French doors are popular in homes that have a patio, and they’re a great option for combining elegance and function within your home. Frequently designed with glass panes separated into different sections, French doors are easy to install and offer a stylish barrier between two spaces. If you have French doors in your home, or if you’re thinking about installing them to connect the indoors and outdoors of your space, there are some tips and tricks to follow that will make your French doors look great and provide the privacy and comfort you want. Read below for tips on how to update your French doors for the summer or add them to the design of your home.
Installing French doors
If you want to install French doors on your home, there are certain tips you’ll want to keep in mind. Choose a French door that has a three-point locking system. This system of locks increases security in your home and prevents the doors from opening during harsh weather conditions. When installing your new doors, consider buying doors that are already pre-hung. This takes out many of the tedious processes of installing a door, and leaves you with the same results. With your new doors installed, Phantom’s retractable screens allow you to open up your home and keep the insects out.
Cleaning your doors
Keeping your doors clean and good as new is important for adding curb appeal to your home. Since French doors sometimes have window panes or just a sheet of glass spanning much of the frame, cleaning your doors is easy. To clean glass, use a window cleaner from a home improvement store, but note that this could leave streaks. For a shiny appearance, try a squeegee and a bucket of soap. This will leave you the clean, shiny surface you want. Some say that vinegar is another way to properly clean class. Rub some on a newspaper to get the door corners clean. Don’t forget about the metal locks and the other surfaces of your doors. Use a proper cleaner for the type of material your door’s locks and bolts are made from, and clean these as often as you clean the glass to avoid smudges, germs and dirt.
Screening French doors
Phantom’s retractable screens offer an easy and effective way to screen French doors. Because French doors are operated as either swing-in or swing-out, Phantom’s screens do not interfere with their functionality. They can be installed on the inside or the outside of your doors, allowing for increased privacy, bug protection and shade. A screen is mounted on both the left hand and right hand side of the opening and the screens pull together in the middle. Either side can be opened independently of each other giving you versatility when you’re walking through the opening. Different colors and styles of mesh are available for your screens, allowing them to blend effortlessly into the decor of your home. Both stylish and functional, Phantom’s Legacy or Professional retractable screens let the sunlight in on warm summer days, but also ensure that your home is receiving proper ventilation. Whether you want to enjoy the outdoors from inside or open your doors to feel the breeze, Phantom’s product is a great option for screening.
Adding privacy
Standalone French doors don’t offer much in the way of privacy, so you may want to add blinds or curtains to your doors to keep peering eyes out. If blinds and curtains aren’t your style, consider using a product called window film. You’ll have to measure your space so that a piece of film can be cut and placed on your door. It comes in a variety of styles, including stained glass and frosted windows. A great thing about window film is that it does not add bulk to your doors, leaving them with a more natural look.