If the time has come to replace your patio doors, one option you may be looking into is hinged French doors. These doors are mounted on hinges to either side. They meet in the center, and they swing either inward or outward to open up onto your patio. The setup sounds simple, but indeed, there’s more to hinged patio doors than meets the eye. Here are five things you probably did not know about hinged French doors for your Michigan home.
1. Advanced Locking Systems Make Hinged French Doors Safer
In the past, some homeowners avoided this type of door because they thought it was a security risk and was easy to break in through. However, advanced locking systems have made today’s hinged patio doors much more safe and secure. Renewal by Andersen’s hinged doors come with a unique, 5-point locking system for enhanced security. This is especially a benefit if you have children in your Michigan home.
2. Today’s Hinged French Doors are Energy-Efficient
Surely, you don’t want cold air seeping into your Michigan home in the winter. While old-fashioned hinged doors could be leaky, today’s hinged French doors are designed with energy efficiency as a priority. The same 5-point locking system that adds security also keeps the doors well sealed and leak-resistant. Continuous weatherstripping keeps air from seeping in and around the outside border of the doors.
3. Hinged French Doors Can Be Styled With Grilles
If you’re picturing expansive patio doors with two, side-by-side panels of glass, keep in mind that this is only one look to be achieved with French doors. You can customize the look of the doors by adding a grille. For a traditional look, consider a Colonial grille, which divides the window into even, square-shaped segments. For a more modern look, consider a tall fractional grille, which denotes two segments at the top of each door, only.
4. Hinged French Doors Can Be Fitted With Patterned Glass
Are you worried about privacy in relation to your big, glass patio doors? If you live in a busy neighborhood, you may not want anyone and everyone glancing into your home through the patio doors. The easiest solution is to choose patterned glass for your patio doors. The glass will still let in plenty of sunshine, but the view through the doors will be obscured for added privacy and security. You can even choose high-performance glass with patterns added, so your glass will reduce energy loss while also protecting your privacy.
5. Screens Allow You to Use Hinged French Doors for Ventilation
With such big, wide doors, you will want to open them and let some fresh air into your home sometimes. Did you know that hinged French doors can be fitted with screens? This way, you can let in fresh air without letting in insects at the same time. Renewal by Andersen offers several types of screens that are easy to clean and easy to see through.
Hinged French doors are the perfect choice for energy-efficiency, safety, and beauty in your Michigan home. To learn more about these doors and the many customization options, reach out to Renewal by Andersen of Michigan. We offer free, in-home consultations and can help you choose the best patio doors for you.
