Choosing a French Door Threshold Replacement
Thresholds fill in gaps in the bottoms of doors, and offer protection from the elements of water, draughts and bugs all through the all year. A lowered threshold is safer for pushchairs, wheelchairs or prams, and also connects interior and outdoor spaces more effectively.
It is important to know the different options in advising customers on their French door threshold options.
Weathered
The threshold of an outside door is a crucial feature of any door. It offers protection from the elements as well as a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor space. However, it is important to find the right balance between safety and aesthetics when selecting a threshold for an external door system. Alongside being a necessity for keeping the home weatherproof, thresholds play an important role in ensuring the safety of the user by preventing tripping, and limiting accessibility to those who have mobility problems 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 threshold with a weathered finish is a fantastic option for doors that are outside, since it provides exceptional weather protection and creates an effective barrier to keep water, wind and draughts from. This kind of threshold is recessed or sunk into the floor and has a 14mm rise. french door repairs reduces tripping hazards and also provides a secure seal against the weather. Weathered thresholds are recommended for all exterior doors since they offer higher levels of weatherproofing than non-weathered options. However, the higher elevation of thresholds that are weathered could make them unsuitable for some users, particularly those with wheelchairs or pushchairs/prams.
Unweathered thresholds are typically smaller in height, and many only a few millimetres above the ground, meaning they are less likely to pose any tripping risks. They can also provide an effortless transition between indoors and outdoors and allow the two to be connected in a way that is both accessible and open. While they may not be as weatherproof as a weathered option but are perfect for homeowners who wish to enhance the look of their home without sacrificing protection or practicality.
If you're planning to replace your French doors or they are currently fitted with an unweathered threshold, installing a new threshold might be a straightforward DIY project. It will help reduce the unevenness of the gap at the bottom of the doors and also protect against water ingress and drafts. It is possible to fit the new threshold on an existing sill, but the old threshold must be removed first. To remove the old threshold, stick a flat bar (aka pry bar) between it and the subsill. Then carefully pull up the middle section. If the ends of your threshold are secured into place, you can use a hammer to pry them away from 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. Also, make sure to plug any air gaps.