French doors
Fully glazed double leaves opening to a garden or balcony, inward or outward. Slim profiles keep the glass dominant.
Double-leaf door systems
Aluminium Double Doors
An aluminium double door uses two hinged leaves in one frame to give a wide, generous opening for entrances, terraces and lobbies. Its performance hinges on the meeting stiles, where the two leaves close against each other, and on the bolts and locks that hold the passive leaf. Metline supplies double door profiles, thermal break sections and accessories to door fabricators and project buyers worldwide.
- Profile series
- about 55 – 75 mm
- Alloy
- 6063-T5 / T6
- Leaves
- Active + passive, or both active
- Options
- Sidelights, transoms, glazing
How a double door works
In most double doors one leaf (the active leaf) carries the handle and lock, while the other (the passive or inactive leaf) is held shut by flush bolts into the head and threshold. Opening both gives the full width for furniture, crowds or a dramatic entrance; day to day, only the active leaf is used.
The weak point of any double door is the meeting stile. With no fixed mullion between the leaves, the seal and the lock must work across a joint that moves. Good aluminium systems use a rebated or overlapping meeting stile (an astragal), with gaskets on both leaves, a multi-point lock that engages the passive leaf at several points, and solid top and bottom bolts. Where both leaves are fitted with closers, as on many commercial and fire doors, a door coordinator ensures the passive leaf closes first so the rebate seats correctly.
Types of aluminium double door
Main entrance doors
Heavier sections, solid or decorative panels, multi-point locks and reinforced hinges for front doors of villas and buildings.
Double doors with sidelights and transom
Fixed glass beside and above the leaves to widen the entrance and bring light into the hall.
Commercial double doors
Narrow, medium or wide stile doors with closers, panic bars and hold-open devices for offices, shops and public buildings.
Double-glazed insulated doors
Thermally broken frames with double or triple Low-E glass for exterior doors in cold or hot climates.
Automatic double doors
Swing doors with electromechanical operators for accessible or high-traffic entrances.
Profiles, thermal break, glass and hardware
| Element | Typical specification | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Profile series | About 55 – 75 mm frame depth; walls about 1.6 – 2.5 mm, thicker at hinge and lock zones | Deeper, thicker sections carry heavier, taller leaves without sagging |
| Alloy | 6063-T5 / T6 or 6060-T66 to EN 755-2 or ASTM B221 | Smooth surface for coating; adequate strength for doors |
| Thermal break | Polyamide strips about 20 – 35 mm | Reduces heat loss and interior condensation |
| Glass | Double or triple insulated units, toughened or laminated safety glass | Safety glazing is required in doors under most codes |
| Meeting stile | Rebated astragal with double gaskets | Seals the joint between leaves against air and water |
| Locking | Multi-point lock on active leaf; flush bolts or automatic bolts on passive leaf | Security and even gasket compression |
| Hinges | Three or more heavy-duty or concealed hinges per leaf | Carries glass weight without dropping |
| Threshold | Drained low threshold, thermally broken | Weather resistance and step-free access |
Outward-opening leaves give better weather resistance because wind presses them onto their seals; inward-opening leaves are common in Europe and suit sheltered entrances.
Sizes, clear width and accessibility
A double door is often specified so that one leaf alone meets the required clear width for wheelchair access, with the second leaf opened only when needed. Under US ADA rules, at least one leaf must give 32 in (815 mm) of clear opening; UK Approved Document M sets effective clear widths of about 775 – 1000 mm depending on building use and approach. Typical leaf widths range from about 700 to 1200 mm and heights from 2100 mm up to 3000 mm or more for commercial entrances, with larger sizes needing deeper profiles and stronger hinges.
- Check the maximum leaf weight and size the system has been tested for.
- Use a low threshold (15 mm UK, ½ in ADA) where step-free access is required.
- Specify panic hardware to EN 1125 or exit devices to EN 179 (or UL listed in the US) on escape routes.
- Confirm hold-open and closer forces suit the users of the building.
Where double doors are used
- Residential: front entrances with sidelights, French doors to gardens and balconies.
- Offices: glazed entrance pairs with closers and access control.
- Retail: double doors set into storefront framing.
- Hotels and public buildings: wide entrances with panic hardware and automatic operators.
Finishes include powder coating in any RAL colour, anodising and wood-grain transfer, with dual-colour options on thermally broken profiles. Metline supplies the profiles, hardware and accessories; the doors are assembled and glazed by your fabricator.
References and standards
- EN 14351-1 – Windows and doors: product standard, performance characteristics
- EN 1125 and EN 179 – Panic and emergency exit devices for escape routes
- 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, section 404 (doors)
- Approved Document M – Access to and use of buildings (England)
- EN 755-2 – Extruded rod, bar, tube and profiles: mechanical properties
Aluminium (aluminum) double doors: frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the active and passive leaf?
The active leaf has the handle and lock and is used daily. The passive leaf is held closed by flush bolts at top and bottom and is opened only when the full width is needed.
Are aluminium double doors secure?
Yes, when they have a multi-point lock that engages the passive leaf, solid flush bolts, a rebated meeting stile and laminated glass. Systems tested to PAS 24 or EN 1627 RC2 give documented security.
Should a double door open inward or outward?
Outward opening improves weather resistance and saves interior space; inward opening is traditional in Europe and suits sheltered entrances. Escape doors usually open in the direction of escape.
Can aluminum double doors have sidelights?
Yes. Fixed glazed sidelights and transoms can be combined in one frame to widen the entrance and add daylight.
How wide can each leaf be?
Commonly about 700 – 1200 mm, depending on the system, glass weight and hinges. Taller and wider leaves need deeper profiles and heavier hardware.
Need aluminium double doors?
Send sizes, configuration, glass and finish. We will quote profiles, hardware and accessories delivered to site.
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