range of glazing and cladding material to choose from.

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Renlita™ Hydraulic Bi-fold Door

An outstanding hydraulic bi-fold door for many commercial openings. Hydraulics provide an elegant way to bear greater weight and open your façade in a two-leaf option.

 

Need a bi-fold door for your project?

Talk to the Metalbilt team about your site requirements and we’ll help you identify the right solution for your building.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bi-fold doors are made up of large panels that are hinged together and open by folding upward. As the door lifts, the panels fold and stack, allowing the full opening to remain clear.

Bi-folding doors are commonly used in aircraft hangars, industrial buildings, workshops, and agricultural facilities where large, uninterrupted openings are required.

Key considerations include the size and height of the opening, building structure, wind loading, frequency of use, and available space around the opening. These factors influence the overall design and configuration of the door.

These doors can be configured to suit different site requirements, with options including hydraulic, truss frame, and purlin designs. The most suitable option depends on the size of the opening, building layout, and how the door will be used.

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