The Buyers Guide to French Doors
Add a Certain 'Je Ne Sais Quoi' With Stylish French Doors
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.
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:
If you have any questions please CALL 01535 603909
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.
Will I be warm in winter?
Look for glazing with a U value of 1.6W/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.
All in all an excellent job well done. The new bi-fold doors look really good!
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.
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.
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.
What do you recommend?
Our most popular aluminium french doors are from our bespoke, made to measure 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
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.
Look for secure deadlocks which only need a single key and can be opened from inside or outside.
Intermediate panels should have a locking system that stops the panels from being lifted off the tracks. The runners that attach the doors to the top of the frame should also prevent panels being lifted out of the frame.
Intermediate shoot locks can be added to the door panels. They do not have to be used daily but if you are going away they can easily be locked for additional security.
Latest projects
HERITAGE WINDOWS
Aluminium Heritage glazing system – Thieves Hollow, Cheshire
HERITAGE DOORS
Mousehole Cottage, Oldstead, North York Moors
Frequently Asked Questions
If you require any support, please don’t hesitate to review our FAQ’s below or drop us a message on our contact form here
How energy efficient are your windows & doors?
All of our products are very thermally efficient; they meet and exceed all current building regulations.
Our aluminium profiles are thermally broken and benefit from high performance double glazing with a centre pane U Value of 1.2 W/m2 as standard. The maximum overall U value of any of our products is 1.6 W/m2, with many of our door and window products offering even lower U Values.
What information must be provided in order to get an accurate quotation?
We will ask you to provide the following information:
- Approximate dimensions (width x height)
- Basic design/layout
- Project location
How long will my quotation take?
We aim to return all quotations within 24 hours however large projects may take longer.
Come and explore…
Aluminium Bi-fold Doors, Sliding Doors, Contemporary Glazing, Aluminium Heritage Windows and Traditional Steel Replacement Doors
