It’s springtime in the state of endless summer; could this be the right time to lighten up? French doors, a brilliant combination of windows and doors, offer the opportunity to open up a room and let the sun shine in. Today, French doors are no longer an energy inefficient extravagance or home security risk. Modern, impact-resistant window and door systems provide protection from extreme weather; insulation from noise, temperature fluctuations and the fading effects of UV rays; and are an impenetrable barrier against intruders.

As their name implies, French doors originated in 16th century France from the intent to light interiors more efficiently by modifying solid doors with small panes of glass called, “lights.” In addition to allowing more light to enter while maintaining an even temperature inside your home throughout the year, French doors provide:

  • an engaging way to “connect” the inside of your home with the outdoor patio, pool, garden, beach and balconies
  • a visually appealing way to create functional space between adjoining rooms that can be controlled in instances where each room needs to be partitioned off for privacy, noise elimination or air conditioning purposes
  • an aesthetic alternative to traditional front entryway doors that does not pose a security risk because of impact-resistant glass panes and a three-point locking system, typical to exterior French doors,that secures the doors to the head jamb and sill

Today, Florida Building Code-compliant French doors are made from fiberglass and aluminum, as well as wood; meaning that all of these impact-resistant doors are built to withstand storm-force winds of 170+ mph. What, then, is the differentiator in deciding which French door system to purchase? Senior Client Manager, Joseph McFarlane, references cost variation as the predominant factor that determines homeowners’ choices of which French door systems to buy; citing the cost range of impact-resistant French doors from least to greatest in the following order: fiberglass, aluminum and wood.

Wooden French doors are most often used for custom designs and stains, which is reflected in their higher cost. Although the performance of wooden French doors ranks as high as other impact-resistant French doors manufactured from different material, they do require more maintenance and are not recommended for use on beachfront or intracoastal properties where constant exposure to saltwater and sea breeze will submit them to warping and corrosion.

Aluminum and fiberglass French doors offer a smart waterfront alternative to wood. Aluminum and fiberglass impact-resistant French doors, crafted to duplicate the luxurious look of wood, match wooden French doors’ strength and performance but simplify their maintenance routine to the extreme while retaining beauty. For example, aluminum French doors are available in a variety of neutral colors such as white, bronze and can also be finished with a mahogany, walnut or hazelnut wood “wrap.” Fiberglass French doors are available stained white, a particular color of choice or wood grain.

A variety of hurricane glass is available to further customize any of your impact-resistant French doors and offer as much privacy or transparency as you wish. Design standards of all impact-resistant French doors, however, include stainless steel or corrosion-resistant hardware and three-point locking systems that fix the doors to the head jambs and sills for maximum impenetrability.

French doors, once a recherché feature of exclusive real estate, are now available to bring every home graceful curb appeal and interior design sophistication. Modern impact-resistant glass and design technologies allow for an entryway solution that protects your family and home investment from inclement weather; temperature fluctuations affecting energy use; solar UV ray fading of flooring, furniture, window treatments and art investments; noise; intruders; and lowers insurance premiums while increasing the value of your home. Tres belle; n’est-ce pas?!

by Kate Donovan