Choosing a French Door Threshold Replacement
Thresholds eliminate gaps at the bottom of doors and provide protection against the elements of water, draughts and insects throughout the all the time. A threshold that is lower also offers safety for wheelchairs and pushchairs/prams and connects indoor and outdoor spaces.
It is crucial to be aware of the various options available when advising customers about their French door threshold choices.
Weathered
The threshold of an external door is an essential element of any door system. It provides protection from the elements as well as seamless transition between indoor and outdoor space. When choosing the threshold for an exterior door system it is crucial to strike a balance between safety and design. Alongside being a necessity for keeping the home weatherproof, thresholds play an important role in user safety by preventing tripping, and limiting accessibility to those who have mobility issues or wheelchairs. Therefore there are a variety of thresholds to choose from that allow customers to pick the most appropriate one for their home.
A weathered threshold offers excellent weather protection for exterior doors. It also creates a solid wall that keeps out water and wind as well as draughts. This kind threshold is set into the floor with a rise of 14mm. This reduces tripping hazards and creates a solid seal against the weather. Weathered thresholds are recommended for all exterior doors as they provide greater levels of weatherproofing than unweathered alternatives. However, the higher height of weathered thresholds may make them unsuitable for certain people, particularly those who use wheelchairs or pushchairs/prams.
The thresholds that are not weathered tend to be less tall. They are often just millimetres off of the ground. This means they are less prone to cause accidents due to tripping. They also offer a seamless transition between indoors and outdoors and allow the two to be connected in a manner that is open and accessible. Although they aren't as weatherproofed as a weatherproofed option, they are ideal for homeowners who want to improve the aesthetics of their home without sacrificing protection or functionality.
If your French doors are currently equipped with an unweathered threshold or planning to replace the threshold, a new one is a DIY project that can help to smooth uneven gaps at the bottom of doors, and also shield against drafts and water intrusion. It is possible to install a new threshold to an existing sill, but the old threshold will need to be removed first. To take off the old sill, you need to place a flat bar between it and the subsill. Carefully lift the middle section. If french door repairs of your threshold have been nailed to the floor using a hammer to pry them off of the jambs. After removal of the threshold and sanding it, remove any mortar remnants. It is recommended to apply a foam sealant that expands beneath the threshold prior to installing it again. This will help hold it in place, and fill any air gaps.