The Buyers Guide to French Doors
Add a Certain 'Je Ne Sais Quoi' With Stylish French Doors
WINDOWS / GLAZING
Back to Help and Advice1. Why French Doors?
French doors, a timeless classic, create continuity between the interior and the exterior of our homes.
But did you know that they hold a magical power?
There is something about them, a ‘je ne sais quoi’, that seems to make a wonderful connection between the inside and our outside space.
The light that floods in seems to add character and romance to even our most ordinary room.
And once we have french doors in our home, they immediately make even a modest garden seem inviting.
The slightest temperature rise or glimpse of sunshine and it’s as though we are compelled to open our french doors.
Of course this is no bad thing but before we get carried away let’s tackle a few practical questions that come up when we are buying french doors.
2. What style is right for my home?
All homes have an architectural style, choosing windows and doors that are sympathetic to our design is the first step to us making the right choice.
Whether we have a modern, contemporary home or a traditional cottage with mullions it is usual to try to adhere to our home’s character, however, let’s not rule out the dramatic effect that a complete contrast could play.
Let’s also think about how our french doors will be used daily and not only during the summer time.
Here’s just a few examples of styles that complement their homes character:
Someone once said ‘keep it simple’, these doors show how to not over-complicate things.
Minimal bespoke french doors echo the modern space, and create a real joie de vivre.
In this classic installation to a roof top apartment in a conservation area in central London aluminium french doors have been accurately positioned within existing lead lined openings.
Using elegant slim frame aluminium profiles these french doors replicate the appearance of traditional steel doors from a bygone era.
Classic glazing bars and panel design further enhance the vintage look.
3. What material should I choose?
The team of expert installers at Marlin Windows are often asked about the benefits of aluminium windows and doors over other alternatives such as PVCu and wood. So, here is an honest appraisal of what they say about the different materials:
Wooden French Doors
Natural charm and warmth are qualities that attract people to timber. Although it is the most expensive of the three materials, timber windows and doors do have an authentic nostalgic look.
PVCu French Doors
As a more economical option, PVCu is often the first choice for homeowners looking for replacement windows and doors. PVCu provides excellent thermal performance. One downside is that the profile can discolour over time.
Aluminium French Doors
An incredibly resilient and strong material, powder coated aluminium is one of the most durable finishes available. It won’t discolour, rust or peel, giving it a long-lasting, attractive appearance which can last for decades.
Aluminium frames can be slimmer than both wood and PVCu, they have more space for glass so let more light into the home.
4. Will I be secure?
Ensure your doors include a protected locking system, such as the Avocet Break Secure (ABS) lock, which incorporates the latest technology, is incredibly secure and which burglars can’t get past. Look for the ‘Secure By Design’ logo.
5. Will I be warm in winter?
Look for glazing with a U value of 1.8W/m²K or lower.
This ensures glazing exceeds the minimum thermal requirement for Building Regulations and as such will be an efficient insulator against adverse weather.
6. What upkeep do they need?
Timber does require regular painting to keep the wood sound.
If you’re looking for a design that requires very little maintenance, aluminium is the perfect option as it requires virtually no upkeep.
7. What colours are available?
Powder coating means a huge range of colours and textures are available including stunning anodised finishes and textured paint.
We can mix it up by choosing a different colour on the inside to out.
View the extensive range of RAL colours along with two ranges of textured paint finishes here.
8. What configurations are available?
French doors can open in or out, with the master door on the left or right, with any arrangement of kick plates and midrails.
9. What do you recommend?
Our most popular aluminium french doors are from our bespoke, made to measure Alitherm Heritage range available to view at our showroom.
It’s thin profiles make it the preferred choice for replacing steel windows and doors and ideal for french doors.
Find out about quality aluminium French Doors from Marlin Windows here
10. View Our Featured French Door Projects:
Our fabulous Heritage Doors featured on George Clarke’s Old House New Home (The Edwardian house in Golders Green London) broadcast on Channel 4.
11. Where Can I Get Further Advice?
Our high quality window and door products are backed by the same high quality customer service. Technical advisors are just a phone call away to answer all your questions no matter how technical.
Typical help provided includes:
- Choosing the right product
- Getting the right made to measure size
- Help with ordering
- Threshold advice
We provide a FREE sample service to assist with surveying decisions, design considerations, or planning applications – just pick up the phone and ask.
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