When designing your custom-made aluminium bifold doors, a key counterpart is in choosing your door threshold. A door threshold extends along the base of the door and is what you step over when walking through the door frame. It’s an essential part of weatherproofing your door and making it more accessible.
The purpose of bifold door thresholds is to protect your interior by providing weather resistance. For example, preventing water coming indoors during rainy periods. Though admittedly not the most exciting part of your door, it is an important feature affecting both the functionality and look of your new doors. But why is this?
The beauty of bi folding doors is in its ability to bring the outside in. The threshold is a key enabler in this, eliminating a visual barrier of your door effectively creating seamlessness between an interior and outside world. To capture this smooth transition, we offer two main thresholds, Standard and Low, with a number of variations.
Standard (55mm)
Our standard or weathered thresholds (55mm) provide the utmost protection. The threshold option is able to provide weather protection whilst still looking sleek and complimenting your overall bifold aesthetic and existing exterior. The standard threshold acts as a full weather break, keeping your home dry and warm regardless of outside elements. This bifold door threshold is perfect for aluminium doors, creating a seamless transition to the outdoors. Hence, for external bifolding doors, the standard 55mm is recommended, especially here in the UK where we have 195 rainy days a year.
Low (20mm)
Our low threshold (20mm) is anodised in silver and does not offer as much weather protection but does create a seamless look. A low threshold will be more suitable for internal bifolding doors. For example, between your home and conservatory or as a room divider where it can be flushed for an ultra smooth look. Lower thresholds also present less of a trip hazard than higher thresholds (though minimal). So are more suited for those with mobility issues or small children. While the design may be more striking we do not recommend this for external bifolds unless in sheltered areas.
Low with Rebate (40mm)
A 20mm rebate can be attached to our low threshold, making it only slightly higher on bi fold doors at 40mm.
The small lip of the rebated threshold gives extra weather protection against the elements. This is highly recommended for those looking for easy access to a property in areas with heavy rain.
Integrated Threshold
An integrated threshold that provides full weatherproofing and also maximises the overall sash height. Unlike non weathered thresholds, the doors sit higher than the existing opening. The integration creates flush thresholds with the door panels, whilst also driving rain and draughts away. This type of bifold door threshold also makes installation easier, allowing fitters to provide excellent, fast service. This is the perfect door seal suitable for weather resistance, with the cill installed before installation.
As a general rule of thumb, when choosing your bifolding door threshold there will be a trade-off between weather performance and ease of passage when the doors open. However, with our sleek design and aluminium thresholds, there are many options.
Most bifolding doors, offer a standard threshold with every door. Our standard threshold is suitable for a variety of new openings, and protects the doorway from weathering such as rain. This is a weathered threshold, and recommended for most property types.
In addition, if you are wanting a low threshold compared to a standard threshold, an add-on can be attached to our low door threshold. This makes it only slightly higher but offers a good weather rating.
We also offer a range of cills to compliment your door threshold. Cills provide further weather protection by directing rain water away from the wall beneath a window or door. In turn, protecting a structure’s interior and all its inhabitants. Available in a variety of different finishes and sizes, ranging from 90mm to 230mm. Our cills are also universal, meaning they can be used on our aluminium french doors and patio doors too.
To summarise, for an external non-sheltered bifold – go standard or integrated with cill. For an external sheltered bifold you can choose between with low, low with an add-on, standard or an integrated threshold. And for an interior bifold choose low, or flushed for an seamless design.
To design your own tailor-made bifold fit with the right threshold use our online door designer or give one of our friendly sales members a call on 01924 929 600 for more information.
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