Where impact French doors fit

French doors are a pair of hinged glass panels that open from the center. They suit openings where a slider would feel too modern or where you want both leaves to swing wide: a courtyard off the dining room, a primary suite opening onto a terrace, or a second-floor balcony. Impact French doors use laminated glass and reinforced frames, tested as a complete unit, so the opening is protected without shutters. They work well in Mediterranean, Spanish, and traditional homes, and in clean-lined versions for contemporary ones.

In-swing vs. out-swing

The swing direction is the first decision, and it affects more than furniture layout.

• Out-swing: the most common choice for exterior impact doors in South Florida. Wind pressure from outside pushes the panels into the frame, and the doors do not take up interior floor space. You need clear space outside for the leaves to open, which can be tight on a narrow balcony.
• In-swing: keeps the exterior clear and suits a balcony or a covered loggia where furniture sits close to the door. It needs interior clearance, and the product approval has to cover in-swing operation at the design pressure the opening requires. Water performance ratings can differ between the two, so we compare them for your opening.

Divided lites and glass

Divided lites give French doors their traditional look. Depending on the system, grids can sit between the glass or be applied to the surface for a more dimensional profile. The pattern should line up with the windows on the same elevation, so we lay out grids across the whole wall, not just the door. Glass can be clear, low-E for heat control, tinted, or obscure for privacy where an opening faces a neighbor. A full-lite door with no grids gives a cleaner, more modern look.

Hardware and finishes

On a pair of French doors, one leaf is usually active and the other is secured with bolts at the top and bottom. Multi-point locks that engage at several points along the edge are common on impact doors and part of how the unit performs under pressure. Handle style and finish should match the rest of the house, and salt air near the coast is worth considering when choosing finishes. Frame colors range from white and bronze to custom finishes, depending on the manufacturer.

Approvals and permitting

Replacing an exterior door requires a building permit from the city, or the county for unincorporated areas. In Broward County, part of the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone, the door must be approved for HVHZ use, typically shown with a Miami-Dade NOA. In Palm Beach County, a Florida Product Approval or Miami-Dade NOA is accepted, and each opening must meet its required design pressure. Balcony doors in condos usually also need association approval. We handle the permit, approvals, and inspections, and you can follow progress in your client portal.

Brands and related doors

We install French doors from ES Windows, PGT, CWS, ETI, and Velocity, choosing the system that fits the opening’s size, swing, and pressure. If you want a wider opening, compare sliding glass doors and folding glass doors. For the front of the house, see entry doors and pivot doors, or browse all impact doors and matching impact windows. We work in Fort Lauderdale, Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Palm Beach, and across our service areas.

French door questions

Can impact French doors swing in?

Yes, many systems are approved for in-swing operation. The approval must cover in-swing at the design pressure your opening needs, so we confirm that before recommending it.

Can I replace a slider with French doors?

Often, yes, if the opening size works for a hinged pair and there is room for the leaves to swing. The new door still needs a permit and an approved product.

Can I add sidelites or a transom?

Many French door systems can be combined with fixed sidelites or a transom above. The whole assembly has to be approved together, which we confirm during design.