Door

Jim Kesel asked:


Haas Garage Doors have been manufactured by the same company since 1954. Famous for their commercial grade doors has also has a very good line of residential doors that will meet just about any contractor or architects design needs. Haas Door is a Nofziger company and is located in Wausean Ohio.

Probably the best of the Hass garage doors products include the 700 series residential door. These quality steel garage doors utilize polyurethane insulation providing a higher energy efficiency. Polyurethane foam insulation is far superior to polystyrene foam in terms of both insulation qualities and durability when enclosed in a door panel. Another benefit of the polyurethane foam comes from the fact that it fills all the voids within the door panel and bonds to all the panel parts making a very ridged garage door panel.

The exterior of the Haas garage doors panels is protected by a 26 gauge steel sheet that is galvanized, sealed with epoxy primer and finished with a polyester top coat. Because the steel is engrained with a natural wood grain pattern the final finish is really quite good. Vinyl top and end caps protect the foam insulation from environmental degradation. The top caps are slot and ridged to keep out the elements. All of which makes a great garage door for any home.

Commercial Haas garage doors are used in both industrial and municipal applications throughout the county. Their aluminum doors grace many of the country’s fire and rescue stations and too many gas stations as well. These doors are great for providing environmental protection while letting in the maximum amount of light. The aluminum Hass garage doors are designed to be lifted by hand which is critical for fire and search and rescue stations. No need to worry about responding during a power outage. You can order them with vinyl or tempered glass windows that can be tinted as well.

The garage door opening is the weakest part of any building weather it is a business or a home. A garage door failure during any storm event will put your structure at risk for total collapse. If you live in a high wind risk area like the Gulf Coast then you should certainly consider purchase a high wind door. It is possible to purchase and install a garage door that can withstand winds up to 180 mph. One additional advantage to installing a high wind door is the added security it it will provide. Many thieves will break into a home through the garage door. A structurally strong garage door will go a long way in preventing any illegal entry.

Purchasing any garage door based on low garage doors pricing is just not smart. You really do get what you pay for when it comes to quality garage doors. Haas garage doors are in demand across the country by builders, contractors, engineers and architects due to their high quality. Haas has a reputation for standing by their products with good warranty program. Next time you need to replace a garage door or install a new one in new construction you should consider Haas garage doors.



NICHOLAS

Orlando Locksmith Expert asked:


This year has seemed to be one of the worst years we have seen for break INS. We have seen break in after break in and it does not seem to stop. In the past sure we see break ins from time to time but lately it is starting to be a way of life. Usually a small increase in crime around the holidays is normal for us to see, but it seems as if it is ten times worse this year.  We have noticed a small change in methods of forced entries the invaders are using. In the past intruders would pry sliding glass doors, use bump keys or even break windows but now it is the fearless kick in of the front door.  This may be a   sign of desperation caused by the down sloping economy.  Every day we are hearing and seeing more and more businesses go out of business. We often wonder where all these people are going to work. It seems they are in survival mode hitting the streets looking for opportunity where ever they can.  ( www.doorframereinforcementkit.com )

Front door Kick –INS & home invasions what is next?  Have you often wondered if your home is safe from intruders? Let me share with you from a locksmith’s point of view how safe your home really is. Take an average every day house that your standard middle class homeowner lives in for example. Builders often build these houses based on the lowest bids from hardware suppliers and contractors. It is very rare that the key factor of a prevailing bid would be that of how to secure the home the best. The outcome is that the homes are supplied to the homeowner with minimum security. One example of a security risk can be easily identified by removing and observing the strike plate on your door frame. The strike plate is the small flat piece of metal with the hole in it. In most cases the screws are less than 1 inch long in length. We believe that this gives home owners a false sense of security. When the door is kicked, it has very little holding force. The strike plate is an attempt to reinforce the door frame and it adds a little cosmetic value to your home.  The screws are only long enough to grab into the decorative wood of the door frame. To maximize your security a strike plate reinforcement kit can be installed. The 10 screws on the door frame reinforcement kit must penetrate through the door frame and into the studs behind the door frame. The door frame reinforcement kit is a 5 foot, custom, powder coated;   metal door frame sleeve that fastens to most wood door frames very easily. You can view a video of this product at www.DoorReinforcementKit.com  .  

Another security risk is a set of double doors, also known as French doors. These doors are high on the list of doors that give a false sense of security to homeowners. The inactive door is held in place with two flush bolts. The flush bolts are usually recessed into the top and the bottom of the door. When locked into place the bolt will extend into the top of your door frame, and into the lower threshold.  When a door with this application is kicked in, it will most likely be the flush bolts that will give in. The door will split near the flush bolts, and the upper frame will give way.  We have found the best solution to this problem is to have a special locking device installed to the lower part of your door.  The device acts sort of like you putting your foot in front of a door to try to stop someone from opening it. After securing the in active door properly you should install the door frame reinforcement kit on the inactive door to strengthen the strike plate. www.orlandofloridalocksmithshop.com

One of the most challenging doors to secure is a single door with a side light or window next to it.  We start by reinforcing the door frame with the door frame reinforcement kit.  We often have to use shorter screws because the frame is so narrow between the side light windows.  In many cases it is standard to put a double cylinder deadbolt on the door to prevent someone from reaching around and flipping the bolts after breaking the glass. (A double cylinder deadbolt has a key cylinder on both sides of the lock) As a preventative precaution we often will apply an 8 millimeter security tint on the window as well. We highly recommend a high security commercial grade deadbolt to be installed with each of the above applications.  The commercial deadbolt is designed with added strength against unwanted entry. The high security lock cylinder will help prevent lock picking and lock bumping, which until now was the entry of choice. ( www.doorframerepairkit.com  )

Sliding glass doors have always been a challenge to secure properly.  I have numerous locks that can be installed to help the sliding doors from being popped off the track, forced, or jiggled open. We recommend seeking professional advice as to which locks is best for you due to the many styles of sliding doors on the market today. We really feel for our customers, and try to do all we can to secure them. We have really taken a passion for securing home owners from intruders.

We spend countless hours researching and developing new and better methods to secure the public. We truly believe that this is a true example of keeping up with the times.  We feel that my company is the elite when it comes to securing homeowners. We have developed methods of securing the public that our UN herd of to our industry. When a customer comes into our shop and starts asking an employee about front door security or securing a home, I am quick to step in with my ever growing passion to secure them. I will ask numerous questions about the customer’s doors and locks. The engineering of the ultimate protection plan begins to take place. Knowing that the economy has put many customers on a budget, We have developed low budget protection product packages together as well. If any one wants to inform them selves on how they can secure there home or business we are available at A-Abra-Key-Dabra Locksmith services INC. 22 W Main St Apopka, FL 32703  at 407-877-6444 or email Service@mainstreetlocksmith.com

We have ten service trucks and service from coast to coast.   

To purchase the above products online go to: www.doorsecurityproducts.com ( For Florida Sales & service go to www.mainstreetlocksmith.com



ROBERT

Stephen Dolan asked:


The most usual types of garage doors popularly used in residential and commercial garages are the retractable, canopy, the side hinged, and the sectional retractable doors.

Compared to old-fashioned garage doors, modern garage doors are much more enduring, comfortable and safe.

Residential garage doors are designed to look handsome and offer high-tech features like automatic door openers and built-in safety features. Canopy garage doors are great alternatives to automatic doors, and can be uncomplicated to use when kept in good condition.

If a traditional look is important to your house, the side-hinged, double doors are an attractive option.

Where limited driveway space is a difficulty, sectional garage doors are the right choice as they open and close vertically, allowing cars to park within inches of the door without curtailing operation.

Custom made garage doors can be created to your own specifications.

Look Over Different Garage Door Plans

Free garage door plans are available online from most big name manufacturers. Design a custom garage plan that encompasses everything you want in your garage, be it a heated garage or imaginative window alternatives; there’s nothing you can’t incorporate into your plan.

The most useful part about planning your own garage door system is the option of installing it yourself. However, if you design the opening and door size to a standard size this will make it less expensive and easier to install. Also, free garage plans are a great method to troubleshoot for difficulties before they arise.

When designing a garage plan, first determine what your family needs.

Can I Install a New Garage Door Myself?

The installation of an updated garage door, whether as a replacement or a renovation to your property, is straightforward. Doors come in a factory fitted steel frame ready for quick and simple on-site installation.

All adjustable fixings are provided. Read through the installation instructions for carefully. Garage doors are large and ungainly and are therefore ideally handled by two people, which makes positioning and fixing much easier and safer.

However, the installation of a residential garage door can be technical, and probably it is not acceptable as a do-it-yourself project for the less experienced handyperson.

Ensure the Long Life of Your Investment

Getting hit by vehicles and the lack of maintenance are the leading causes of garage door damage and the need for replacement. To properly maintain your garage door you should wash painted steel surfaces several times a year. You also need to paint or refinish wood surfaces as necessary, lubricate the rollers, bearings, pulleys, and springs once a year, and make proper adjustments to all systems. Consult the installation manual for your model.

Each of the three typical garage door materials has its own benefits.

Wood doors are well insulated and have an appealing look. The downside is that wood expands and contracts and can warp or ***** as it weathers. You will find that it needs re-painting or refinishing every couple of years.

Steel doors are very robust and give great value for your money. Today’s steel doors have the look of wood without the maintenance. They come in several quality grades so you can pick the one that suits your budget and location.

Fiberglass, (or GRP), garage doors are also very low maintenance and can offer a timber effect without the maintenance of real wood. This type of door is both light and resiliant.

To clean steel and fiberglass garage doors wash both the exterior and interior twice a year using water mixed with a half cup of mild laundry detergent.

Remember that garage doors are often the largest visible part of your house, other than the siding. A clean and well maintained garage door will help keep the ‘curb appeal’ of your house, as well as it’s value!

Garage doors are now offered by manufacturers in a variety of styles that go far beyond the traditional paneled look. That makes replacing your garage doors are an effortless and cost effective way to add to your home’s value and improve your homes look.



TONY

Ryan Marley asked:


Patio doors are available as sliding doors, French doors, folding doors, upvc doors, PVCu door, double glazed, patio sliding folding doors.

Patio doors offer beauty and pretty environment in both the office and a home. Experience with indoors and outdoors living which make your home very comfort. You make this happen with patio doors that offer beauty and pretty environment in both the office and a home. It can help to increase the value of your home as well as enjoyment of your family, and friends when you have an outdoor.

Patio sliding doors

Patio sliding doors are highly suggested for view makes best use of and sunshine. Patio sliding doors are manufactured with more than two separate panels that are merged with permanent segment and boards. Sliding panels offer extra dramatic effects on their surfaces being glazed or shiny. Panel slides must be parallel to the wall so such do not block with furniture positions and even the indoors and outdoors of your home.

Double glazed patio doors

Double glazed patio doors made up of two glasses, air or gas inserted between two layers of glass. The layers are separated by a ’spacer’ that holds them from 12-26mm apart, and seals the edge between the two to prevent wetness and strengthening from compromising the lowered heat conductivity. The new generation of these doors is far more efficient for insulating your home and reducing heat loss through the glass. diy double glazing windows

Other diy patio doors products: uPVC patio doors, patio sliding door, French patio door, folding patio doors, PVCu patio doors

Patio doors: Ideal combination of historic design & advanced technology

They offer additional benefits to the entrance and backyard of your home which the focal point of your home, also add graceful drapes around these doors will serve to frame a natural living artwork.

Installing of diy patio door show beauty of the natural environment will become a part of your living room, and the smells and sounds of nature penetrate through your home and regenerate you every single day.

Patio doors have different sizes, colors, finishes, frames, profiles and styles. Patio door provides energy efficiency. Available with low cost and requires low maintenance; include multi-point locking system for better security, and sophisticated broken packages to prevent leakage.

Patio doors have best characteristics like flexibility, affordability; durability and protection also show beauty of the natural environment will become a part of your living room.



MARY

Jim Kesel asked:


Today having a large insulated garage is an important part of any new home construction. In addition many people are replacing their existing garage doors with more energy efficient doors to save money. Most homes now have the convenience of a garage doors opener that operates from both the vehicle and from a keypad or key lock. Selecting the right door garages doors opener is a lot easier now with the use of the Internet.

In terms of structural integrity your garage doors are the weakest part of your home or business. Spending the money on a top of the line garage door is a very good investment in your structure. This is especially true if you happen to live in high wind risk areas. A good high wind door will protect your structure from winds up to 140 miles per hour. Coupled with good insulated panels a good quality garage door can make a tremendous difference. If you lose your garage door during a storm even a severe thunderstorm you have a very good chance of losing the roof of your home or business.

A good garage doors opener is also critical to protecting your structures contents. Having a good garage doors opener that will lock down properly will assure that your door does not get lifted by a gust of wind. In addition it can also protect the contents of your garage and home from burglary and home invasion. The best garage doors on the market are designed to integrate with your home and business security system. This allows you to monitor your entire structure from one location in the structure and when you are away. In many cases you will be able to determine whether your garage doors are down and locked or open. When your garage doors opener operates you can also receive an email or an alert on your cell phone as well.

Quality garage door openers use several different types of drives to operate. The most common are chain, shaft and belt systems. Chain driven systems have been around the longest and are noisy but lower cost, usually between $140 and $200. Shaft drive systems are the standard. They are very reliable and do a good job of locking the door down. The average cost runs between $160 and $240. Top of the line garage door systems use a belt drive system that is very quiet but pricey $180 to $400. Remember you want a system that allows you to integrate it with your security systems so you may end up pay as much as 50 percent more. You can easily install a garage doors opener yourself; however it is best to let a professional install the system if it is being integrated into your security system.

Additional features that are necessary and required by law are automatic reverse system that is initiated upon contact and also by the sensors. A standby battery operation system that allows the garage doors opener to operate when the power is off. This feature is not only convenient but vital during strong storms when hand operation is not feasible. All garage doors openers have an emergency release that allows you to open the door manually in case of an emergency. When the vehicle is in the garage it can be very hard to access this release without damaging the vehicles finish.

Spending the time to adequately research all the different garage door opener manufactures will help you decide what garage doors opener you need for your structure. A visit to the local home improvement store will also help you find additional valuable information. In terms of a garage doors opener you should spend the most amount of money you can afford to assure the security of your home and family.



LESTER

motionlab asked:


We all expect to feel safe and secure in our own home but with crime rates constantly rising we are all becoming more conscious of the materials we use to protect our home and possessions. There are various gadgets and devices including security cameras and alarms that have been designed in order to help us all feel more secure in our homes. However, despite these developments in home security technology, the first lines of protection for our homes against potential intruders are the windows and doors.

There are multiple companies and firms worldwide that deal in the production and distribution of the various kinds of doors. One of the most reputable and well established companies is Conservatory Outlet. Respected amongst their competitors, they manufacture and distribute a wide range of doors, windows and conservatories.

All products in our range are made to the highest quality specifications and are unmatched for craftsmanship and value for money.

Residential doors

The wide range of doors designed to suit all manner of residential properties all come with enhanced security features as standard. These features include a barrel lock with anti-pick design, a centre dead bolt and latch and high security shoot bolts.

Patio doors

Not only do these patio doors add a dramatic impact on the visual aesthetics of your home, they also come with advanced specially designed security features for your peace of mind. Outlet Dealers PVC patio doors are assembled so that the four high security hook bolts hook into a one piece steel kept plate. They also come ready available with anti-pick devices on the locking handles.

Rockdoors

These PVC composite doors are available in a variety of beautiful designs that are perfect for residential properties. All doors in this range are robust and scratch resistant and are available with a multi-point locking system that prevents the door from being levered open.

French doors

The beautiful and elegant range of French doors are wonderful way to flood your home with natural light. These double doors have four hinges per door to enable even weight distribution and have hinge protectors to help stop intruders from forcing access.

Aluminum bi-folding doors

These folding doors can be used anywhere where you wish to create an open space whether it’s onto a sun terrace or as part of your conservatory. All bi-folding doors are manufactured to meet high security specifications and come with full guarantees.

All of the doors manufactured and installed by an Outlet Dealer are designed to help improve the security of your home whilst being stylish enough to suit any taste. Each design has its own list of merits and advantages but perhaps the most appropriate option for those who are worried about home security is our stylish range of patio doors. The ranges of patio doors are available in a variety of different styles and finishes with all security features added as standard. Other features of the doors include a smooth sliding mechanism and an anti-slam device.

For more information on PVC Doors, Windows & Double Glazing visit www.westyorkshirewindows.co.uk

 



HERSHEL

Stephen Dolan asked:


The most familiar types of garage doors frequently used in residential garages are retractable, canopy, side hinged, and sectional retractable doors. As compared to old garage doors, new garage doors are much more intelligent, long-lasting, useable and safe.

Residential garage doors are designed to look beautiful and offer new features like automatic door openers and more. Canopy garage doors, which roll up manually, are great alternatives to automatic doors.

If driveway space is a problem in your home, then sectional garage doors are the way to go. Also called up and over doors, they open and close vertically and store along the ceiling. This allows cars to park within inches of the door without diminishing functionality.

Custom made garage doors can be created based on your specifications.

Planning is the First Step

Take advantage of free garage door plans are available online from Stanley, Sears, Wayne Dalton, and more. Create a garage plan that encompasses everything you want in your garage from a heated garage to unique window choices.

The best part about planning your own garage door system is the choice of installing it yourself. However, in the planning stage, we recommend designing the opening and door size to a standard size, which will result in a door that is more economical and easier to install.

Also, free garage plans are an easy way to troubleshoot for problems before they appear. When designing a garage plan, you must choose what your family needs. When built according to garage building plans, a steel garage can cost you up to 40% less than conventional garages.

Install It Yourself

The installation of an original garage door, whether as a replacement for an existing door or as a renovation, is straightforward. Doors come on a factory fitted steel frame ready for quick and convenient on-site installation. All adjustable fixings are provided. Read through the installation instructions for carefully.

Take into consideration that garage doors are large and bulky, and are therefore handled surest by two people. This makes positioning and fixing much easier and safer. However, the installation of a residential garage door can be technical, and possibly it is not appropriate as a do-it-yourself project for less experienced people.

Proper Maintenance

The leading causes of garage door breakdown and replacements include being hit by vehicles and a lack of maintenance.

The ideal maintenance schedule for a garage door includes washing painted steel surfaces several times a year; painting or refinishing wood surfaces as necessary, lubrication of the rollers, bearings, pulleys, and springs once a year, and making correct adjustments to the counter balance system.

Each of the three standard garage door materials has its own benefits. Wood doors are very insulated and they have an appealing look; however, wood expands and contracts and can warp or ***** as it weathers. It will need re-painting or refinishing every couple of years.

Steel doors are vigorous and give great value for your money. Today’s steel doors have the look of wood without the headaches of the maintenance.

Fiberglass garage doors are also extremely low maintenance, offering a timber effect without the maintenance of real wood. Use a half cup of mild laundry detergent mixed with water to wash both the exterior and interior of your steel or fiberglass door twice a year.

Garage doors are a simple and low-cost technique to extend your home’s curb appeal and set it apart from the rest. Garage doors are typically the largest visible building component other than the siding on your house.

Garage doors are now offered by manufacturers in a variety of styles that go far beyond the classical paneled look. Even though there are any amount of designs, most garage doors open upward, and are self storing.



PAUL

Jim Kesel asked:


If you are searching for a quality garage door for your home you might want to consider CHI garage doors. CHI is known for its quality and durability. In terms of garage door pricing the company’s products are considered to be in the mid to upper price range. When it comes to garage doors it really is not smart to cut corners. In almost every case the garage door opening is potentially the weakest part of your homes structure. This is especially true if you live in areas that have severe thunderstorms, hurricanes or other high wind events. Experience has shown that once you lose your garage door the next thing you frequently lose is your roof.

CHI garage doors are featured as standard, medium, premium and carriage house lines. In recent years carriage garage doors have become very popular in new home construction. CHI garage doors have several designs that provide garage door that will accent many homes. The doors have a number of exterior facings that include wood, fiberglass or steel. Steel doors are probably the best door that you can purchase. They have a galvanized steel front and back with polyurethane foam insulation that gives a high insulating factor. Joints on all the CHI garage doors have either a tongue and groove or shiplap panel joints that will keep the outside elements out of your garage.

When building and designing your home make sure that your contractor and architect know that you want a good quality garage door included in the construction. CHI garage doors makes and sells a good number of standard and medium doors. While these doors are of good quality they are frequently called contractor doors by the building community. Again considering the risk of a failed garage door during a storm and/or lack of strength to deter illegal entry, cutting corners on your garage door just does not make senses.

We recommend that you consider double sided doors constructed of at least 26 gauge steel. The premium CHI garage doors achieve this bare minimum by using a combination of 27 and 25 gauge panels. However CHI garage doors do not meet the high wind codes of South Florida and other jurisdictions. CHI doors do feather polyurethane foam insulation that is sandwiched between two layers of steel that will provide some degree additional strength. Never the less if you live in an area with high wind risk it would be best to look to other manufactures.

If you are going to install a workshop in your garage or live in areas with extreme cold temperatures you should look for a garage door with a high R-rating. If the garage is going to be heated or air conditioned then you will want an R-value of at least 14. Unfortunately most of CHI garage doors do not meet this minimum standard. Many of CHI garage doors do provide R-values that range from 6 to 9 which is adequate for unheated garages.

In general CHI garage doors provide the quality you need to protect your home and provide the style and look to accent it beautifully.



JOSHUA

Matthew Stanton asked:


We know in our own house the value of a door closer. It provides reliable security and convenience for the members of the household because of the control one can avail out of a door closer. Now imagine if you run a business. Basically it entails that there are way more people coming in and out of the doors. Thus, there is a need for commercial door closers in every office building.

The typical definition of a door closer is that it is a mechanical device that closes a door, in general after someone opens it, or after it was automatically opened. Manual and automatic are two general styles of door closers.

There are two general categories of door closers offered by the market today:

Grade 1 closers are designed with multiple controls including sweep, latch and backcheck. Grade 1 closers are designed to endure high traffic areas and are typically used for main entrances of most businesses. These closers are generally used 300 to 400 times a day and last for three to seven years before needing replacement.

Grade 2 closers are designed for medium traffic in a commercial application. An example of this is an interior door in an office area that is used approximately 50 to 100 times a day. These types of closers would need a minimum of two valves to control the speed of the door. The first valve controls what is called the sweep. This is the point from where the door is fully open until it reaches about 10 degrees remaining to close. At the 10 degree point another valve takes over to control the final speed. This is called the latch speed.

Commercial door closer is also known as commercial door lock. There are certain types of commercial door locks and how to find the appropriate one for your needs.

Lever lock

The most common lever lock is known as a cylindrical lock. This lever lock is installed on the door using a 2 1/8 inch hole drilled through the door with a 1 inch hole from the edge of the door. It also uses two additional holes outside the perimeter of the 2 1/8 inch hole to stabilize the lock and prevented it from twisting on the door and causing a malfunction. The mounting post hole locations vary across the manufacturers.

When choosing a lever lock one needs to always take into consideration how often the door is going to be used. If the door is in a high traffic area than a grade 1 lock should be chosen for this application. On a door that is used about 500 to a 1000 times a day, a grade 1 lock should last about five to seven years without needing replacement.

Mortise lock

Mortise locks require that a pocket is cut out from the edge of the door allowing the mortise lock case to slide into the door pocket. On the face of the door smaller holes are cut for the lever handles, mounting posts and mortise cylinder. Most mortise locks are grade 1 and are the ideal application for high traffic areas. Mortise locks are used on most commercial office buildings. Mortise locks provide more choices for different types of trim.

Door knob locks

Commercial door knob locks fits into a 2 1/8 inch diameter hole and require a 1 inch hole from the edge of the door. These locks are still available but not used as often because ADA now requires a lever instead. Door knob locks are available in grade 1,2, and 3. These locks come in the standard functions. The most common functions are entry, storeroom, classroom, passage, and privacy.

Commercial deadbolt locks

Commercial deadbolt locks are heavier than most residential great locks. These locks are also graded to provide the consumer the ability to compare locked equally. Some deadbolts have the UL listings which may be required on some applications.

Experts of commercial door closers will help you find the right lock for your commercial application. They can also provide you the exact replacement lock you need or all the necessary information to choose an alternate lock to fit your application.



IVAN

Jenny Schweyer asked:


The true door connoisseur knows that few things speak more to taste and class in home building than French doors.  French doors add a touch of elegance to almost any home design.  In fact, they can be works of art in and of themselves.  Even modest and moderately priced homes can see a significant increase in value simply by being outfitted with artfully crafted French doors.

 

French doors are characterized by the incorporation of glass panels in a frame.  Typical French door frames are made of some type of wood, though other materials can also be used.  This is particularly true for commercial French doors, which may be made of aluminum or steel.  For residential use though, the frames are most often made of wood. 

 

French doors may be made with a single solid panel of glass, or they may be constructed with multiple glass panels which are incorporated into the frame.  In the case of exterior doors, the glass is usually double-paned for keeping weather out and heat and air conditioning inside.  Sometimes a decorative grille is embedded between the two panes of glass, creating an extra layer of security.  Interior French doors are usually single-paned.  French doors are often confused with double doors.  While they are often installed as double doors, they can be a single door as well.  Frequently single French doors are used for interior doors and double doors are used for exterior doors.

 

The glass in French doors can be as transparent or as opaque as desired (though no glass is truly 100% opaque.)  They are sometimes rated for transparency from a one to a five (five being the most opaque and one being the most transparent.)  Exterior doors are typically crafted with more opaque glass (level three to level five) for reasons of security and privacy.  Sometimes a combination of transparent and opaque glass is used, especially for interior doors where privacy isn’t an issue.  The glass in French doors may incorporate one of a number of design elements.  Glass may be beveled, etched or textured in some manner, or simply left smooth.

 

Homeowners tend choose French doors mainly for their aesthetic quality.  They add sophisticated beauty to large and smaller homes alike.  Naturally, the prolific use of glass allows more light to penetrate, particularly when it comes to exterior doors.  Allowing more natural light to enter the home sometimes means a reduction in the use of electricity, plus, natural light brightens a home in a way that no light bulb can compare to.

 

While they are chosen largely for the beauty that they add, French doors are also functional.  Homeowners can have customized security features built in.  Doors can also be accessorized with hardware (i.e. door hands, etc.) that matches both interior and exterior décor and style.  Once installed, they will last for years and add unbeatable curb appeal to any home.



JAVIER