Planning an Indoor-Outdoor Remodel? Read This First.
A large Bi-Fold Door System can completely transform your home — opening up your living space, flooding interiors with natural light, and creating a seamless indoor-outdoor flow. But such a major investment deserves careful planning.
Before you order, take a few minutes to review these 9 common mistakes homeowners make when buying or installing a bi-fold door system — and how to avoid them.
1 | Confusing Door Configuration Options
When selecting your door’s configuration (how panels fold and stack), remember:
All configurations are viewed from the exterior looking in.
It’s easy to misread diagrams and end up with panels folding in the opposite direction from what you expected. A quick review with your dealer or installer can prevent this costly mix-up.
Pro Tip: Print your configuration drawing and stand outside your space to visualize how the doors will open.
2 | Forgetting the Daily Door
If you’ll use your bi-fold door daily, choose a configuration with a “daily door” — a single operable door that opens independently without unlatching the entire system.
Odd Configurations (like 3L, 5R, or 7L) include a daily door.
Even Configurations (like 4L or 2L2R) do not — meaning no exterior access if the system is closed.
Rule of thumb: Always include a daily door if the system will be your main entry to the backyard or patio.
3 | Measuring Incorrectly
Your door will only perform as well as it fits. Always hire a professional to measure your rough opening — twice.
AG Millworks custom builds every unit to your provided net frame dimensions, and even small measurement errors can cause delays or installation issues.
Tip: Ask your authorized AG Millworks dealer to recommend a certified installer to ensure precision and warranty compliance.
4 | Mismatched Transoms and Doors
Pairing a transom with your bi-fold system? Make sure they align perfectly.
Your transom design should match the panel width, stile size, and divided lite pattern of your bi-fold below. Mismatched proportions can disrupt sightlines and diminish the visual harmony of your design.
Pro Tip: Order your transom and bi-fold together from the same manufacturer to guarantee perfect alignment.
5 | Skipping the Overhang Check
If you’re installing a flush sill for smooth transitions, you need proper overhang coverage to protect against water intrusion. Without it, you risk leaks — and voided warranties.
Minimum Recommendation:
- 6' deep overhang for flush sills (varies by climate).
- Choose a raised sill or drainage track if adequate overhang isn’t possible.
Your AG Millworks dealer can help determine the best sill for your project conditions.
6 | Hiring an Inexperienced Installer
Bi-Fold systems are precision-engineered, top-hung doors that require expert handling. Poor installation can lead to misalignment, air or water leaks, and warranty loss.
Avoid this by:
- Asking your dealer for a certified installer experienced in large patio systems.
- Confirming that installers have handled AG Millworks or similar high-end systems before.
Remember, proper installation isn’t an upgrade — it’s a necessity.
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