Doors, though a huge part of any home, are often given little importance, if any. And even if they are deemed important, it is to the extent of their aesthetics. Notwithstanding aesthetics, which should be a big consideration in designing or revamping your home’s doors and windows, it should never be sought after at the expense of functionality. When it comes to choosing doors for your property, French doors have always remained a popular choice among all homeowners.
Before we get into how to install French Doors in your home, let us get to know a little about them.
What are French Doors?
The French door is a type of door that has two sections that move on hinges located on the opposite sides of the door frame. These doors can open and close in the middle. The door section is constructed with glass panes. These glass panes could either be made of a single large pane of glass or small individual glass panels that are referred to as window grids. When a French door is swung open, you get an entire open doorway with no centre post.
Benefits of Installing French Doors
French doors are not just entry or exit points, but they also add sheer beauty, elegance and a touch of colonial architecture to your space. Along with increasing the visual appeal, they also make various other improvements to your space. Given below are just a few of the many benefits that you get from having French doors installed-
Natural Light and Space
One of the major reasons behind the popularity of French doors is that they allow ample natural light to enter. When the French first developed this style of door, it was meant to provide sufficient light to dimly lit homes. Over the years, French doors have retained this main function. Adequate natural light can add life to your space.
By replacing normal windows in your house with French doors, you will not only be adding another entry point, but also giving your interiors a more spacious feel. The wide opening of French doors also allows for increased ventilation. French doors also create an illusion of more space and can make your interiors look larger.
Energy Efficiency
Another exceptional aspect of French doors is that they make your home energy-efficient. As mentioned above, French doors allow ample natural light into your space, reducing the need for artificial lighting.
Moreover, French doors, when manufactured using low-E or heat-reflective glass, reflect the sun’s extreme heat during summers and trap the interior heat in winters. This reduces your need for artificial cooling or heating systems. As a result, your energy consumption gets reduced, thereby bringing down your energy bills.
Security
Most people assume that French doors because they involve huge glass panes, are not safe and secure. However, this is a wrong notion. French doors used for patios and balconies usually have one opening handle from inside, hence providing security.
Moreover, when reinforced with toughened safety glass or laminated safety glass, they are just as secure as other standard door forms. Most French doors even come with multi-point locks for ultimate security.
Applications of French Doors
| Residential | Commercial |
|---|---|
| French doors are a great choice for connecting spaces. They work perfectly as access points to outdoor spaces such as your balcony, patio, porch or even a conservatory. | They are commonly used in commercial spaces like offices, restaurants, hotels, etc. They can be used as an opening to an entry into the space’s decorated exterior, such as onto a patio with a seating arrangement. |
| French doors can also be installed as interior passage doors where visibility and light are preferred. | They are widely used in offices while designing conference rooms and executive offices or as dividers for open spaces. |
| Install French doors in your dining room, living room, and kitchen to make them seem more spacious. | French Doors are also used to showcase products or merchandise in shops and boutiques. They are also used for creating a private shopping space or changing area. |
| Another way to use French doors inside your home is to install them in the corners of your rooms. This gives your home’s interiors a stunning appearance. | They are also preferred in greenhouses, exhibitions and cafes to add elegance, convenience and versatility. |
How to Install French Doors: Step-by-Step Guide
A common thought that lingers when it comes to this design is “how to install French Doors”, as installing them can be a little complicated. To ensure that the installation job is done well, it is crucial to seek professional help. A skilled expert who has experience with installations will ensure that your French door is completely level and can open and close easily.
These are the steps a professional will typically follow while installing French doors:
1. Accurate measurements:
The professionals will accurately measure the current doorway, including the height and width. They will also prep by removing the doorway and using a pry.
2. Prepare a Rough Opening
The professional will then check for level and plumb and make any necessary adjustments. They will also repair any damaged areas and cut the sill pan for exterior French doors.
3. Apply Waterproofing Solution
To ensure a long life and avoid water damage, the professional will apply a generous bead of waterproof caulk to the bottom of the door frame. It will also help seal the sill pan without using screws.
4. Place the Sill Pan
They will then place the sill pan into its place and press it onto the caulk. The professionals will carefully push so that there are no air bubbles or uneven pressing.
5. Installation of Door Frame
They will first dry-fit the door frame into the opening to check for fit. If needed, they make necessary adjustments to ensure a perfect fit. The interior and exterior doors will be different. For example, the frame will be three-sided for interior doors.
For exterior doors, they will apply caulk on the sill pan and slide and place the frame from the base up with the help of two or more professionals.
6. Mounting the Doors
They will now attach the doors to the frame, ensuring they are properly aligned and swing smoothly. Using hinges and screws, they will perfectly attach the door to the frame on either side of the doorway.
7. Addition of Strike Plates
To enhance durability, the professionals will add strike plates. To do this, they fill first, close the hung door and mark where the top and the bottom hit. This is where they place the plates accurately.
8. Seal the Door Frame and Install Hardware
The professionals apply caulk around the exterior door frame to seal against water and air infiltration. Lastly, they will install the door handles, lockset, and any other hardware.
Footnote
If you are looking for experts who can solve your “how to install French Doors” worry, provide high-quality French doors and help you install them perfectly, look no further than AIS Windows, a subsidiary of India’s leading integrated glass manufacturer, Asahi India Glass Limited. We, at AIS Windows, follow international manufacturing standards and make sure that our doors and windows perform their absolute best.
Besides providing exceptional-quality products, we at AIS Windows offer 360-degree support, right from the initial stage of product selection up until the final installation and more with after-sales support. Our well-trained technicians are experts at handling installations and will only provide their best service. We are the one-stop solution for all your door and window requirements.
So, what are you waiting for? Connect with experts today!
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