Replacing uPvc window with a uPvc back door

mug51

Hi,

I've been looking to get my dining room window changed to a back door for a while so that it is a direct route to the yard.

I'm planning to keep the door the same width as the current window (1060mm) so it will just be the brickwork directly under the window that needs removing. With that in mind so I need to take any structural measures for this? I don't think I need planning.

Also, I've looked at the doors possible and have 3 options; french door, full glazed with 300mm sidelight and full glazed door.



Which door would be your choice? Leaning towards full glazed, french doors would be too much plastic I think.

Any input would be appreciated, thank you in advance.

Furts

The £440 doors will give an opening that is too small by far to be usable unless you always open both doors - which seems a bit pointless and time wasting.

The £379 option gives a decent usable opening. The door will be heavy - you only three hinges. I have a similar door - I specified mine with four hinges.

rach_k

We did similar in the kitchen and found there was no lintel above the window so that needed adding. Worth checking before you start.

I agree that French doors that narrow would need both doors opening to get out. Ours are a bit wider at 126cm-ish and are just about right to open one door only, although I'd open both if we were carrying things to and fro, or had people going in and out a lot. Any narrower and I think anybody other than a child or very slim person would feel a bit squished going through.

From the options above, my personal preference would still be to get the French doors, even knowing that both doors would need to be opened, as I think the other options are particularly ugly. That's just my opinion though! Does it have to be those styles? Obviously it depends on the style of your house there must be other options!

Furts

rach_k wrote: »

We did similar in the kitchen and found there was no lintel above the window so that needed adding. Worth checking before you start.

I agree that French doors that narrow would need both doors opening to get out. Ours are a bit wider at 126cm-ish and are just about right to open one door only, although I'd open both if we were carrying things to and fro, or had people going in and out a lot. Any narrower and I think anybody other than a child or very slim person would feel a bit squished going through.

From the options above, my personal preference would still be to get the French doors, even knowing that both doors would need to be opened, as I think the other options are particularly ugly. That's just my opinion though! Does it have to be those styles? Obviously it depends on the style of your house there must be other options!

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder! I like doors to be functional, but I accept the £374 option does look odd. An advantage with the £379 option is uninterrupted views. Perhaps not so important if viewing a yard, but only OP knows what they wish to see. It may be a beautiful yard full of fascinating plants.

But there is an added advantage with the £379 option. It is roughly big enough to be deemed Part M compliant to Buildings Regulations especially if a flush cill is fitted. That is a very worthwhile route to consider and could prove highly useful and future proofing. Definitely my choice.

Furts

ruhe wrote: »

I totally agree

I prefer the £379 option and if it's heavy it would be better to have four hinges rather than three if it's possible.
I'm doing exactly the same thing except in reverse, I'm turning an old wooden pair of French doors into a Upvc window.

The bigger the door the more thought should be given to safety. The glass could get hit carrying things through, or a burglar could have a go. Some folks walk straight into large doors not realising they are there - I have done this before! All of which means laminated glass is worthy, but it does add to the door weight. Which also comes back to my point about four hinges. A 1060 opening will be a heavy door with laminated glass. Indeed the fitter might say have some add ons each side to narrow matters down.