Bi-Fold Door Safety

Door Weight

• Door weight depends on the type of bi-fold door installed. Hollow core doors weigh much less than solid slab styles. A heavy door is more likely to cause injury, especially to a small child, if it's not installed properly. Use hollow core bi-fold doors if this a concern or if the the door has a weak track mechanism. Solid doors provide a sturdier door that is less prone to damage and splintering. These are the safest choice if you can ensure proper installation of a quality track, as solid doors are less likely to slip from the track.

Door Track

• Bi-fold doors can slip from the track, causing them to fall and cause injury. Ensure that the door fits solidly into the track and doesn't slip out from either the top or bottom track when it's opened and closed. Doors with a top pin that slides into and locks into place in the top track are more secure than those that don't lock into place. Use a track with slider wheels to ensure the door moves smoothly and freely regardless of its weight. Doors tend to shimmy, stick or shake loose in non-wheeled tracks.

Hinge Dangers

• The danger with a bi-fold door is the center hinge. Improper closing of the door can cause a pinched or broken finger. A hinge lock made for bi-fold doors allows you to lock the door in the open or closed position so there is no danger of accidental closure and pinched fingers. Use only the handle to open and close the doors and ensure no one is near the hinged area before moving the door along the track.

Clearance

• Struggling with a stuck door increases the chances of a pinched finger or a door slipping from the track. Keep the floor inside and outside of the closet or room clear on either side of the door. If you install the door over plush carpeting, ensure the door has enough bottom clearance to set above the carpet so it can move freely. If the door has a full bottom track, vacuum it out periodically. Debris in this track can cause the door to stick.