The appeal of French doors
The French door is considered to have been influenced by the Italian Renaissance and is both interior and exterior doors with several glass panes. They are traditionally hinged and paired, with an in-swing or out-swing mechanism. And they are a popular fixture in many homes – because of their ability to provide:
The illusion of more space
The glass panes in French doors create fewer visual obstacles, creating an illusion of continuity and thus more space. Many of these doors are also used to connect two adjacent rooms, especially where privacy is not a priority. French doors that open onto a patio or some outdoor space are based specifically on this optical illusion.
daylight
French doors are designed to provide a lot of natural light in all rooms. The advances in engineering garden also led to the use of glass panes that have improved visible transmission – among other energy mechanisms – to further increase performance.
Ventilation
French doors are also available in various modes of operation (such as hinged sliding) which allow them to improve ventilation. Since these doors usually extend from the ceiling to the floor, they open up to encourage natural winds to flow freely into your home.
Style
These doors are so stylish that they look great on almost any type of home – from Spanish or Mediterranean to Cape Cod homes. In fact, curbs are one of the most compelling reasons why French doors are so popular.
Added home value
If you are planning to sell, pay attention to what realtors have to say: replacing old windows or doors with French doors that connect to the patio or garden is effective in driving buyer interest.
Security
The fact that French doors do not have a center stop caused some security problems in the past. No more: today's French doors have reinforced locking systems for extra protection.
Important installation considerations
French doors have a lot to offer your home, but only if they are properly installed. Keep in mind that the technical considerations between installing interior and exterior French doors may also differ.
First, mounting must be perfect to make sure the resulting doors are working properly. The openings should also be framed and then sealed before you can secure the screws in place. Installing French doors also means that you cut a large piece of your wall – something that is best trusted by a professional.
Speaking of professionals, we have found that most homeowners get more satisfactory results when ordering a remodel or installer for home improvement projects. And for French doors, a trained eye is even more useful. Choose a window and door professional that has:
- Extensive industry experience
- A partnership with a reliable manufacturer
- Good customer service
- Comprehensive product warranty and support; and
- Cost effective pricing
Also, check with sites like the Better Business Bureau to get a more accurate picture of the type of business your remodel or installer runs. Whenever possible, also check reviews from previous customers.
Author Bio
Mark was born into the window replacement industry – literally! Mark's father, Martin Chaikin, started The Window Place from the family's Baltimore basement in 1958. The company was immediately successful because of Martin's focus on putting the customer's needs first. Mark joined the company in 1974 and has run the business for the past 40-plus years. Of course, the company has outgrown the family's basement!
