Products
UK PRODUCTS: AluK launches IconiK bifold door designed to reshape margins for British installers
AluK has introduced the IconiK bifold in the UK, a new aluminium door system created to help fabricators and installers protect margins while moving away from the damaging price competition that has long affected the bifold sector. The company positions the system as a minimalist yet high-performing addition to its established range of aluminium doors, combining refined aesthetics with the practicality and engineering precision AluK is known for.
Technical Director Paul Booth, who oversaw much of the design process, described the IconiK as the result of a disciplined “less is more” approach. “What makes IconiK stand out is the fact that there’s less frame than other bifolds, with sightlines of just 87mm on the IconiK Slim,” he said. “From a fabrication perspective, our customers will value that there’s also less profile stockholding required. They can create both double and single doors from the same outerframe and simply change the sash for either the IconiK Standard or IconiK Slim.”
Booth added that this consolidation extends to the parts inventory. “All configurations of the door use one gasket and one extendable lock and keep system. That means less stock to manage, less capital tied up in components, and ultimately faster fabrication thanks to dual alignment corner cleats for both sash and frame.”
AluK has also paid close attention to the installer experience. The bifold features the company’s Quik Clip™ glazing bead as standard, reducing fitting time on site. A full range of sub-cills supports flexible installation across a wide variety of property styles, reinforcing the system’s appeal in both residential and commercial settings.
In performance terms, IconiK meets the latest Part L requirements, with independently verified results under EN14351 and BFRC testing. With double glazing using Ug 1.0 W/m²K glass, it achieves a U-Value of 1.3W/m²K, improving to 1.0W/m²K when triple glazed. These figures are delivered without the use of insulating foams, and with all PVC removed from the design to ensure full cradle-to-cradle recyclability.
Functionality improvements include compact rollers that allow the door to slide smoothly even with panels up to 130kg. A new half roller option removes the need for a floating mullion, while multi-point locking is provided as standard, with optional shoot bolts available for full PAS24 and Secured by Design compliance.
Available in both open-in and open-out formats, with maximum panel sizes of 2400 x 1200mm, the IconiK can also be configured as a French door to give fabricators additional sales opportunities.
AluK Managing Director Russell Yates said the launch marks a strategic response to ongoing market pressures. “Aluminium bifolds remain in high demand, but the sector has suffered from suppliers undercutting themselves,” he said. “With IconiK, we’ve developed a system that’s cost-effective to produce and install, yet clearly justifies its value through slimmer frames, larger glass-to-frame ratios, smooth operation and minimal visible hardware. We see it as a strong and sustainable proposition for our customers.”
Why This Matters: This is a significant launch in the UK market. There has been much hype about the growing dominance of sliding doors. However, the bi-fold door is still the best seller in the UK – especially in the middle market. When you talk to installers they reveal the high number of bi-folds they install – it’s still the homeowners choice. It’s become an acceptable product and a mainstay of many a home extension. Manufacturers are often looking for the next new thing – but often trusty existing product variants have plenty of longevity remaining.
