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Expanding Your Horizon With Accordion Doors

The out-of-style accordion doors of the mid-1960s and ‘70s are long gone, but traditional and modern accordion doors have reappeared in force in recent years. Accordion doors, also called bi-fold doors, partition doors, concertina doors, or folding doors, are returning to popularity due to their modern aesthetic, smooth transitions, and practicality.

Also, as homeowners and business owners everywhere are looking to save space, add natural light, and control airflow, their reappearance in mainstream culture was inevitable rather than another design fad.

Now, accordion doors used as patio doors are no longer just a staple of your grandparents’ home, they are featured in high-end magazines, luxurious restaurants, and any place where modernity or traditional taste meets an exacting use of space. This is because accordion doors look elegant while acting as a versatile and space-saving gateway.

Read on to be seamlessly guided into the exciting, exquisite, and practical world of accordion doors.

Why Accordion Glass Doors Are the Perfect Solution for Your Patio

What Are Accordion Doors?

Accordion doors are a type of door that is made up of a series of panels connected by hinges and can be folded or expanded to open or close a doorway. These doors are a popular choice for residential, commercial, and industrial spaces because of their space-saving design, flexibility in use, and variety of materials and finishes available.

Types of Accordion Doors

There are several types of doors to choose from, depending on your needs and preferences. Some of the main types of accordion doors include the following:

  • Single-Panel Accordion Doors

Single-panel bi-fold doors look similar to traditional doors and function in much the same manner. They are made up of one panel that folds in the center along hinges. Single-panel accordion doors are often used as room dividers or accordion closet doors, and they are a good option for small spaces where a full-sized door might be too large.

  • Multi-Panel Accordion Doors

These are doors that consist of several panels that are hinged together and can be folded or expanded to open or close a doorway. Multi-panel accordion doors are larger than single-panel bi-fold doors and are therefore a popular choice for larger openings, such as those between rooms or between the inside and outside of a building.

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  • Accordion Folding Doors

Accordion folding doors are made up of panels that fold in on themselves when opened, creating a compact stack of panels on either side of the doorway or in the middle. Accordion folding doors are a good choice for spaces where you need to maximize the amount of open space, as they can be completely hidden when opened.

The accordion folding door is commonly used as a patio door. When open, folding patio doors provide an easy flow of air inside and outside the home. When closed, the glass accordion door allows natural light in and highlights the view of the patio.

  • Sliding Accordion Doors

These doors contain panels that slide on tracks, similar to sliding glass doors. Sliding accordion doors are a good option for spaces where you don’t have room for the panels to fold or expand, such as in a narrow hallway.

Accordion Folding Doors vs. Sliding Accordion Doors

The main sliding doors difference between folding doors and sliding accordion doors lies in how they open and close. Therefore, consider how much space you have. Is it a tight space? Then a sliding accordion door may be better suited to the space. If space is not a concern, then it’s just a matter of personal preference.

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Benefits of Accordion Doors

Besides the pleasing aesthetic and elegant quality that accordion doors lend, there are many other benefits to using accordion doors in your space, including:

Space-Saving Design

One of the main advantages of accordion doors is their ability to save space. When not in use, the panels of an accordion door can be stacked or folded to one side, allowing you to make the most of your available space. This is particularly useful in small or crowded spaces where traditional doors might be too bulky or obtrusive.

Flexible in Use and Layout

Accordion doors are highly versatile and can be used in a variety of different settings and configurations. You can use interior accordion doors to divide a room into separate areas, create privacy in a shared space, or open up a space to create a more open and inviting atmosphere. Also, you can install them as accordion closet doors or accordion patio doors. Plus, accordion doors interior can easily separate rooms and provide additional privacy when needed.  Finally, accordion doors can be easily removed or repositioned if your needs or layout change over time.

Variety of Materials and Finishes Available

Accordion doors are available in a wide range of materials, including wood, aluminum, PVC, glass, and more. This allows you to choose a door that fits with the style and aesthetic of your space, whether you want a traditional, natural look or a more modern, industrial feel. Accordion doors are also available in a variety of finishes, including painted, stained, and polished options, so you can find the perfect match for your décor.

Why Accordion Glass Doors Are the Perfect Solution for Your Patio

Energy-Efficient

Accordion doors can help to reduce energy costs by allowing you to control the flow of air and light in your space. When closed, they can help to insulate a room and keep it at a comfortable temperature, and when opened, they can allow natural light and fresh air to enter the space, reducing the need for artificial lighting, air ventilation, and air conditioning.

Cost-Effective

Accordion doors are an affordable alternative to traditional doors, especially in larger openings or when multiple doors are needed.

Easy Maintenance

Accordion doors are low maintenance and easy to care for, requiring only regular cleaning and lubrication of the hinges and tracks. Plus, they’re durable so they can withstand the test of time.

Sound Proofing

Do your children or partner ever have friends over while you’re trying to work or rest? Or, perhaps you have loud neighbors. If that’s the case then soundproofed accordion doors may be your best bet for getting some peace and quiet. Whether the noise from a neighboring room is getting to you or it’s your partner’s barbeque on the patio that you managed to escape from, sound-proofed accordion doors will allow you to effectively block out any noise and sink into your quiet space.

Uses of Accordion Doors

Accordion doors have a wide range of uses, both residential and commercial. Some common uses for accordion doors include:

Residential

Accordion doors can be used in any kind of residential space, especially if you’re looking for an option that saves space. They are a popular choice for small apartments, studio apartments, or other spaces where traditional doors might be too bulky or take up too much space. However, their uses don’t end there. While Panda Windows & Doors does not create custom closet or pantry doors, here are a few ways accordion doors in general can benefit your living space.

Interior

  • Closet Accordion doors:

Accordion closet doors can help you save room on storage and provide easy access to closet space in a cramped room. An accordion closet door will also give you the option to leave the door open without blocking off the rest of your room to highlight your wardrobe or closet space.

  • Laundry rooms:

Accordion doors are a popular option to enclose a laundry room, keeping the space separate from the rest of the home and helping to contain any noise or odors.

  • Pantries:

Accordion doors can be used to enclose a pantry, keeping the space organized and free from clutter.

  • Home offices:

If you went remote during the pandemic, you know how important a quiet and private office space is. Accordion doors can be used to create a dedicated home office space, providing privacy and reducing distractions. Panda’s S.66 Solid Wood Folding Door system is a perfect option!

  • Children’s playrooms:

Accordion doors can be used to create a children’s playroom, keeping the space separate from the rest of the home and helping to contain any messes.

  • Room dividers:

Accordion doors can be used to divide a large room into smaller, more intimate spaces. This can be useful for creating separate areas within a living room, bedroom, or home office. Panda’s S.51 All Aluminum Folding Door system is a perfect option!

Why Accordion Glass Doors Are the Perfect Solution for Your Patio Glass-Doors

Exterior Accordion Doors

  • Enclosing a porch or patio with patio doors:

Accordion doors can be used to enclose a porch or patio, providing additional living space and protection from the elements. Accordion patio doors are a great way to highlight outside views and let in natural light and fresh air. During the winter, a glass accordion patio door will keep your house warm with sunlight. For summer parties and barbeques, you can open the accordion patio doors to allow the easy flow of guests in and out of the house. Panda’s TS.60 All Aluminum Thermally Broken Folding Door system is a perfect option!

  • Enclosing a deck or balcony:

Accordion doors can be used to enclose a deck or balcony, creating a private outdoor space. This is especially useful for people who like to get rid of any tan lines but don’t want to expose themselves in front of their neighbors. With accordion doors, you can get the same level of privacy outside as you do inside! Panda’s UTS.60 All Aluminum Thermally Broken Ultra Folding Door system is a perfect option!

Commercial Folding Shopping Mall

Commercial and Industrial

Accordion doors are also frequently used in commercial and industrial settings to partition off areas, create storage spaces, or provide security. They are a popular choice for offices, warehouses, and other spaces where flexibility and efficiency are important.

Special events and temporary spaces

Accordion doors are often used in special events and temporary spaces, such as trade shows, festivals, and pop-up shops. They are a convenient and cost-effective way to create separate areas or provide privacy in a temporary setting.

Choosing the Right Accordion Door

When choosing an accordion door for your space, there are several factors to consider:

  • Measurements and size considerations

It’s important to measure the size of the doorway where you’ll be installing the accordion door to ensure that you choose the right size. You should consider the width and height of the door panels and whether they will fit in your space.

  • Material options

Accordion doors are available in a variety of materials, including wood, aluminum, PVC, glass, and more. Each material has its own benefits and drawbacks, and the best choice for you will depend on your needs and preferences. Wood doors are a popular choice for their natural look and feel, but they may require more maintenance and are generally more expensive than other options. Aluminum doors are lightweight and durable, but they may not have the same warmth and character as wood. PVC doors are a more budget-friendly option, but they’re not as durable as other materials. A glass accordion door is durable and allows natural light into the home, but it’s usually more expensive. While many of these options are highly requested, Panda works with aluminum and wood materials to make your systems stand up to wear and tear.

  • Style and preferences

Accordion doors are available in a wide range of styles and designs, from traditional to modern. Consider the style of your space and choose a door that complements your décor and overall aesthetic.

  • Budget and cost considerations

Accordion doors can range in price depending on the size, material, and style you choose. Determine your budget and look for a door that fits your needs and price range.

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Why Choose Panda Window & Doors

At Panda Windows & Doors, we offer a wide selection of high-quality accordion doors to suit your needs and preferences. Our team of experienced professionals will work with you to choose the best option for your space, taking into account the size, material, style, and budget to best fits your needs.

Durable

In today’s world, you need doors that can stand up against severe and unexpected weather events. At Panda Windows & Doors, we offer specific folding doors as a choice that weather any storm, allowing our customers to have some peace and mind during even the most fearsome weather events.

Energy-Efficient

Though accordion doors are designed to be easily opened and let the fresh air, sometimes this isn’t possible. During extreme heat waves or cold winters, you want to ensure that your accordion doors are keeping the air conditioning or heat inside your home or place of business so you’re comfortable and not wasting energy.

Panda Windows & Doors offers a thermally broken accordion door that can keep extreme temperatures out and your warm or cool air in.

Year-Round Comfort

By choosing an accordion door that fits your home during every season, you won’t just enjoy the practical benefits accordion doors deliver in every season, but the doors will accentuate your home in every season too.

Customization

At Panda Windows & Doors, we understand that each client has a different vision for their home and therefore different preferences when it comes to choosing doors and windows. That’s why we offer nearly limitless customization options so that you can customize your accordion doors to perfectly fit your home.

Practical and Elegant

Although accordion doors are highly practical, they are beloved because they are also an elegant addition to any home or business. Since our founding in 1991, our products have been featured in some of the largest properties in the country. Wherever you find our windows and doors, you’ll find an elegant space that highlights the outdoors. If you’re looking to upgrade to new folding doors or want more information, please reach out to us today.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help make your home more space efficient with our doors and windows.

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