Buying a door? Get best type of threshold for the floor

It may not seem like a big deal what height and type of threshold a replacement door has, but choose the wrong one for the wrong installation and UK homeowners may live to regret their decision. Most of us would prefer all our external doors to have a low threshold from both a practical and aesthetic point of view……….However!

Whilst low thresholds are essential for internal floors to avoid trip hazards, they need careful consideration before being specified for external residential entrances. Whatever a double glazing salesman may tell you, the simple fact of the matter is that whatever type of replacement doors you are considering (i.e. aluminium, composite, hardwood or UPVC doors), a low threshold has a poorer weather rating than standard thresholds. The usual height for an external door threshold is about 50mm high, so logically is more water-tight than low thresholds. The problem with external doors open to the elements is that driving wind and rain are more likely to be able to penetrate a low threshold than a standard one.

A Replacement Double Glazed UPVC Door Installation Which Would Benefit From A Drip Bar

One device that genuinely assists preventing this is a diagonally downwardly pointing drip bar or weather strip fitted on the door sash, directing water away from the threshold. Doors without this very simple, yet effective weather proofing device are more likely to be susceptible to leaks through the door threshold.

Take the replacement composite doors sold by Hazlemere Window Company Ltd. They all have drip bars as standard, and a choice of three threshold heights. The standard threshold height of 52mm on these double glazed thermally efficient composite doors has an excellent weather rating of 600 Pascals. However the same door with a low threshold has a weather rating on only 150 Pascals.

There are certain circumstances where a low threshold is the only option for practical purposes, such as for wheelchair or pushchair access. In these cases, weather ratings are a luxury that come second to day to day needs. However, whether the door threshold you choose is made of aluminium, hardwood or PVCU, the higher it is, and the better quality the product and fitting, the less likely you are to encounter water seeping into your home from underneath your front or back door. So when buying a replacement door, choose the best threshold for the floor.