Design of French plastic windows in an apartment and a private house

Leading technical specialist at Okna-Media company

The article was prepared specifically for the site https://azaoknom.ru “And Behind the Window”

No one knows exactly why large panoramic windows are called French, but when they are mentioned, everyone understands what kind of windows we are talking about. French are large-format structures that occupy space from floor to ceiling, with hinged or sliding doors. Sometimes such windows serve as doors to balconies or loggias.

Today, panoramic French windows made of plastic are installed not only by owners of city apartments or owners of prestigious business premises. Designs that provide luxurious views of the local area are often used by people living outside the city. They install large windows in private houses: on verandas or in rooms overlooking a river or lake, as well as beautiful mountains or forest edges in order to constantly feel like they are in nature and admire its beauty at any time of the year.

What are French windows

A French window is a translucent structure in which the base of the window unit rests on the floor and combines the functions of a window and a door. It is the presence of a passage (doors) that distinguishes French windows from panoramic ones. In the common vocabulary, two concepts are confused - panoramic and French windows, but there is a difference between them (in a nutshell: panoramic windows are large windows, and French windows are large doors). Therefore, French-style windows are more correctly called French doors.

French windows can have sliding (sliding to the sides) or casement sashes that open outward or inward. The design feature of casement windows is the absence of an impost (vertical profile between the sashes).

A characteristic feature of French windows is their high height (from the door or window lintel to the floor or from the ceiling to the floor). Width is not of fundamental importance; narrow windows also look attractive. Although it is believed that the translucent structure should occupy half or 2/3 of the wall.

French windows: design features

French windows, which have become widely popular in recent years, are large-sized window structures that occupy space from floor to ceiling. These can be two large frames or sections stretching along the entire length of the wall. The main design feature of panoramic windows is the absence of a vertical jumper between the window sashes, which ensures free exit through such a system.

Bedroom with beautiful view of the pond

Windows and doors will help visually expand the size of the room

Advice! Using French windows allows you to significantly save on energy. The large size of window structures provides illumination even to remote corners of the apartment.

Classic French-style windows have a rectangular shape, but can be made in the form of an arch. To open the sashes, different mechanisms are used, depending on which the window structures can be sliding, hinged, in the form of a “book” or “accordion”. The latter type allows you to completely “open” the wall, but is recommended for installation in rooms where there is an insulated, heated loggia or balcony. This is due to the fact that the “accordion” design does not allow for 100% insulation between the window sashes.

Maximum natural illumination of the room is one of the main advantages of panoramic windows

Magnificent mansion with panoramic windows

French windows in an apartment or house, depending on the materials used, can be of the following types:

• plastic, characterized by particular practicality;
• wooden - beautiful and durable, but requiring constant care;
• aluminum, characterized by good performance, but high cost.

For French-style windows, special fittings have been developed that are suitable for a certain type of panoramic glazing. The design of such systems is constantly being improved. There are types of panoramic glazing in which the bottom of the window is located flush with the floor. There is no need to step over a kind of threshold when going out onto a balcony or street.

A wall of transparent glass erases the boundaries between the room and the area adjacent to the house

Cozy living room with stunning ocean views

French windows fit perfectly into a classic interior

The appearance of French windows

Why are these windows called French, and when did they appear?

Despite the fact that these designs are reminiscent of futuristic films and seem to be taken from the pages of novels about the future, where people live in glass houses, these designs did not appear in the 21st or even 20th centuries.

The first mentions and drawings of such windows date back to the 7th century - the Renaissance in France. Back then, windows consisted of a frame and two sashes that swung open or moved relative to each other. Production technologies simply did not allow making glass of such a size that it would be uniform. Therefore, the design that is known in our country as “French windows” in Europe is historically called “French doors”, because initially there was no glass in the designs.

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With the development of technology and production, it became possible to make windows without any additional sashes and partitions; plastic profiles appeared. Such designs began to be especially loved in the picturesque and warm regions of France and Italy . The emerging Provence style actively used these designs, adding lightness to the interior and emphasizing the virtual absence of boundaries between nature and man.

In Russia, they became interested in such an interior solution in Soviet times - Stalinist houses with impressive height ceilings and large spacious rooms began to be made even lighter and visually wider with the help of panoramic glazing. Today, many people choose this solution for balconies and loggias to add light to the room they are adjacent to.

What justifies the demand for French windows - vagaries or advantages?

Now, let's rewind time 13 centuries back for a couple of moments and find out for what reasons French architects brought to life such a bold idea, which is very popular even now, in 2021. Having seen a couple of photos of old majestic French windows, it is truly breathtaking just to think that something like this can now be easily implemented at home.

The main advantage of a French window can rightfully be considered good illumination of the room. After all, a window opening the size of the entire wall definitely lets in more sunlight than a regular window. And if you also consider that the birthplace of French windows is picturesque Provence, then you can easily understand the desire of the architects to minimize the barrier that existed between the house and such beautiful panoramic views of the area.

Today, French windows in the interior are an almost universal element that easily fits into various interior styles. By their nature, they are most characteristic of the Provence style (which, accordingly, also formed in France).

Glass, like mirrors, has the wonderful ability to visually enlarge space. Therefore, thanks to a panoramic window occupying an entire wall, your room will seem much wider, more spacious and freer. In addition, the presence of French windows in the house automatically increases the respectability of the appearance of your home.

Progress does not stand still, and today French windows are not only large transparent double-glazed windows. And if you have been thinking about a panoramic window for a long time, but were always afraid of catching the prying glances of random passers-by, now you can easily avoid this. You just need to use tinted, mirrored double-glazed windows or smart glass.

For creative types, French windows with stained glass or decorative overlays are ideal. After all, there really is a canvas for your imagination and the opportunity to make your panoramic window a unique element of decor or even the highlight of the whole house.

Advantages and disadvantages of French systems

Plastic window structures today are most often used by both ordinary homeowners and owners of commercial or industrial premises. This happens due to the successful combination of the characteristics of these windows with their low price and attractive appearance.

A window made of high-quality plastic, if installed correctly, will retain warmth and comfort in a living space for many years, without requiring any special care.

pros

Among the many advantages of plastic window structures, the following are particularly highlighted:

Warmth and tightness - products retain heat well, eliminate drafts and do not require annual additional insulation

Efficiency - even in unheated rooms, after installing plastic windows with double-glazed windows, the temperature rises by almost five degrees

Strength and durability - the plastic frame profile has metal reinforcement, which makes the structure resistant to mechanical stress. The plastic base withstands atmospheric disasters and light household chemicals well

Versatility - windows do an excellent job of thermal insulation, sound insulation, and are a barrier to the entry of unwanted persons. They do not need to be insulated, and regular maintenance consists of simply wiping them with a damp cloth and household cleaner.

Durability – the service life of plastic windows is more than 40 years, and during all this time they look great and perform their intended functions

Minuses

However, no architectural design is without its drawbacks, and French windows are no exception. Here are the most significant disadvantages:

High cost: measures to insulate the room and increase safety require the installation of impact-resistant glass. Moreover, in most cases, double-glazed windows are double-chamber or more, with special expensive coatings designed to reflect heat rays

High temperatures in the warm season: on hot days you will have to use air conditioning

Difficulties with maintenance: cleaning large and tall fixed windows is quite difficult, especially if they are installed above the second floor

Discomfort: For some people, being in a room with transparent walls can be uncomfortable

Types of large French windows

Let's consider the existing differences between such systems:

Difference in design

One-piece designs

A distinctive feature is the absence of partitions in the window frame. The massive design puts forward special requirements for fittings and the method of opening windows. The fittings must be able to withstand the weight of heavy tempered glass 6-8 mm thick. It is advisable to choose a sliding opening method for solid structures.

Sectional structures

Partitions that divide a panoramic window into parts give it greater strength and greater rigidity to the entire structure.
The maximum number of sashes is 7 pcs. which is due to the peculiarities of fastening the runners for their sliding. Articles on the topic:
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Difference in frame

Two design options for the frame with a lintel (impost) and without (shtulp)

With impost

An impost is a vertical lintel against which the window sashes lean. The presence of an impost makes the structure stronger, allows you to open one or both doors, and put the door “for ventilation.” But this frame design contradicts the philosophy of the “French” window, the meaning of which is the absence of an impost.

With shtulp

When open, the shutters allow you to get a panoramic view from the window, which is not spoiled by the vertical lintel. However, such sashes can only be rotary (and not tilt-and-turn). But the very idea of ​​a French window lies precisely in the absence of obstacles to view or passage, which makes frame windows more “correct”, i.e. in French style.

Difference in functionality

Portal window

A portal window system is a window, one or more sashes of which open, performing the function of a door. The portal window system is distinguished by its large area and reliability. A French portal window is installed at the exit point from the house or instead of a balcony block

Book or accordion

It also functions as a door, but the difference is in the way the door is opened.
In this case, the door slides apart and folds like an accordion, allowing for a wide passage. Folding accordion windows are popular in large spaces. Related articles:
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Variety of opening methods

Hinged windows

Similar to traditional doors. They are preferred when installing French windows in narrow openings, where it is not possible to organize a fully functioning sliding window system. A hinged window-door can open inward or outward. A classic handle is used for opening.

Parallel sliding (sliding)

The most reliable and functional, and therefore the most popular window system with parallel-sliding opening among users. The window has sliding sashes that can move on the sides, i.e. move to the side parallel to the frame. Latches and bolts are used to open and hold the door open.

Sliding book type (accordion)

The accordion window opens as fully as possible, and the sashes are assembled in the so-called “parking space”. The limitation for installing sliding windows is the small area of ​​the room.

Differences in material

Despite the significant size of the glass and the window openings being closed, the frame for French windows can be made of any materials. Among those that are used are:

Wooden French windows

Wooden windows are considered the most expensive option and require specific care. They are valued for their beauty and breathable structure - even when closed, air penetrates into the room through such windows through the smallest wood pores. To create inexpensive windows, pine wood is used, while more valuable structures are made from larch or oak.

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Wooden windows look beautiful - their structure and exclusive design will enhance any building and give it a unique character. If you are not constrained by financial means and are not afraid of the specifics of caring for wood, then panoramic windows made of natural material are certainly the best choice for a living space.

Oak, larch, and less often pine are used as raw materials.
For production, we use not solid wood, due to the risk of its deformation, but laminated veneer lumber, as it is more resistant to external factors. Wooden French windows are captivating because they provide constant ventilation in the room even when closed. However, the tree is demanding to process and difficult to maintain. All this led to the considerable cost of French windows made from wood. We can say that they are designed for a segment of consumers with an income significantly above average. Related articles:
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Aluminum French windows

French windows made of aluminum are superior to their wooden counterparts in terms of durability, and are also easier to operate and maintain. Unfortunately, they cannot be called “breathable”, but they can be decorated with wood, stone, or any other material. The cost of aluminum structures is only slightly cheaper than that of wood products.

Plastic French windows are considered the most inexpensive - they are practical, easy to clean, but do not allow air to pass through at all when closed and have limited possibilities for decoration.

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Aluminum profiles are in demand due to their lightness and high strength, which is very important for French glazing. Traditionally, aluminum profiles are used for cold glazing, but thanks to the introduction of thermal break technology, warm aluminum windows have appeared.

An aluminum window profile with a thermal break is a structure that has a thermal insulation layer (thermal bridge or thermal break) between the outer and inner profiles. Thanks to the presence of a thermal break, it became possible to make warm glazing using aluminum profiles.

Aluminum French windows can have different configurations. Designed for consumers with above-average income. They can be considered an intermediate link between wood and plastic.

Plastic French PVC windows

PVC profiles are used for the manufacture of standard window blocks and French ones. The plastic is quite durable, easy to process, and can be used to make a frame of any configuration. In a number of materials used for the manufacture of windows, plastic is distinguished by its low cost. To reduce thermal conductivity, the plastic profile can have from 3 to 7 chambers. PVC windows are intended for a wide range of consumers.

Fiberglass French windows

They are new to the market. Glass composite windows have proven themselves well due to their low thermal conductivity, light weight, and strength. The disadvantage is the high cost.

Variety of types of glass installed

• thermopolished glass (float glass);
• tempered glass;
• electrochromic glass (smart glass), the degree of transparency is controlled remotely by an electronic system (expensive technology, from 35 thousand rubles per square);
• triplex. The glass consists of two parts, between which the film is placed.

Triplex windows are safe. Triplex glass is more resistant to stress, it is difficult to break, and when broken, it does not shatter into thousands of sharp fragments, but crumbles (or is held in place by a film) into rounded fragments.

Differences in layout options:

A private house with French windows will always be unique due to the variety of layouts that are used in its manufacture.

Decorative layout (shprosy) is a plastic or aluminum grille inserted into a window, which visually divides a large glass into several blocks. Window frames are designed to strengthen a wide/high window and decorate it.

Types of window frames (layouts):

• constructive . In this case, the frames divide a large window frame into several parts, in each of which a separate double-glazed window is inserted;

• invoices (Venetian) . Attached to glass. Installed outside or inside the glass unit. Serve solely for decoration;

• interglazed . Installed between the glass panes during the manufacture of double-glazed windows. This location makes them undemanding in care, since they are not exposed to environmental factors.

Specifics and cost of huge windows

Since the cost of plastic French windows with installation cannot be called cheap ( from $400 ), you need to have 100% confidence that they are necessary in the apartment and will not reduce the comfort of the room they equip.

First, you need to take into account the panorama that will open from the large windows. A view of a highway or a working factory is unlikely to be a pleasant daily decoration, for which it is worth spending money on expensive structures.

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A beautiful natural landscape or an urban picture of an energetic city is worth admiring on a daily basis, but only for those to whom they are close in spirit. In any case, you need to be prepared for the fact that panoramic windows will radically transform the room itself and its internal atmosphere.

In order not to worry about heat losses during the cold autumn-winter season, you need to correctly select and install a radiator for the windows. For panoramic structures, special heaters are suitable, placed on the floor or inside it, near the glass. When installed correctly, radiators will not only maintain the desired temperature in the room, but will also prevent condensation and frost from forming on the glass.

Where are wide French windows installed?

When thinking about interior design with the installation of a French window, you can use different methods of installing and finishing it. At the same time, owners of private houses have practically no restrictions, but owners of apartments in a multi-storey building are limited in installation options.

French windows in the apartment

In a finished apartment, you can install a French window with a plastic base in one of three variations:

• Between the balcony and the room . During the procedure, part of the wall with a window sill is removed and a panoramic structure is installed across the entire width of the resulting opening.
• Window exiting to a glazed loggia . The panoramic window is installed in the same way as in the first case, however, the balcony itself is pre-insulated and glazed.
• Panoramic window to the street . The most effective option, allowing you to make one of the walls of the room almost transparent for admiring the beauty of the city or country landscape. The method is used least often, as it involves serious intervention in the structure of the load-bearing wall.

French window to the balcony (loggia)

One of the ways to visually expand the space of a living room. However, it should be remembered that installing a French window instead of a balcony block entails a change in the geometry of the doorway, and as a result, a transformation of the load-bearing wall structure, which requires approval from the permitting authorities. And it is not always possible to obtain permission. Unauthorized introduction of changes with subsequent legalization is fraught with fines;

French window in Khrushchev

They can be installed if the degree of deterioration of the structure allows and it is possible to make changes to the geometry of the openings. Considering the period of construction of the Khrushchev buildings, one must also take into account the attractiveness of the surrounding landscape, as well as the likelihood of constructing new buildings. So as not to hide the picture behind the window with massive curtains;

French windows in an old house

It is immediately worth noting that in houses built before the 90s, it is almost impossible to obtain permission to redevelop a panoramic window. The fact is that the service life of the housing will directly affect the decision of the design commission: if the building was built a long time ago, then structural changes of any kind can provoke a collapse.

If you still want to use a panoramic window in your interior, then you should do it on a balcony or loggia, since these structures are not load-bearing. You will simply need to dismantle the existing structure, get rid of parapets and walls, reinforce the balcony slab with a metal frame, weld a light frame for the glazing and complete it by ordering the windows you need.

French windows in a private house

French windows are perfect for private houses that have access to a courtyard or garden, or a view of the mountains, forest or lake. If you are the happy owner of a home with a beautiful view, then this type of glazing will be very useful. However, take into account that your house must be very warm, with heated floors, and you will have to spend money on convectors to protect the window from frost.

French windows in a brick house

It would seem that there is no difference between a panel and a brick building when it comes to glazing, but this is not so. It is easier to obtain permission to install a French window in a brick house, because you can strengthen the enlarged opening with planks, and then carry out the installation according to the same scenario, which is described below and applies to a panel house.

French windows in a panel house

Installation difficulties often arise here. This is especially true for panel houses built after 2007. The author of the design of most panel series of houses in Moscow is JSC MNIITEP.

And since 2007, he began to design houses with protection from progressive collapse.

As a result, the window sill block has become a single part of the outer panel of the house and its dismantling will weaken the entire structure. That is, there are often situations where there are two identical houses, one series, number of floors, etc. Only one house was built in 2005, and the second house was built in 2008.

And in a house built in 2005, the window sill block can be dismantled without any difficulties, but in a house built in 2008, this either cannot be agreed upon in principle, or the approval is very complicated and expensive.

French window in the kitchen

Allows you to enjoy the beautiful view outside your window more often. Since it is in the kitchen that users spend a significant part of their time, without being distracted by equipment.

The easiest way to design and then install French windows is during the construction of the building. In this case, it is convenient to plan both the external design and the interior of the room.

If installation work needs to be carried out in a finished house, then there are not many options for installing structures. In any case, before starting the procedure, it is necessary to obtain permission from management organizations to redevelop the apartment, since such work falls into this category.

In conclusion, I would like to note that installing plastic French windows for the sake of mindlessly following fashion is not worth it. They may not suit a specific apartment, house architecture, or interior design. Consider whether your heating system can cope with large heat losses, and whether it is possible to install special additional heaters. After all, imagine whether you would be comfortable all the time in a room with huge windows that allow strangers to watch you.

If you answered yes to most of the questions, then you can safely begin planning and choosing luxurious panoramic windows for your home, the most suitable design and construction.

If during operation of the structure you see that the window does not fully satisfy any of the declared characteristics, then you should urgently contact the manufacturer and voice a justified complaint to him.
The company is obliged to eliminate the defect or provide replacement of the window. Related articles:
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Installation options

Planning the installation of such a structure in a private house is quite simple. When considering the presence of a French window in the interior, you should remember that it has many options and possibilities. But for an apartment there are not so many ways to install French windows.

In order to be able to install such a structure in your home, you need permission from the administration, because this is considered redevelopment. In a city apartment, such a window is installed in three options:

• between the room and the balcony;
• window as an exit to the balcony;
• overlooking the street.

French windows are installed not only because they are very fashionable. With their help, an apartment with a balcony or a house can be transformed beyond recognition, giving the owner of the room a sense of pride.

Heating of French windows from floor to ceiling

Floor-to-ceiling windows came to us from France, where the climate is much milder than the domestic one. Therefore, even residents of warm southern regions are forced to install heating radiators under French windows.

Methods for heating rooms with French windows

• installation of heating radiators on the wall of the room opposite the window . In this case, the heating of the room will be uneven and condensation may appear on the windows. Despite the fact that French windows are a warm type of glazing, due to their large area they are a source of heat loss in the house;

• installation of in-floor convectors . An ideal solution for heating installations in rooms with panoramic glazing. But, the cost of built-in convectors is very high. In addition, hidden heating systems under windows are installed at the construction stage, because installation is carried out in the ceiling (in the floor). Therefore, they are more often used in private homes. The key advantage of in-floor convectors is that warm air rises directly from under the window, which creates a kind of thermal curtain and prevents the room from quickly cooling;

• warm baseboard (electric, water) is a new technology that has proven itself as an optimal solution in rooms with a large glass area. Heating elements are mounted around the perimeter of the room; due to their small size, they do not block the view and do not clutter up the usable area of ​​the room;

• heated floor (water, electric) – with proper calculation and installation, ensures uniform heating of the room. Installation is possible both in houses and apartments.

Condensation on floor-to-ceiling windows

The main problem that owners of “French” (floor to ceiling) windows face is the appearance of condensation.
This is why heating is done under the window. But heating alone is not enough; you need to ensure good ventilation. It is advisable to have a supply and exhaust system (in modern houses with sealed windows, one hood will not be enough). Due to poor ventilation, there will be high humidity, which will lead to the formation of condensation on the inner surface of the glass unit. Related articles:
◾Window service life

◾Laminated double-glazed windows

◾Triplex windows

Design options for French windows

It is not recommended to use heavy curtains or lambrequins to design panoramic glazing. It is worth considering that this is not only a window, but also a door. The best option is opaque curtains made of thin fabric along the edges, which should be matched to the overall style of the interior. For small windows, laconic curtains made of translucent lightweight materials, such as organza, are suitable.

Beautiful interior of a cozy living room

French windows with Roman blinds

Color block curtains will be a wonderful decoration for French-style windows. They are a canvas sewn from fabric of various colors. Such curtains with bright colors add unusualness and originality to the interior.

Color block curtains are perfect for decorating panoramic windows

Modern French windows are not just a fashion statement. They add comfort, elegance and aesthetics to the atmosphere of the home.

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