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All Need to Know about
French Doors
Although not new, French doors are always in fashion. Presently, we see their application change from the traditional exterior use to interior use. Modern styles have adopted sliding designs to complement the traditional swinging doors. These come in handy where space is limited.
The reasons homeowners choose french doors is the elegance of design and the amount of light they allow in the house because of the possible large glass panes. Despite the doors being closed, the french door allows light into the home making the house appear open and homier. French doors with double-pane glass for the exterior insulate the house. The addition of french doors may even add value to your home.
A French door is made up of a single, patio or swing door, or double door panel structure that stretches from the ceiling to the floor. Add weather strips, and additional bug strips, to keep out water, most bugs and the transfer of heat or cold air from outside. The frames can be fitted with glass panels which run along their length or as a solid door.
It’s important to consider, if buying glass panels in your doors, whether to buy impact or non-impact and vinyl or aluminum frames. A solid french door is only as good as the materials you choose. Ask a professional for advice if you are unsure.
Benefits & Features of
French Doors
Some of the many benefits of french doors include the appearance, versatility and ease of use. French doors come both hinged or sliding and options are available for a single or double door combination. The sliding doors are good for confined spaces. The swinging doors are most popular for the view. When you open the double (or single) swinging door to the exterior, you will be one with nature. Although the inward swing door is inviting, the outward swinging door is more common today because it does not occupy space when opening. During the installation of french doors, GBW Windows will ensure the door fits squarely and install the multi-point lock system where necessary. A great benefit of a french door is the functionality and the . In addition, adding another access point to the exterior of home adds property value. Exterior french doors are a highly sought after feature for the real estate buyers market. Interior french doors create a breathable home office space or a den. Interior french doors can come with or without glass panels, making privacy a choice. A unique feature and benefit is that the semi-active operation comes standard with handle-activated 5 or 6 point locking system which offers maximum security against intrusion. Check out the many available combinations when it comes to style, trim, shape and finishing options.Â
Hover over the image above to view the functionality of a typical French Door.
Upgrading to the best
Impact French Doors
If you are building a new home or replacing french doors in your home, consider going for impact. Impact french doors are built to withstand harsh environmental conditions and, even without shutters, they will pass inspection. High strong winds, hurricanes or the blazing high temperatures in South Florida are no longer concerns for impact investors. Many companies are familiar with the homeowners’ need for security and thus the production of impact french doors has prompted more incredible security features than ever before. An ideal impact french door installation should have the following qualities but not limited to; thick durable frames, high sill which prevents water intrusion, and PVB or SGP inner layers. It is key to remember that impact does not mean that the glass can’t break, it just means that unlike non-impact french doors that shatter glass all over, an impact french door contains the glass inside of a laminate where little to no glass can shatter to the surrounding area or cause injury. Impact french doors in South Florida are ideal because when a nasty storm (maybe a tropical storm or depression) is on its way, you no longer need to stress about shutters. The savings you will obtain with a non-impact french door installation will end up being spent on purchasing shutters for the replacement door. When considering replacement doors, impact french doors are a great investment for many years to come.
Affordability & Customization
Non-Impact French Doors
Non-impact french doors share some of the many options of the impact french doors. They are engineered to meet the building code requirements where impact is not required, however, in impact areas, shutters are often required to meet code. Non-impact french doors offer options for full protection from ultraviolet light, are low maintenance and have annealed glass coverings. The appearance and the affordability often attract homeowners to non-impact french doors. They are engineered to meet or exceed demanding energy-saving requirements. The non-impact french doors are also crafted with non-corrosive hinges like the impact french doors. While non-impact doors are affordable, it is important to note that if you do not have shutters, the cost of replacement doors and shutters can often be more expensive then the impact french doors. For more information before making your decision, call our professionals at 772-781-2383.
More About Vinyl or Aluminum Frames
Vinyl French Doors
As the name suggests, vinyl french doors are made of what is commonly known as vinyl or uPVC material. Vinyl french doors offer good durability and stand up to the test of time. The maintenance of this type of window is very low and their cost in the market is averagely lower than that of aluminum french doors. The vinyl frames have an approximate lifespan of about 50 years before they need be replaced. Vinyl french doors also offer good thermal resistance and the frames often carry a lifetime warranty. Ask to read, review and be sure to understand how your warranty works when purchasing your new windows.
Aluminum French Doors
Modern aluminum french doors frames are generally separated by a thermal break which is a glass fiber that is reinforced with polyamide. This thermal insulation ensemble significantly increases thermal resistance while conserving structural strength. The durability of an aluminum french door is above average with very low maintenance and upfront costs. In addition, an aluminum impact french doors is said to have the most resilience against the storms of South Florida. The drawback to purchasing aluminum over vinyl framed doors is that the aluminum french doors offers a 3-year limited warranty versus the lifetime limited warranty of the vinyl frames. It is highly recommended that homeowners read, review and understand the warranty on all the doors we offer at GBW Windows.
For French Doors
Optional Features Available
There are many features available to customize a french door. Customize the glass tinting, configurations and shapes, contouring, sizes, frame colors for both inside and outside, glass finishes, and glass colors.
Supply & Installation Of Windows and Doors
General Information & Service Areas
GBW Offers supply and installation of replacement windows and doors. Whether you are replacing standard doors with impact or aluminum with vinyl, GBW Windows has you covered. We are proud to service Palm City, Stuart, Hobe Sound, Jensen Beach, Hutchinson Island, Sewall’s Point, Port Salerno, Jupiter, Tequesta, Port Saint Lucie, and Saint Lucie West. If you are within a 25 mile radius of Palm City, Call today for a free estimate at:
772-781-2383
Frame Colors
Contouring & Grid Styles
Glass Colors
