Choosing a French Door Threshold Replacement
Thresholds are a necessity to fill in gaps that are uneven at the bottom of doors. They protect you from all seasons of bugs, draughts and water. A threshold that is lower is more secure for pushchairs, wheelchairs and prams, and also connects interior and outdoor spaces more seamlessly.
When advising your customers on the options for their french door thresholds it is crucial to know the different options available.
Weathered
The threshold of an external door is an essential feature of any door system, offering protection from the elements and a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor space. When choosing a threshold to go with an exterior door system it is essential to find a balance between security and aesthetics. Alongside being a necessity for keeping the home weatherproof thresholds play an essential role in ensuring the safety of the user by preventing slips and falls, as well as limiting accessibility to those who have mobility issues or wheelchairs. As a result, there are several thresholds to choose from, allowing customers to choose the one that is suitable for their home.
A weathered threshold offers excellent weather protection for exterior doors. It creates a solid barrier that blocks out water and wind as well as draughts. This type threshold is set into the floor with a rise of 14mm. french doors glass replacement reduces tripping hazards and also provides a secure seal against weather. Weathered thresholds are recommended for all exterior doors because they provide higher levels of weatherproofing compared to unweathered options. However, the greater height of thresholds with weathered coatings could cause them to be unsuitable for certain users, particularly those with pushchairs or wheelchairs.
Unweathered thresholds tend to be lower in height. Many are only a few millimetres off the ground. This means that they are less likely to create dangers for tripping. They also provide a more seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing you to connect the two in a more open and unified way. They might not provide the same levels of weatherproofing as a weathered alternative, but they are perfect for homeowners who want to enhance the look of their home without sacrificing functionality or security.
If you're planning to replace your french doors, or they are currently fitted with a threshold that is not weathered installing a new threshold might be a simple DIY project. It will help to reduce the unevenness of the gap at bottom of doors and guard against water ingress and drafts. It is possible to attach the new threshold onto an existing sill, however the threshold that was previously installed will need to be removed first. To remove the threshold, place an uncut bar (aka pry bar) between it and the subsill, and carefully pull up the middle section. If the ends of your threshold have been nailed to the subsill, you can use a hammer to pull them free of the jambs. After removing the threshold then sand it and clean off any mortar remnants. Before reinstalling the threshold it's recommended to squirt expanding foam sealant under it to hold it in place and plug any air gaps.