If you’re looking for a stylish upgrade that can enhance your home’s beauty and increase its value, consider new exterior French doors.
Before tackling this project, however, there are several things to keep in mind. These doors can open to a room or out to a patio or deck. They also swing either inward or outward, known as an inswing or an outswing.
Size
French doors are a great way to add natural light and open space to a living room or kitchen. They can be configured to swing inwards or outwards and are available in a variety of sizes to suit your space.
There are also a number of options for hardware and finishes to suit your home. If you’re considering installing these doors in your home, there are a few important things to keep in mind.
For starters, it’s important to adhere to building regulations when installing French doors. This will guarantee that your doors are properly installed and energy efficient. Moreover, adhering to these rules will help you avoid costly fines and potential lawsuits.
When deciding on the size of your exterior French door, it’s important to measure the height and width of the opening. Take measurements using a tape measure. Be sure to measure the actual opening rather than existing doors or frames, as this will give you the most accurate reading.
During this process, it’s also a good idea to remove any shipping spacers from the bottom of the frame. This will allow for adequate clearance for floor coverings when the door is opened.
It’s also a good idea to install French doors with key-operated five-lever mortise locks for security. This will deter opportunistic thieves from breaking into your home.
Style
A well-made door is a key element of a home’s curb appeal, and French doors are no exception. Whether they swing in to bring in light or open out to lead to a balcony, terrace or pool area, these doors add a graceful touch to any living space.
The best exterior French doors are also energy efficient, with insulated glass that protects floors and furniture from damaging sunlight and a sill that seals tightly against wind and rain.
Depending on the style of your home and your wishes, you can get a wide range of styles, from uninterrupted panes to ones crisscrossed with diamond-shaped grids.
Many come prehung in a frame, with sill and weatherstripping, simplifying installation. Optional grilles and hardware can be infused to customize your look.
While a pair of beautiful French doors will instantly boost your home’s curb appeal, they’ll need some regular maintenance to keep them looking good. As doors swing outward, they are susceptible to water and wind that can cause them to warp over time unless you take steps to protect them.
Regular cleaning of the glass is critical to avoid cloudiness and grime buildup, as are tightening or replacing the hinges when they start to sag.
It’s important to work with your interior designer or general contractor to position the doors where they will provide comfortable access, views from inside and out, and light control.
Energy Efficiency
French doors are a great way to open up a space and increase natural light. They can be configured to swing both inwards or outwards and are available with a variety of grille patterns.
However, they also need to be able to keep warm air from escaping and cold air from coming in. That is why it’s important to make sure the frames and seals around your doors are in good condition.
The best energy efficient French doors have dual glass panes and utilize low-conductivity gas such as argon between them to keep warmth in and cold air out.
This is a key factor in reducing your energy bills, especially in areas with lots of sunlight where the doors will need to be opened frequently.
You can compare the energy efficiency of various sets of exterior French doors by checking their U-factor and R-value. Both factors measure the insulative properties of the door, but the R-value refers specifically to the materials used and can be more misleading than U-factor, which is an overall measure of a door’s insulative performance.
When it comes to installing a new set of French doors, you should always work with professionals to ensure they are properly installed.
It can be difficult to develop a perfectly square opening for the frames, and even a small glitch in this step can lead to poor performance and higher energy bills. In addition, the proper sealing around your new doors can have an impact on their U-factor and R-value as well.
Maintenance
Whether swinging in or out, French doors are subject to the elements and must be cleaned regularly. The frames need to be sanded & sealed, and the door itself needs to be wiped down frequently to prevent moisture damage. The glass panels can be sprayed with a specialized window cleaner to keep them looking their best.
Because French doors connect to the outdoors, they need to withstand strong wind and heavy rain. Analyze the weatherstripping regularly and replace it as needed. Also, make sure your exterior French doors are properly insulated to minimize energy loss and help protect your home from extreme weather.
It’s also important to ensure your French doors are in proper alignment with their frame and reveal. Many times this can be fixed by shimming around the hinges and re-tightening the screws that hold them in place. However, be careful not to overshimm the frame, or you may affect the squareness of the reveal between each door and its jamb.
It’s also recommended that you clean your French doors regularly with a gentle wood cleaning soap or diluted liquid household cleaning solution.
Use a soft brush and dry thoroughly afterward. It’s also a good idea to wipe down any glass panes with a non-ammonia degreasing product to remove dirt and fingerprints from the surface.
Wrap Up!
Bighorn Iron Doors is a highly reputable vendor of exterior French doors. We offer a wide array of styles and sizes to choose from, ensuring that you can find the perfect match for your home.
Our doors are not only stylish but also energy efficient and secure, with key-operated five-lever mortise locks for added peace of mind.
