Aluminum Folding Windows: When You Want the Whole Wall Open

An aluminum folding window — also called a bifold or pass-through window — stacks all of its sashes to one side when opened, clearing the entire span of the wall. Where a casement window swings out on hinges and a sliding window always keeps part of the opening covered, a folding window gives you the full opening in one motion. That is why it has become the signature choice for café counters, kitchen-to-patio pass-throughs, garden rooms and balcony serving hatches.

What Is a Folding Window?

An aluminum folding window is a run of glazed panels connected by paired hinges and hung on a top-hung track. Unlock the handle and the panels fold and glide along the track, stacking neatly at one end; close it and they form a continuous glass wall. Operation is manual as standard (motorized options exist), and because each panel hangs its weight on the overhead track, even a wide run opens with light effort.

When a Folding Window Is the Right Choice

• You want the opening completely clear — no fixed sash, no overlapping leaf, nothing between the room and the terrace, counter or garden.
• The opening is wide, but you don’t want a large swinging leaf taking up floor or wall space the way a single casement does.
• You are building a serving counter, bar, café front or pass-through where the sill doubles as a countertop.

What This Window Is Built From

Because the frame uses a thermal-break profile, the window cuts heat transfer through the frame far better than a non-thermal-break window, and the double-glazed unit adds sound and condensation control. That makes it suitable for both heated interiors and exposed balcony or patio positions.

Panel Count and Layout

• Start from the width of the opening and divide it into panels of roughly equal size — each panel is one folding leaf; typical leaf width is 500–900 mm.
• An even number of panels ends with the last leaf meeting the jamb; an odd number ends on a floating leaf. Both are normal. What matters is which side the stack parks on, and that the parked stack has room.
• Leave the wall beside the opening clear for the stacked panels, and check that furniture, curtains or a counter overhang won’t block the fold.

Not sure whether folding, casement or sliding suits your opening? Our guide to window and door opening styles compares them side by side.

Glass and Optional Extras

Standard glazing is double-glazed tempered insulating glass, sealed as a unit and set in EPDM gaskets. On top of the standard glazing you can specify:

• Grid inside glass — a decorative grid fitted inside the sealed unit, for a divided-light look without extra cleaning.
• Blind glass — an integrated venetian blind sealed between the panes: privacy and shading that never collects dust.
• Mosquito net / fly screen — an insect screen sized for the folding window opening, so the window can stay open for airflow at night.

Frequently asked questions

Are aluminum folding windows thermal-break?

Yes. This series uses a thermal-break aluminum profile (6063-T5 with a PA66 insulation strip), which reduces heat transfer through the frame compared with a non-thermal-break window. Double-glazed tempered glass is standard.

What glass, gasket and hardware are used?

Double-glazed tempered insulating glass as standard (Low-E and laminated options available), EPDM multi-layer gaskets, and stainless steel folding hinges, rollers and multi-point locks.

Can a mosquito net, blinds or grid be added?

Yes. Grid inside glass, blind glass and a mosquito net / fly screen are all available as optional extras on this folding window series.