Aluminium French Doors:
A Comprehensive Guide
Aluminium French doors are the perfect blend of elegance, durability, and modern design. Originating in France during the 16th and 17th centuries, these doors have evolved to become a favorite for homeowners who desire an influx of natural light and a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living spaces. With aluminium frames, French doors gain the added benefit of strength and longevity, making them an excellent choice for contemporary homes.In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about aluminium French doors—from their unique benefits to how to choose the right style for your home.
What Are Aluminium French Doors?
Aluminium French doors are characterised by their large glass panes that run the length of the doors, allowing an abundance of natural light to flow through. Typically installed in pairs, they open outward or inward on hinges, providing a wide entryway. The use of aluminium for the frames enhances their durability and makes them low-maintenance while giving a sleek, modern look.
Aluminium French Doors vs. Patio Doors
The primary difference between aluminium French doors and patio doors lies in their opening mechanism. While aluminium French doors open on hinges, patio doors slide along a track. French doors offer a traditional, elegant appearance, whereas sliding patio doors present a more contemporary aesthetic. Aluminium framing offers a modern twist to both styles, providing strength without compromising on slimline design.
The Benefits of Aluminium French Doors
1. Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living
Modern aluminium French doors can be equipped with double or triple glazing, significantly improving your home's energy efficiency. The aluminium frames, thermally broken, further reduce heat transfer, keeping your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer, all while reducing your energy bills.
2. Durable and Low Maintenance
Aluminium is highly resistant to corrosion, making it an ideal choice for external doors. Unlike wood, aluminium won't warp, rot, or require constant repainting. Its low-maintenance nature means that your French doors will retain their sleek appearance for years to come, with only minimal upkeep needed.
3. Energy Efficiency
Modern aluminium French doors can be equipped with double or triple glazing, significantly improving your home's energy efficiency. The aluminium frames, thermally broken, further reduce heat transfer, keeping your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer, all while reducing your energy bills.
4. Maximised Natural Light and Scenic Views
With expansive glass panels, aluminium French doors flood your home with natural light, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. The slim aluminium frames allow for larger glass areas compared to other materials, maximising your view of the outdoors. Whether overlooking a landscaped garden or a scenic view, aluminium French doors bring the beauty of nature into your living space.
5. Enhanced Security
Aluminium French doors are built with strength in mind, offering enhanced security features such as multi-point locking systems and toughened or laminated glass. Aluminium’s robust nature makes it highly resistant to forced entry, giving you peace of mind that your home is secure.
Choosing the Right Aluminium French Doors for Your Home
Aluminium French doors combine the traditional charm of classic French design with the strength, durability, and modernity of aluminium. Whether you’re looking to maximise natural light, improve energy efficiency, or enhance your home’s aesthetic, these doors offer a timeless solution. Explore the many options available, from colour to glass choices, and enjoy the perfect fusion of elegance and performance.
1. Assess Space Availability
When considering aluminium French doors, ensure there is adequate space for them to open fully. If space is limited, sliding patio doors might be a more practical option. The slim sash of aluminium doors measures just 135mm in width at the door centre.which means they take up less visual space, giving the illusion of a larger room even in more compact areas.
2. Glass Options
Choosing the right glass is essential for both style and functionality. Double-glazed or triple-glazed glass can improve thermal performance and soundproofing. You can also opt for patterned glass or integral blinds for added privacy, without compromising on style.
3. Consider Security
For extra security, choose aluminium French doors with advanced locking mechanisms. Features such as 3-star door barrels, multi-point locks, and laminated or toughened glass will help keep your home safe while maintaining an elegant aesthetic and with optional customer requested specification meets the requirements of PAS 24.
4. Style and Finish
Aluminium French doors are available in various colours and finishes, allowing you to customise them to match your home’s design. Powder-coated finishes provide added protection against weathering while offering a range of colour options, from sleek black or anthracite grey. Any colour is available courtesy of our inhouse spray painting line.
French door specifications
Features
French Door handle colours include white, black,7016 grey, brushed satin and chrome
Profile colour matched hardware available by special order. All doors come with keyed-alike YALE cylinders and can be upgraded to three-star cylinders
Trickle vents can be specified in two options routed into a additional aluminium knock on profile above the french door or as shown here routed into the door leaf extra charge
Each door leaf is supported by four non adjustable hinges available in black,grey 7016 and white profile coloured hinges available to special order
French Door Threshold Options
French Door Locking
The french master door is fitted with an ingenious double opposing claw lock, which two opposing claws one set at the top one set at the bottom.A claw deadbolt and latch.
The french slave door lock is a nylon shootbolt rod that engages directly into the outerframe internal rebate
giving approx 20 mm of coverage.
U-Values
The aluminium french door can achieve Part L compliant U-values as low as 1.1 W/m2K when combined with energy efficient triple glazed glass, providing maximum thermal efficiency.With centre pane U value of 1.0 W/m2K with a 28 mm double glazed unit the french doors achieve a U value of 1.5 W/m2K
Performance
Thermal Efficiency
U-values as low as 1.4 U W/m2K and Door Energy Rated (DER) B to meet Part L requirements
Weather Tightness
Weather proof tested to BS6375 Part 1 : 2009
Water Tightness
Class 9A (600 Pa) with standard threshold
Wind load resistance
Class A3 (1200; 1/150)
Security
PAS24: 2022 when ordered with upgraded specification