French doors are common in homes with patios, and they are an ideal option for combining elegance and functionality within a home. They are mainly designed with glass panes separated into various sections. Moreover, they are easy to install and provide a stylish barrier between two or more spaces. Are you considering installing French doors in Kelowna? This article explains everything you need to know about interior and exterior French doors and things to consider before installing French doors in Kelowna.
A French door style refers to a door style with dual sections that pivot on hinges placed on opposite sides of the door, framing, closing, and opening in the middle. The door sections are constructed with glass panes throughout the door’s center. When both sections swing open, the entire doorway is an open space without a center post. They are popular since they allow more natural light into a room than patio doors.
Despite their similar functions, patio doors and French doors have distinct styles. French doors date back to the French Renaissance architecture, making them more suitable for vintage properties. Typically, double-hinged, French doors open inwards and outwards, allowing you full access to the opening or gap of the frame with which they are installed. They have a wider door frame compared to the sliding glass doors. Being able to access the full openings of the exterior French doors is great in smaller spaces or when opening into small gardens, where external and internal space is vital.
On the other hand, patio doors are modern in appearance and are suited for a modern, contemporary property. They are also referred to as sliding patio doors and are slid open and closed, just as the name suggests. Compared to the French doors, sliding glass doors are designed to offer about 50% of the opening for access to the exterior. This limited access is because patio doors need to slide past each other in the frame, and only a single side can be fully open at a time. The glass panes in a patio door are usually unobstructed, allowing you to enjoy panoramic views. One door is typically stationary while the other slides open. Moreover, most patio doors feature a sliding screen door that gives you the option of leaving your door open without worrying about bugs.
Weatherstripping can wear out over time and due to harsh weather. If this happens, cold air will leak through the spaces, and warm air in the house will seep out. The damage may not be easily visible in some cases, so you should check carefully that the stripping is intact. Ideally, you should check the state of your doors and window stripping before and after each season. If there is minimal wear and tear, the stripping can easily be fixed. However, if there is extensive damage to the weather stripping, you should consider getting it replaced. In most cases, repairing the weatherstripping will be cheaper than catering to the extra heating bills.
These advantages depend on the material you choose for your French doors. French doors offer a sufficient layer of insulation and divide. However, certain materials, such as steel and fibreglass, provide enhanced insulation than others, such as wood. Below are the general advantages of installing French doors:
French doors have the ability to open up a room or expose exterior light. This would only be possible be fibreglass French doors or doors with glass panels. Unfortunately, no light can get through wood, aluminum, or steel French doors. Light can make a room brighter and feel less closed-in, especially dining and living rooms.
Homeowners considering home renovation projects have a wide range of French door designs to choose from. French doors come in different materials, ranging from steel, wood, and aluminum, to fibreglass and clad.
Door replacements as part of home renovation projects are known to increase ROI significantly. Therefore, installing French doors is guaranteed to improve your home value regardless of the mildly scary high upfront costs.
French doors are generally aesthetically pleasing, which is closely related to increased home value by adding appeal to your property. French doors are a high-class home installment.
French doors tend to create the impression of a larger house. Since the panes on French doors are made of glass, the added visibility doesn’t make the doors feel like an obstruction. Since both sides of a French door open without a center pole, it becomes easy, especially if you regularly shuffle heavy objects or furniture across rooms.
French doors are easily customizable, allowing you to create a nice fit for your home. As previously mentioned, they are available in made designs and options that you can choose from for customization.
It goes without saying that French doors offer more ventilation, which increases the flow of fresh air within your home.
Before hiring a door installation company, you should consider a few factors. These help you choose the best option. They include:
Before installing a French door, check to ensure the interior decor matches the doors you want to install. French doors are also common for vintage-style homes and properties that create the proper ambiance. Most prefer to colour-coordinate their French doors with their exterior or interior decor.
French doors come in different materials. The material is important depending on where you live and the surrounding climate.
Your budget should guide you on the type of French door installation you want. Avoid going over your budget, especially if the doors are not worth the value. An excellent professional door installation company should give you an honest and fair estimate before installing the doors for you.
Checking for the security level of your surrounding should help you determine if you want to install French doors or not. There is a common notion that French doors are not as secure. However, they offer a solid amount of security. However, some areas are prone to heavy burglary. You may have to consider an extra layer of protection with your exterior French doors or not install them at all.
French doors need to be maintained in order to be kept in excellent condition for a long time. Periodic cleaning is quite helpful in removing dirt and grime, mainly from glass and frames. Use a non-abrasive cleaning material for the glass and a soft cloth to clean up the frames. It is also important to keep the hinges and locks in a condition. Lubricate them from time to time to make them work properly and to protect them against rusting. Inspect the frames for any wear and tear indications like cracking or warping, especially where the weather conditions are changeable. Regular inspections help catch minor issues early, extending the lifespan of your French doors.
The glass you select for French doors is an important factor in terms of look as well as functionality of the doors. The popular choice is the clear glass because it allows maximum natural light and makes the space look open and airy. Privacy can be addressed by using frosted or textured glass so as to let in light, while still. For energy efficiency, think about low-E or double-glazed glass for better insulation and lower cost of energy. You would also want to think of glass with UV protection so as to avoid furniture and floors from fading because of the sunlight. Choosing the right glass ensures your French doors meet both your style preferences and functional needs.
Are you looking for a professional company to install French doors in Kelowna? Window & Door Project Solutions and Doors is the leading company for your French door needs. Kelowna French doors have been around for decades. With more than 25 years of experience in the industry, Window & Door Project Solutions and Doors are qualified to install high-quality, durable, and aesthetically pleasing French doors.