French doors and windows installations

We recommend focusing on the overall U-value, which measures thermal efficiency, rather than just the frame material. From our work in Cheshire, we’ve found that modern aluminium frames with thermal breaks and argon-filled low-E safety glass often match or even beat the insulation of top-quality timber or uPVC.

uPVC is still the most affordable insulator, but our team has found that modern aluminium windows with built-in thermal breaks effectively eliminate cold spots. The main choice is between cost and appearance: uPVC offers great insulation at a lower cost, while aluminium offers the same efficiency with a slimmer, more modern look.

Many clients ask if the classic look of French doors means less security. In our experience, modern French doors are very strong when they have a multi-point locking system with secure hook bolts and shoot-bolts around the frame. We recommend choosing doors with anti-snap Euro cylinder locks and toughened or laminated safety glass for extra protection.

We prefer doors with reinforced central mullions and interlocking deadbolts that help stop forced entry. If you want peace of mind without adding extra security bars, we suggest shoot-bolt locks on both door leaves. Our clients say this strong, multi-point locking system makes them feel secure when they’re away from home for long periods.

Flush-sash French doors have door panels that sit flat with the frame when closed, giving the look of traditional timber joinery. Standard lip-sash doors have a raised edge that overlaps the frame. We find that flush designs look especially good on both modern homes and older cottages in Cheshire.

The main difference is that flush sash doors need to be made very precisely and use special weather seals to keep out drafts, as overlapping styles do. If you want a clean, modern look or a style that matches older homes, choose a flush sash profile with good perimeter seals for both style and performance.

Deciding between doors that open inward or outward depends on how you use your indoor and outdoor spaces. We’ve found that most people prefer outward-swing French doors because they save indoor space, allowing you to place furniture right up to the doorway.

The main downside of outward-opening doors is that they can catch the wind if not secured. To avoid this, we can add strong friction stays or magnetic door holders. Inward-opening doors take up a bit more indoor space but work better for balconies or high-up spots where wind is a bigger issue.

Yes, and many clients say this is one of the best ways to improve the look of their doors. With dual-colour frames, you can have a bold colour like Anthracite Grey, Agate Grey, or Chartwell Green outside to match your brickwork, and keep the inside neutral with White or Heritage Cream.

The only downside is that dual-colour frames cost a bit more and take a little longer to make than single-colour ones. In our experience, it’s best not to sacrifice your interior lighting for exterior aesthetics. If you want your new doors to match both your home’s inside and outside, dual-colour finishes are a great choice.

We’ve found that French doors are usually more energy efficient than large bifold doors. This is because French doors have fewer joints and longer seals, which means fewer places for drafts to get in. With low-E toughened safety glass, French doors can reach very low U-values since they have fewer moving parts than bifold systems.

The main difference is how wide you can open them: bifolds let you open up a whole wall, while French doors have a set central opening and optional side panels. Our clients find French doors give a good mix of energy savings, classic style, and easy everyday use.

We’ve seen that modern woodgrain foil finishes on uPVC or composite doors give you the look and feel of real timber, but with almost no maintenance. Unlike real wood, which needs sanding and painting every few years, aluminium and woodgrain uPVC doors just need an occasional wash with warm, soapy water.

The downside is tactile authenticity: while high-grade textured foils replicate natural grain patterns remarkably well, they lack the organic weight or the ability to be re-stained as with solid oak or other hardwoods. If you want the classic aesthetic of traditional timber without the seasonal maintenance, our team strongly recommends a foil-laminated flush-sash uPVC frame.

When you need both warmth and quiet, we suggest acoustic laminated double glazing or argon-filled acoustic glass. Standard double glazing works for normal noise, but using glass panes of different thicknesses, like a 6mm outer pane and a 4mm inner pane, blocks sound even better.

To keep heat in and reduce noise, we use low-E coatings and warm-edge spacer bars for the best results. The only downside is that thicker acoustic or triple-glazed glass makes the doors heavier, so we fit strong, adjustable hinges to support them. If your home is near a busy road or in town, we recommend a 28mm acoustic double-glazed unit with a high-quality warm-edge spacer. Our clients notice much less outside noise and better warmth right away.