Of all the different types of doors available today, few can match the elegance that a French door can bring. Ornate, French doors are available in a range of designs to meet whatever preference you might have. Like a lot of glass? Want more panels? French doors can be customized to complement your home’s design perfectly. Although most homeowners use them as patio doors, they are also suitable for dividing indoor areas like living and dining rooms.

THE SSS OF FRENCH DOORS

To be considered a good French Door, a door must meet three important requirements: style, strength, and security.

Style

French doors are best known for their exquisite designs. Yes, they are functional, performing great as doors, but a properly chosen one can become the centerpiece in a home. Take advantage of the stylishness of a French door if you’re looking to give your home a boost without embarking on a major home improvement project.

PART 1: WHAT MAKES A GOOD FRENCH DOOR?

Strength

Doors are found in entry ways so they are expected to receive a lot of foot traffic. And to keep up with all that foot traffic, a French door has to be strong. Aside from withstanding the constant wear and tear of frequent use, a French door must also be durable enough to weather through whatever the elements may bring, when used as an external door leading out to a patio.

Security

Regardless of where you use a French door, the fact remains that it is a door and doors are meant to offer protection for your home by keeping unwanted elements out. As such, make sure your French door features a reliable locking mechanism that can deter unauthorized access. A single lock is standard but check with your local contractor if you can use multiple on your French door.

Different homeowners have different needs so it’s possible for some to prioritize style, for instance, over the others and vice versa. Taking stock of what you want to get out of a French door will help narrow down your options so you can sooner find the best one for you.

PART 1: WHAT MAKES A GOOD FRENCH DOOR?

French doors may be available in different sizes and materials, but they can be categorized under two major types: sliding and hinged. What’s the difference between these two types of French doors, and how does this affect your options? Read on.

THE SLIDING FRENCH DOOR

The sliding French door is characterized by panels that slide horizontally along tracks on the top and bottom parts of its frame. To allow a panel to move, the track works with rollersto reduce friction and make it easier to open or shut the door. Depending on its design, a sliding French door may also have a fixed panel, with which a moving panel completely overlaps with when it is opened.

The main advantage of this French door type is its versatility. A sliding French door doesn’t require a lot of space so you don’t have to worry about making room for the door. In fact, it won’t need anything more than the thickness of its frame so you can do away with worrying about clearance the doorway. Lack of space have deterred many homeowners from enjoying French doors in the past but no more! Sliding French doors combine the versatility of sliding doors with the beauty of French doors to give you a door that covers the most important bases.

PART 2: FRENCH DOORS - SLIDING VS. HINGED

THE HINGED FRENCH DOOR

A hinged French door, on the other hand, features moving panels supported by a series of hinges at the sides of the door frame. As the more standard type for the door, a hinged French door is more commonly seen in classically styled homes. Simpler designs for hinged patio doors are available though and are great for contemporary homes.

One of the best things about hinged French doors is that they open completely, generally offering bigger entryways to ease access between parts of your home. They are also easier to operate than sliding French doors and over time don’t have the risk of sticking when rollers on tracks wear out.

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Sliding and hinged French doors both have something to offer so choose based on what you personally prefer and will meet your needs. Whatever you choose anyway, French doors will not disappoint.

PART 2: FRENCH DOORS - SLIDING VS. HINGED

With great French doors come a few responsibilities. Whether you’re planning to install a sliding or hinged French door, you need to learn how to care for them if you want to make the most out of getting one. Fortunately, caring for French doors is not a tall order.

MAINTAINING A SLIDING FRENCH DOOR

Sliding French doors present a unique challenge for homeowners because of hard-to-reach spaces where the tracks go. Debris and moisture can get trapped along tracks and where the buildup gathers usually dictates how difficult cleaning a sliding French door could be. On the other hand, cleaning is basically all a sliding French door would need to stay in great shape.

For nooks and crannies, you can use a small brush to get dirt and other debris out. You can also use a vacuum cleaner if you have attachments that will fit hard-to-reach spaces. Don’t forget to keep rollers lubricated. Have severely deteriorated rollers replaced by your local contractor ASAP.

HINGED FRENCH DOOR CARE

A hinged French door has a straightforward design which also translates to straightforward care. Aside from the requisite cleaning, the door mostly needs attention trained on its hinges as most of the wear and tear it will experience will be focused on that part.

PART 3 : CARING FOR FRENCH DOORS

Regularly checking on hinges should prevent faulty hardware from causing misaligned doors or worse. If you have worn-out hinges, don’t wait for them to completely fall out before calling in a professional for assistance.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPER USE

Whether you prefer a sliding French door to the hinged variety or the other way around, you can expect your door to last because it has been made to do so. Pretty as they are, French doors are also designed to withstand heavy abuse so you shouldn’t have problems with constant use. However, improperly using a door will shave off years from its lifespan.

For sliding French doors, take care not to push or pull on a panel too hard so that it doesn’t slam against the door’s frame. This also strains rollers on the track more, leading to earlier deterioration. As for hinged French doors, open or close them using their handles. This will help you control the door better so a panel doesn’t end up hitting a nearby object or a wall.

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French doors can do a lot for your home. Choose the right one and care for it and you’ll definitely see how a great investment getting one was.

PART 3 : CARING FOR FRENCH DOORS

Renewal by Andersenof Dallas and Fort Worth

1801 Royal Lane #1000 Farmers Branch, TX 75234 USA

972-301-8660

RBAofDFW.com