Find out how they are different to patio doors and where they get their name. A french door is a door of light construction which has glass panes extending for most of its length. They are usually fitted as a pair instead of a single door and french doors are sometimes refered to as French windows.
A French door has two active doors that open and close from the side jambs. A hinged patio door, on the other hand, opens more like a butterfly. While they look similar and provide similar amounts of light and security, it's essential to keep in mind the functionality of your entry space.
Because of their elegance, they can fit most traditional and modern home styles. They work perfectly as interior or exterior doors, depending on your needs and design aesthetics. Tip: French doors can swing open both ways. So, you can use them as patio doors, front doors, internal doors, and more.
The most common way to install French doors is so that they open outwards, but it is possible to have them open inwards instead if you are short of space in your garden.
French doors allow for both doors to actually open and function. A double door or two-section patio door has a "dummy door" that doesn't actually function, it stays stationary and only one door opens.
Back to the doors. French Doors were invented in France around the Renaissance period because people wanted more glass, allowing light and air to flow into their home.
A french door is a door of light construction which has glass panes extending for most of its length. They are usually fitted as a pair instead of a single door and french doors are sometimes refered to as French windows.
Most exterior doors swing inward for security purposes. As previously mentioned, most doors will swing in the direction of the knuckle. Hinges consist of two leafs that join together to form a knuckle.
Ultimately it's all a matter of preference. If you want to maximise internal floor space, get French doors that open outward. If you want French doors with better weatherproofing that maximise patio or garden space, chose to fit it so your french doors open inwards.
If you have double French doors, it is typical for the left one to open first from the exterior of the home. However, the opening direction of French doors can be adjusted based on personal preference, with options for opening inwards or outwards.
Cost of French doors—and resale value
All in all, they're a good investment in your home, since they don't cost much but add significant resale value, so they almost pay for themselves.
While French doors are a timeless look, they can also be trend-forward—which makes them an excellent choice for homeowners seeking to make mindful improvements that will continue to bring them joy for years to come while also increasing the value of their homes.
There are two main types of lock that you'll find installed in a typical pair of French doors. The most common is the classic top and bottom key operated 5 lever mortise lock, which will work in the same manner as the locks on your front door. These are rarely secure enough for many homeowners.
Generally, French doors feature large glazed panels and are often used as an alternative to classic patio doors. Double doors, meanwhile, are most often larger versions of these doors with minimal or no glazing, and can feature in commercial as well as residential properties.
Do French or sliding patio doors cost more? French patio doors typically cost more than sliding patio doors, but the cost of either door style can vary greatly depending on the custom options you choose.
French doors are set within a frame, contain pivots and hinges and have a central locking point. This makes it less likely that they will cave in. French doors are more secure than sliding doors because of their central point.
Florida has one of the most stringent building codes in the United States, as all exterior doors must open outward if you live in South Florida. Outward opening doors provide you with an added layer of protection, as an inward swinging door only has a latch and a deadbolt to prevent it from blowing into your home.
French doors can be sliding or hung and can open in or out. While French doors are particularly esthetically pleasing, some people avoid them because they think it limits their utility and can't install a screen if they have French doors. This is not true. French doors can be installed with retractable screens.
Safety Reasons
Many believe that doors which open outwards are safer as it allows for easier escape access.
The top answer is security. The simplest door designs have exposed hinges, a security weak point. By positioning these hinges on the inside of a front door, it makes it harder for burglars to gain entry. It's also easier to open inward-facing doors just a crack to check who is outside.
Outward-Opening Doors Offer Advantages
Security is enhanced. A very high percentage of home invasions and burglaries begin with the intruder simply kicking in a door. That's virtually impossible when the door swings outward.
The short answer is generally no, building code doesn't specify which way your door should swing. However, this isn't always the case, especially in areas with extreme weather, so you'll want to check your local building codes to make sure you're complying with any variations.
A French door lock will typically include a basic multi-point locking system, including a deadbolt system to latch the door and astragal bolts that extend into the upper door frame and/or floor.
Astragal. If your front door design includes double doors, an astragal is the vertical piece that runs between the two panels.
External French door hinges
Hinges are a crucial part of door hardware, as they hold the two leaves of a door together. This allows the door to swing open on its hinges and close behind you.