Sorry, ronnatalie ~ I suppose I was thinking of American vs international plugs, which have (in assorted configurations) fat or slim round prongs or flat prongs or prongs of differing widths and in different combinations of round and/or flat, with 2 or 3 or 4 prongs per plug, set parallel or angled, centrally or off-center... and on and on. As long as the plug's prongs properly fit the outlet they were designed to fit in order to transmit the electricity for which they were designed, there really isn't any practical reason for using any one combination of prongs rather than another. No matter all the different appearances: each conducts the electricity to the appliance. The only consistency is that various countries have a preferred design. The preferred design is the local convention, and the convention is not due to practicality or a requirement of electrical transmission, but simply because sometime somewhere someone decided that only a particular design was to be used. Consistency does not have to have a practical or logical reason for existence; it simply has to be accepted by enough people for it to seem reasonable to be accepted. So whether it's about two-pronged plugs or in-swinging exterior doors, local convention rules local usage.

2 doors with separate frames = 2 separate doorways mulled together. This does not equal a 6' opening, except during the rough framing stage. You will have 2 separate completely framed openings side by side by the description given. I have seen the setup I think you're talking about (2 doors in 1 single frame to mimic the look of the patio doors). They took 2 doors and put a working latch & deadbolt on one and the receptor on the other. The receptor door also had a non-functioning handle and a slide bolt on the top & bottom for stability/security when the door was in the closed & locked position. You might be able to have a 3 point locking mechanism installed--check with your builder on this. The big thing that stands out to me when you do this is that it is hard to get the same look of the patio doors. Patio doors like you get from Pella, Jeld-wen, Andersen, Marvin, etc all have a more sleek look because the glass sits in a low profile frame. Most imitators have a bulky plastic frame that holds the glass in place. In my experience, the plastic yellows (even with a coat of paint on it) and the plugs for the screw holes never line up properly. The closest I have been able to find to a door that looks like the real patio doors from the manufacturers mentioned above is the Plastpro flush glazed door. You may want to check them out. If you want to see photos, just ask--we used the Plastpro doors on our house. Here is a link that might be useful: Plastpro Flush Glazed Doors

We have a inward swinging French patio door and would like to install a storm/ screen door that swings outwardly. Does anyone know of a place where I can buy one or order it from

Get the best quality and highest rating your budget can afford (DP or Performance Grade) because of the southern exposure. A multi point lock on both panels would be ideal. Not all multi points are created equal. I prefer a multi point that locks into the head and sill of the door frame not to the adjoining panel as some do. They will help to keep the door panels plumb over time. If you don't have an overhang or trees providing shade in the summer, I would also recommend Lowe 366 or its equivalent. As for the install, make sure they use a sill pan under the door. Again, especially because of the southern exposure. Familiarize yourself with the manufacturer's recommended installation method (should come with the door or found online) and question anything you don't like. Don't hover over the installer's shoulder as they won't appreciate that but show that you care and want it done right. You won't regret it.