If you are looking to add a touch of class and beauty to your home without compromising on energy efficiency or practicality, French windows are the perfect choice.
This window style dates back many hundreds of years and have a proud history as part of the window industry across Europe and beyond. They are just as timeless today as they ever have been and when combined with modern technology such as double/triple glazing and multipoint locking systems they are just as sensible a window choice as they are a stylish one.
How do French windows work?
Despite being a product of the Italian renaissance era, rather than originating in France like many believe, these windows became a symbol of French architecture in the 16th century.
Their name in France is porte-fenêtre which translates to windowed doors in English. This name sums up perfectly exactly how French windows work. They are often much larger than traditional windows and are door like in appearance when in the open position.
French windows feature two separate windows each attached to one side of the frame. These two sections form one window unit but can be opened individually as well as a pair. This gives the user complete control over ventilation and the view they have of the outside world.
Where do French windows work best?
French windows look fantastic pretty much wherever they are installed but tend to work best in ground floor locations, leading out onto a garden or other outside area.
On upper levels they may lead onto a balcony or simply replace a classic casement window. The nature of French windows mean that when both sides of the window are fully opened they make an opening large enough to act as a fire escae option in the event of an emergency.
Are French doors and windows the same thing?
No, they aren’t although the design is pretty much the same. Even when French windows lead outdoors on the ground floor there are subtle differences between the two.
The main difference between French doors and French windows is the sill below the frame. With a door, this will be minimal with the threshold at the bottom of the unit as low as possible to prevent tripping.
French windows also tend to be a bit thinner than French doors, something that many believe gives them a more classic and stylish appearance.
Rather than a traditional door handle, French windows will come complete with a much more standard windows locking mechanism and will usually be opened with a twist rather than a push downwards.
If you are looking for new double glazing Edinburgh and have been comparing new window designs, French windows are a style you absolutely should be considering. With modern French windows you never need to choose between style or substance, you get both in abundance.
