French Doors also called double doors or European Windows, are a type of lightweight construction made from glass panels that span both door leaves and adjoining panels.
Its name, as is logical, indicates its origin. This type of door began to be used in France in the 16th and 17th centuries. They arose from the need to make the most of exterior light to illuminate the rooms of the palaces and the wealthiest houses. Over time, they became very popular in the countries of the center and north of the continent, where there are fewer daylight hours in the winter months.
The design of the Vinyl Windows is the result of the application of the architectural principles of the Renaissance (regularity, symmetry, proportion, and luminosity), very popular in France and in many parts of Europe at that historical moment.
Advantages of French doors:
Available in PVC, wood, or aluminum, French doors have many fans. With that timeless classic style, the aesthetic result is unquestionable, but this design offers even more advantages:
- French doors are synonymous with light and elegance.
- Thanks to its great opening capacity (large double leaf), the transition between the terrace or garden area and the interior of the home is more fluid.
- Being equipped with draft-resistant sealing systems as well as adapted glazing and profiles, they better retain heat in the home. Most modern models are well adapted to this, avoiding the shortcomings of old doors. This translates into greater energy efficiency and savings.
- With few exceptions, French doors always open outwards. That ensures full use of the interior space.
Differences with patio doors:
There are some subtle differences between French doors and traditional patio or terrace doors. Both consist of large glass panels and are used in access to the exterior areas of the house: patio, terrace, garden... However, some elements help us distinguish one from the other:
Differences between patio or terrace doors and French doors:
- Patio door are usually sliding. The French ones, on the other hand, are folding, and always towards the outside.
- French doors have wider profiles and, in many cases, contain grid patterns. U is a classic resource but very elegant.
- In addition, the latter usually has glazed panels or glass walls on both sides, which reinforces the interior lighting.
- Lastly, French doors can also work very well as a separating element between different rooms inside the home, as we explain in the next section.
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