5 Common Bifold Door Problems and How to Fix Them
Facing a problem with your door? Don’t fold!
Most issues with bifold doors come from debris or dirt in the tracks
Loose or broken hardware can also become an issue
While simple bifold door issues can usually be fixed cheaply and quickly, more extensive or recurring problems should be handled by a professional
Bifold doors are a popular choice for closets, patios, and other spaces thanks to their space-saving, accordion-style design. However, the additional hinges and hardware can sometimes lead to functional issues. Fortunately, with a bit of inspection, routine maintenance, and an understanding of the most common problems, you can quickly restore your bifold doors to smooth operation.
1. The Doors Won’t Shut
If you have bifold doors made of wood and they are not closing, they could have become warped by water damage or heat. Warping, eventually, can cause the doors to become misaligned, and lead to issues with other components—the tracks or hinges, for instance, can also move out of place.
How to Fix It
Check that the tracks of your bifold doors are appropriately aligned, without any debris or objects creating blockages.
Check to see if the doors have dropped; if so, they should be adjusted to ensure they are level. The height screws should be on the bottom pivot bracket.
If the bottom pivot bracket seems sound, check the condition of the top pivot bracket; if any components seem worn down, they might need to be replaced.
If the doors have swelled in the heat or warped due to moisture and the damage is minimal, you can try adjusting the tension of the doors with the tension screws located on the top or bottom pivot brackets.
If none of these fixes allow the doors to shut, you will need replacement doors.
2. The Doors Won’t Open
Many of the reasons bifold doors won’t open are the same reasons they won’t close—the hinges may need to be tightened, or something on the tracks could prevent them from proper movement.
How to Fix It
Check the door hinges for tightness; if they are loose (which naturally happens over time), you can tighten them up with a screw.
You should also check the tracks for blockages or debris. You can use a can of compressed air to clear the tracks of dirt that might be preventing the door from functioning properly.
See if the doors are hitting the door frame—if so, adjust the hinges on one or more of the panels so they are not touching.
3. The Locks Don’t Engage
A door that won’t lock is not secure and could make you feel unsafe at home. A lock on a bifold door that won’t engage means that either the door itself or the lock is malfunctioning.
How to Fix It
First, check to see if the door and hinges are aligned correctly and if the door is shutting flush. If it is, then the lock is likely the problem—it could be broken or jammed and might need to be replaced. If the door is not sitting flush, you should adjust the hinges so they realign.
4. The Doors Are Letting in a Draft
Have you noticed it feeling colder in the room where your bifold door is? It’s possible the weather stripping has worn away, causing the doors to let in a draft.
How to Fix It
Check all the weather stripping around your bifold doors and replace any that is worn down, loose, or has fallen off completely. You should also check to see that the doors aren’t sagging—this can cause uneven spacing between panels, which leads to a poor seal.
5. The Doors Are Sagging
If the doors appear to be sagging out of their frame, the hinges might be overly tight. If you have uPVC bifold doors and live in a warm climate, it is common for them to change shape under heat—this is normal and temporary, the door should revert to its original shape once the temperature dips.
How to Fix It
Take a look at the hinges on your bifold door—if they are too tight, you should loosen them a smidge to see if that helps the door realign. While you’re at it, it’s wise to check all of the hardware to confirm none of it is worn down and needs to be replaced.
When to Call a Pro
If you have tried to fix your bifold door problem on your own but the problem persists, you should consider calling a local door repair company. You should also call for help if there is a leak letting water or condensation in or if there is noticeable structural damage. The cost to repair a door is $250 on average, but the final price will depend on the door material, the exact repair, and your location.
How to Prevent Damage to Your Bifold Doors
Some issues are unavoidable—wear and tear, over time, will cause damage to any door. You can prevent small problems from becoming big ones, however, by following these tips:
Don’t slam doors: Slamming doors can put unnecessary stress on the door hardware.
Clear the area: Clear the area around the doors so they have room to move without hindrance.
Perform regular maintenance: Inspect your bifold doors thoroughly at least twice a year for hardware, weather stripping, and overall functionality. Keeping the hardware and all components in good condition goes a long way toward preserving the life of your doors. Keep a door maintenance checklist handy so you don’t miss any parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Instead of a bifold door, you might look into installing French doors, pocket doors, or sliding doors. Each has its own pros and cons. French doors offer the dual-door advantages that bifold doors do, and pocket doors are excellent space savers—though you’ll need to create a wall cavity to have them installed.
Yes, it is essential that you perform bi-annual maintenance on your bifold doors. This means checking the hardware, cleaning the door and the tracks, and lubricating the locks. Most of this work can be done on your own, but if you wish for a more thorough inspection, you should call in a professional door repair company.
A skilled DIY-er can install bifold doors on their own—most doors come with all the necessary hardware and easy-to-follow instructions. That said, bifold doors can be heavy, and you don’t want to create a misalignment, which can lead to a host of problems. A local door installer will charge $40 to $90 per hour to install a bifold door, with the final price depending on the design and material of the door.
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