The increase in the popularity of bifold and sliding doors in recent years has brought many benefits to householders, not least the increase in natural light and the creation of a stronger connection with the garden. The downside is that large expanses of glazing can also bring unwanted heat, glare and privacy issues, particularly when exposed to strong sunlight.
External blinds for bifold doors provide a practical way to control these issues before they affect the room. Positioned outside the glazing, they intercept solar radiation before it reaches the glass, helping to limit solar heat gain and reduce glare. Caribbean’s external blinds can block up to 97 per cent of solar radiation, depending on the fabric and conditions.
Choosing the right fabric
Fabric selection is central to the performance of external door blinds. Caribbean’s Twilight Comfort dimout fabric is micro-perforated, allowing the view from inside to remain during daylight while preventing passers-by from seeing in.
Where maintaining an outward view is less important, Caribbean’s Twilight Elements comfort fabric provides a more private option. This tightly woven, non-perforated fabric is particularly suited to applications such as bedrooms, where eliminating the view through the blind is a priority.
Getting the installation right
Bifold doors require careful consideration because their panels fold and stack to one side. The available space around the opening and any protruding door furniture therefore need to be considered when specifying the blind. Caribbean’s Antiguan system incorporates a two-part side guide and optional full-height spacers, which can set the blind away from the façade to overcome protrusions such as handles and vents. It can be face or side fixed, either within or outside the reveal.
Sliding doors offer a different configuration, but the same principle applies: the blind needs to be specified around the dimensions and construction of the opening rather than treated as a standard window covering.
Power should also be considered early in the process. Motorised blinds require a suitable power supply, so the location of the external socket and wiring route should be agreed during planning. Where mains power is difficult to provide, the Dominica Solar offers an alternative, using a solar-powered motor and making it particularly suitable for locations such as verandas, gazebos and high-level windows.
Wind performance is another important consideration for external blinds. The Antiguan and Dominica systems are certified to Wind Class 3, equivalent to Beaufort 6 or 31mph. Their ziplock technology secures the fabric within the side guides, helping to keep it in position and preventing light leakage at the edges.
Covering wide openings
The Antiguan can be made up to 6m wide by 6m high, subject to its maximum surface area of 18m². The Dominica is available up to 6m wide by 3m high and is designed for integration within the façade, giving it a more discreet appearance. Both offer motorised remote or app control, with optional sun and wind sensors for automatic operation.
For larger bifold or sliding door installations, the specification needs to consider more than simply the width of the glass. Fabric choice, privacy requirements, fixing position, available clearance and control options all influence the most suitable solution.
With the right external blind, large glazed openings can remain a defining feature of the home while heat, glare and unwanted views are kept under control.
- Planning external blinds for bifold or sliding doors? Caribbean Blinds can help you choose the right system, fabric and fixing arrangement for your opening. Request a free quote to discuss your requirements with the team.
