Choosing a French Door Threshold Replacement
Thresholds are a necessity to smooth uneven gaps at the bottom of doors and offer all-season protection from bugs, draughts and water. A threshold that is lower also offers safety for wheelchairs and pushchairs/prams and more seamlessly connects indoor and outdoor spaces.
When advising your clients on their french door threshold options it is crucial to know the different options available.
Weathered
The threshold of an outside door is a crucial feature of any door. It provides protection from the elements as well as a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor space. When deciding on the threshold for an exterior door system it is essential to strike a balance between safety and design. In addition to being essential to protect your home from weather, thresholds also play a vital function in ensuring safety for the user. They stop people from falling and limit accessibility for people with mobility issues. As a result, there are several threshold options available for customers to select the one that is suitable for their home.
A weathered threshold is a great option for exterior doors, as it provides exceptional levels of weather protection and creates an effective barrier to keep the elements of wind, water and draughts out. This kind of threshold can be recessed/sunk into the floor, leaving an upstand of 14mm, which reduces the risk of tripping and creating an effective seal against elements. french door replacement should be used for all external doors, as they offer greater weatherproofing than non-weathered options. The higher height of thresholds that are weathered can make them unsuitable for some users, particularly those using wheelchairs or pushchairs/prams.
Unweathered thresholds are typically lower in height, with many just a few millimetres off the ground, which means they are less likely to create any risk of tripping. They also offer a seamless transition between indoors and out and allow the two to be connected in a way that is open and accessible. Although they may not be as weatherproofed as a weatherproof option, they are ideal for homeowners looking to enhance the look of their home without sacrificing protection or practicality.
If you're planning to replace your french doors or they have a threshold that is not weathered, installing a new threshold can be a simple DIY project. It will help reduce the unevenness of the gaps at the bottom of doors and also protect against drafts and water ingress. The old threshold needs to be removed before the new one can be fitted to the existing sill. To take off the old sill, place an aluminum bar between it and the subsill. Carefully lift the middle section. If the edges of the threshold have been nailed to the floor, use a hammer and chisel to remove them from the jambs. Once the threshold has been removed, clean off any residual mortar and sand the area to a smooth finish. When reinstalling the threshold it is recommended to spray a bit of expanding foam sealant under it to hold it in place and fill any air gaps.