One cannot stress enough importance of the use of doors in a home. It wards off intruders, provides privacy for the homeowners, helps control temperatures within one’s abode and acts as a noise barrier, among other things. However, since human beings are more inclined to aesthetically pleasing objects, it is no wonder that even the most humble of all home furnishings has not escaped and dodged this yearning for the beautiful. This is highly evidenced by the appearance and popular use of exterior French doors in homes all over the world.

Exterior French doors owe its origins to the French, hence its name, who in the 17th century used these stylish doors to provide easy access their small balconies. Characterized by the use of glass panels and highly influenced by the Renaissance aesthetic, they originated as large windows that typically reached to the floor. These sophisticated objects then started appearing on English soil by the late 17th century, and the rest as they say, is history. Since its original conception as an access point to small French balconies, these doors have now started to appear in different areas of the home and office to give one’s quarters a more sophisticated look and to draw in more light. This was extremely handy when it was first developed since it was during the time when electricity was yet to be discovered. It allowed the home’s residents to enjoy light longer during the day.

Exterior French doors can be installed as one panel or in a pair. It is characterized by the use of one or more transparent panels called lights or lites, which are attached to its study wood or metal frame. These doors are oftentimes referred to as French windows, keeping in tune to its origins and also because it resembles a door-length casement window. Their bottoms are typically installed with a weather strip to prevent water from seeping into the home. Exterior French doors are relatively easy to install since they require no extra special procedures in installation. It is no different from installing a traditional, normal door. First step is to check the opening measurements where the door will be installed. Prepare the desired cut, making sure to leave enough room for the casings. Protect and seal the floor where one will be placing the door sill by running a line of caulking through it.

Install as one would any traditional door. Check that screws are held in place before installing the doorknobs. Placing fiberglass insulation in the gaps between the house and door frame is highly recommended before installing the moldings. Next, install both interior and exterior holdings, making sure that the latter is protected with a line of caulking to prevent air from seeping inside. Once dried, the door can now be painted to a desired color. Exterior French doors have been preferred by both homeowners and seasoned professionals alike, not only for their stylish features but for their extreme functionality as well. It is highly unlikely that these doors’ popularity will wane out anytime soon.

Author Bio: William I. Neil is an architect, providing home improvement information and business directory listing about exterior french doors also categories, e.g. sliding french door

Category: Home Management
Keywords: exterior french doors, french doors, exterior doors, french door, door, home, home improvement