France has given the world many famous inventions, which sometimes have a very important place in the life of modern people. French doors are able to attract attention and maintain the maximum amount of natural light in the room.
Features and Benefits
French doors are very interesting and original products, which are decorative glass structures. The decision to use one wall under a translucent doorway was relevant in the Renaissance, the idea belongs to French architects. That is why now the door blocks corresponding to the described stylistic direction are called French.
These designs bring beauty and charm to the living room, have a number of advantages and minor disadvantages
The advantages of French panoramic doors include:
- stylish appearance. They look great and add sophistication to the room,
- visual increase in space thanks to a glass door leaf - one room as if prolongs another,
- plenty of natural light.
The disadvantages of such designs are:
- care - in order to achieve perfect transparency of glass surfaces, it is necessary to give them a lot of time, strength and patience,
- they have the ability to overheat the room in the summer and supercool in winter frosts, regardless of the number of double-glazed windows and profile structures. To a greater or lesser extent, but this fact takes place. It will require the installation of additional ventilation and a special heating system so that such trouble does not happen,
- need careful systematic maintenance, since often the sliding mechanisms jam and the design system becomes unusable,
- high cost - it is an order of magnitude higher than that of classic doors. The price largely depends on the country of manufacture, as well as on the material of manufacture.
Application area
Initially, such luxuries as panoramic doors, noble people could afford, installing them in the rooms of their palaces. Thanks to them, the impression was created that the picturesque courtyard was a beautiful continuation of the room.
Currently, the scope of use of French doors has expanded significantly, they can link together different rooms of households, used as balcony options.
Using a system of sliding and swinging French doors in public buildings, such as shops, restaurants, hotels, speaks of solidity, high status and impressive capabilities of the owners.
These designs perfectly complement various interior styles.
What is a french door to a balcony and its advantages
French doors are arranged across the entire width of the balcony exit. In their design, there is no traditional window opening - it is occupied by doors. At the same time, they consist of completely glazed frames and resemble a huge window throughout the wall. This type of door is very unusual and has its own advantages.
Advantages of French doors:
- The abundance of sunlight penetrating through the glass,
- The visual connection between the room and the balcony,
- The feeling of spaciousness
- Air access, good ventilation,
- By opening the door, you can easily increase the area of a small room,
- Stylish design.
Thanks to the huge glass, the boundary between the room and the outside is erased. This is especially felt if you can admire the picturesque landscape from the window, or the apartment is on the upper floors, and a panorama of city streets opens from above.
French doors are suitable for any interior and will be in their place in a room decorated in a restrained classic style, luxurious old or modern, not recognizing the slightest frills.
Minus French doors to the balcony. The abundance of glass complicates the care of the doors, since fingerprints from hand touch and stains after poor cleaning are clearly visible on them. The spots and villi remaining from the napkin are especially noticeable if the balcony is located on the sunny side.
Types of French doors to the balcony
Although the doors to the balcony in the French style have not yet received wide distribution, their range is already quite wide. They differ in the material of manufacture, construction (mainly the type of opening) and the configuration of the glasses.
Sliding. The simplest design of sliding doors: the door leaf moves on rollers along metal guides. The disadvantage of this type of door is the loose fit of the canvas to the frame, so they are installed only on heated balconies.
Slide system
Plastic tilt-and-slide doors at the beginning of the opening, they are slightly pushed forward, and then moved to the side, completely opening the passage. The movable part of the door in the closed position fits snugly to the frame, not letting heat out of the room, so it is installed on balconies with any glazing and even on non-glazed ones. The door is installed in the ventilation mode according to the principle used in window units. The control mechanism is silent and easy.
Sloping Sliding Doors
Feature sliding door in that it does not open to the end, therefore it is installed in very wide openings. Despite the massiveness, it easily opens and fits snugly on the box. It is made of metal plastic, has a modern design.
Sliding and Sliding Doors are made of any width (up to 10 m), provide complete heat preservation in the room. Opening is made after a slight turn of the handle: the door leaf rises slightly, and then moves to the side along the upper and lower rail mechanism.
Accordion door the design is somewhat reminiscent of a screen. Several wings are connected as a whole and when opened they fold according to the accordion principle, whence the name of the structure came from. Since the doors are made up of several parts, the penetration of light into the room is limited. Folding doors are made up to 6 m wide and 2.5 m high, therefore they are suitable for installation in large openings. Made of plastic and aluminum. The simplicity of design also allows the use of wood for the manufacture of doors. Just like in the case of a sliding door, the “accordion” does not fit snugly on the box and, as a result, does not keep the room warm.
Door - Accordion
French balcony doors are made of modern materials (metal-plastic, aluminum) and traditional wood. Combined models are also available - the metal structure is decorated with wood. They combine the strength and reliability of metal and decorative wood.
Double-glazed windows are installed in one, two and three glasses, the same as in plastic windows. In wooden frames, glass is installed in very different sizes. This can be one continuous glass in the entire door or several small glass panels inserted according to the principle. A combination of large (in the center) and small (at the edges) glasses is possible. In this case, the extreme glass is made transparent or decorative: with fusing, matte, with engraving. For glazing, tempered glass is used that can withstand mechanical stress.
What are the characteristic features of products?
The first thing that a person who plans to buy will pay attention to french interior sliding doors , - their gentle shining shades. Of course, canvases of this type can be made in gray and olive, and even in rich brown or black. But the “signature" charm of France is comprised of precisely the wings of a light palette. Used as snow-white gamma without any impurities, and elegant pastel colors.
Among other features of the products note:
- the presence of large glass inserts. As a rule, they entirely occupy the space inside the frame, combined with horizontal and vertical jumpers. The resulting lattice may be small or large. Thanks to the translucent filling, even the largest sliding French doors seem weightless. If the room does not need to preserve the chamber environment, it makes sense to turn to visually permeable inserts that open the review. Otherwise, you should choose frosted or patterned glass,
- multi-leaf device. The system usually consists of at least two sections, shifted in one direction or diverging in different directions. They occupy a considerable space in width and height, combining working modules with stationary panels.
How do designs open?
The range of sliding French doors from modern factories is quite extensive. Despite the fact that there are many unifying factors between such products, they cannot be reproached for uniformity. For example, they are distinguished by the type of opening. The following solutions are presented on the market:
- compartment performance. Sashes move along walls or parallel to each other inside the opening. If the model contains many sections and there is a need for their simultaneous opening, you can use the telescopic mechanism,
- built-in variety. The price of French cassette-type interior sliding doors has been increased due to the inclusion of a metal pencil case with one or two parking lots. But they are very compact and allow you to free the entire territory around the opening,
- in the form of a book. Folding models are original, lightweight and appropriate even in the most inaccessible areas of the premises. They work inside the aisles without occupying adjacent walls.
To buy exquisite products of any variety complete with accessories offers the company Academy.
What is it?
The French door is a type of construction characterized by maximum glazing. Once such doors stood in the rich homes of France. They shared a living room and a patio (a cozy patio). Sitting in the room, people could admire the picturesque flowering garden, fountains and green paths. The design retained a fine line, filling the room with natural light and giving the interior sophistication.
Today, the French style is available to everyone. Such doors are used both in apartments and in country houses. They can connect the living room with the kitchen, overlook the balcony or exit to the terrace.
Often this type of door structure is installed complete with French windows.
The latter have a similar design and occupy space from the ceiling to the floor. Such design solutions can not only make the room brighter, but also create a unique lightness and a sense of spaciousness.
Advantages
Modern French doors are not just beautiful, they are functional, practical and have many advantages:
- Style. Such designs make the atmosphere more original, emphasize the dignity of the room. French doors look great in any interior. They can be harmoniously integrated into the classics, modern, and even the high-tech tech style. Many variations of glazing and shades of profile simplify the selection, allowing you to find the option that is ideal for each particular case.
- Visual effect. Translucent doors not only fill the room with light. They visually expand the space, create the effect of the absence of borders.
- Convenience of operation. Such doors are no less convenient than conventional designs. In addition, you can choose any type of opening that is suitable specifically for your interior.
- Practicality. Glass for such doors are made using a special technology. They are highly durable, can withstand severe loads, without even forming cracks. At the same time, French models are available in two versions. “Cold” doors protect only from light drafts and dust. “Warm” constructions are equipped with excellent sound and heat insulation properties.
There are only two drawbacks to French doors. The first is the need for regular care. Dust often settles on glass surfaces, fingerprints and other impurities appear. However, modern specialized tools allow you to clean glass in minutes, without making any effort.
The second drawback is the rather high price. Such a purchase can not be called a budget. Although if you purchase a door with the expectation of several years, then this minus becomes not so significant.
French doors can be divided into several types:
- Input. Owners of country houses often use such constructions as input. This technique allows you to enjoy the views of nature from the comfort of your home, creates a unique atmosphere and lets sunlight into the room. For added security, a lock is installed on the door in this case. Sometimes reliability is enhanced by a decorative grill that lowers at night.
Entrance structures are sealed, they are made of fiberglass. The appearance of the products is beautiful and modern. This provides reliable protection against extraneous noise and heat conservation. In addition, the synthetic material is resistant to temperature extremes and humidity.
It does not deform and does not lose its attractiveness for many years.
- Doors to the loggia. French door designs overlooking the loggia are similar to entrance doors. They are made of the same materials and using the same technologies. The tightness and thermal insulation of balcony models are at a decent level. And their appearance is able to transform the room beyond recognition.
- Interior. Doors dividing the interior are usually made of glass and wood. This design looks particularly elegant and sophisticated. The choice of such doors is appropriate in any room, but this option is especially successful for designing small rooms.
Constructions
By design features, French doors are divided into:
- Swing. Classic French doors - swing open models. They are ideal for spacious rooms, easy to install and look elegant. As for the stylistic orientation, this option will fit perfectly into the classic interior, and in romantic Provence, and in the original Art Nouveau.
Usually, swing structures are installed in the living room. Hospitable open folds create a special cosiness and speak about the impeccable taste of the owner of the house.
- Sliding. This type is used in modern interiors. Sliding structures look original and stylish. In addition, they allow you to save usable space, because they do not need additional space to open doors (unlike swing doors). In this case, when opening the canvas easily slides sideways, without making any noise. If the door has several leaves, they can "move apart" in different directions.
- Folding. This variety opens and closes, folding like an accordion. This option also saves space by unobtrusively zoning the room. When folded, the doors almost completely free the opening, which increases the convenience of their operation.
Such designs fit well with the Provence style, look original in modern and mixed styles.
Design choice
There are many design options for French doors.You can choose the option with small "windows" or a single glass cloth that occupies the entire area of the structure. The original choice will be a model with a combination of large and small “windows”.
Glass itself can be completely transparent. This is a classic option. If you want to create a more intimate atmosphere, choose a door with frosted or tinted windows. And stained-glass windows and various patterns can turn the door structure into a real work of art.
As for the color scheme of the profile, there are also no restrictions. Traditionally, the color of the French doors is white. Models made in this color look especially gentle and airy. However, if desired, you can choose another option.
Natural wood shades (beige, light and dark brown tones) will fit well into the classic interior. For a Provence-style design, you can choose a door with a pale blue, pale green or light gray profile.
Modern trends allow contrasting black, metallic and even bright colors. It all depends on the style of the interior and personal preferences.
See the next video for more on this.
French door installation
Before installing the French door, the preparation of the doorway is carried out, which differs significantly from that which is carried out before the installation of a conventional door. The preparatory work includes the mandatory dismantling of the wall section on which the window block rests. If there is no glazing on the balcony, it is recommended to take out the wall (as well as the old door with the window) just before installing the door so as not to leave the resulting opening for an indefinite time open. If there is glazing on the balcony, dismantling can be done in advance.
To whom to charge installation
Since French window blocks are large in size, and glass occupies most of the window, a professional team should deal with their installation. Installation of windows without experience in this matter, and even more so alone, is unlikely to succeed.
Why french windows should be installed by specialists:
- If the glass is damaged, the construction company will be responsible, not you,
- If defects arise during the operation, the company that installed the windows will take care of their elimination.
- After installing the structure, professionals will give recommendations on care and provide preventive door care,
- Serious companies give a guarantee on the door only if the installation was carried out by employees of the company.
It should be noted that the decoration of slopes is not included in the door installation services, therefore this work is ordered separately or is done on its own.
Is it possible to install the door yourself and how to do it
It’s not advisable to install a French door on a balcony with your own hands, but if the landlord believes that he has enough for this experience, you should do the work in the following sequence:
- The doorway is cleaned of dust and loose places,
- If a wooden door is ordered, a perimeter doorway is laid with waterproofing material. This will prevent wetting of the wood,
- The floor area where the structure will be installed is aligned to the horizontal level. If necessary, the floor is strengthened with a cement screed and left until it dries,
- The door frame is installed in an aperture,
- The box is aligned vertically with a level. Deviations are not allowed even up to 1 mm,
- The frame is attached to the side walls with anchor dowels,
- Door leafs are installed in the box.
The gaps between the box and the wall are sealed with foam. It should not be applied too much. It is enough that the gap is half-foamy, since after swelling the foam will come out and stain the front side of the door frame.
After a day, when the foam hardens, its remnants are cut with a knife, and the slopes are finished. They can be plastered, lined with drywall or plastic. If plastic or drywall is chosen for decoration, a heater is laid between the concrete (or brick) wall and the finishing material. Mineral wool is suitable, as it is tight to the surface and can be hammered into the cracks. Polyfoam and similar materials are not suitable for this purpose.
At the end of the work, the protective film is removed from the glass. It cannot be left on the glass for a long time, since then it will be more difficult to peel it off.
French Door Care
Glass surfaces require basic care. To wash them, it is not recommended to use fabric napkins, because after them there are fibers and sometimes stains on the glass. An exception is special fiber wipes for washing windows. You will also need a means for windows in aerosol packaging: second, nichtinol and the like. Cleaning should be done as the surface of the glass gets dirty, but at least once a week. 
Every 1-2 months, routine window maintenance is carried out using a foam or rubber scraper. A long handle allows you to reach the very top corners of the window without standing on the stepladder. The device does not leave streaks, immediately captures a large surface and rinses dirt well.
The plastic and wooden elements of the door are wiped with a damp sponge, after which they are wiped dry with a dry cloth. In case of contamination, detergents that do not include aggressive components can be used.
Traditionally, plastic surfaces are made in white. But you can step back from the tradition and paint the plastic in any color suitable for the interior.
Wood surfaces are usually renewed with varnish, but they can also be painted if desired. For this, the old coating is removed with special solvents and 2 thin layers of paint are applied.
