Choosing your door threshold
We all at times step over the threshold, some of us may carry or be carried over the threshold as one of the first significant steps of matrimony, but what is the threshold? The simple answer is that it is the solid barrier that joins two sides of a door frame at the base and forms a weather tight seal from the elements, historically it was originally a piece of shaped timber, however,with the arrival of the UPVC door became an extension of the door profile which worked well but was pretty high (up to 75mm) to step over.
During recent years a lot has changed with the increased awareness of “mobility” issues a high threshold is no longer either practical or acceptable which is why when you purchase a Rockdoor from Composite Door prices we give you the choice of three heights of door threshold –An ultra low Aluminium threshold measuring only 15mm high
A slim UPVC threshold measuring 52mm high or
A full height UPVC threshold measuring 72 mm high
Sufficient choice to allow you to make the decision as to which suits your personal situation best.
With the introduction in recent years of Composite doors unless otherwise specified the low aluminium threshold has become the specification norm where it fulfils all of the weather seal requirements whilst losing no benefit of thermal impact and providing the easiest of low level multi user access (prams / wheelchairs etc simply glide over this threshold).
What should you be looking for when you choose your threshold – Composite Door prices easy guide as noted below will help you make that decision?
Composite Door Prices – Threshold Guide
The design and specification requirements related to the manufacture of thresholds are contained within the Building Regulations which may vary from one Local Authority to another but there are four main criteria to consider as it is assumed that if correctly installed all thresholds will provide suitable protection from the weather.
Functionality – who are the regular users of your home? Is tripping a major issue? If you have a regular need for wheeled access a wheelchair or pram then the most functional threshold will be the low level Aluminium threshold.
Existing levels – the level of access to your property may influence your choice e.g if you have external steps down to your property it may be advantageous to have higher threshold to minimise the possibility of water rain flowing down the steps and into your property
Existing Floor finishes – different floor finishes have different depths, solid timber laminate floors may be in excess of 25mm in depth which if already installed may be higher than a low level threshold therefore possibly preventing their use.
U Value & Thermal Efficiency – whilst all thresholds provide excellent thermal efficiency, the lower u-values can be found with the full PVC threshold
If you should have any concerns regarding your choice of threshold one of Composite Door Prices technicians is only a phone call away to give you the advice that will ensure your total peace of mind.
