A low or flush threshold on patio doors is a desirable feature whether you’re looking at replacing your old patio doors or choosing the best doors for a new extension. In this article, we explain the various options for getting that desired look and feel with a low or flush threshold.
Getting the perfect flush threshold on patio doors
First of all, it’s worth knowing that the standard threshold on our frameless slide and stack doors is just 5mm when sunk into the floor. It’s less than most other aluminium bifolding or sliding doors on the market. Many of these start at 15mm tall. There are even system where the low threshold version is only suitable for internal use.
Our advanced, highly secure, energy efficient and fully weathered doors we’ve designed to give you the best patio door solution in your home. The threshold on our doors we think is one of the best and certainly one of the lowest.
But it’s also fully weathered and wheelchair friendly. Therefore our patented frameless glass doors give you the neat and consistent sightline. And they come with the smooth transition to your patio area or garden. Of course, our own design gives you the flush look and the ability to have your internal flooring matching up with your decking or slabs on the outside.
How patio doors tracks and thresholds work
With most door brands and systems the track or threshold offers a standard installation solution or one where it’s set into the floor for a lower line. Correctly fitted, it not only creates the desired flush look but also ensures your doors remain weathertight when closed.
A good set of doors provide all the weather protection you need and the design also allows effective drainage of water to the outside. Most of our customers choose our frameless doors for their new extension. This is where we at FGC work with you, your builder or architect early on in the planning and design stage.
If you’ve yet to build your new extension, plan early. When all parties involved in your project work together, mistakes and delays are avoided. We provide your builder with either drawings, information or even a sample of the track. Knowing the makeup of our doors before they arrive lets your builder create the correct opening.
Why drainage is important on patio door thresholds
How water drains to the outside is one of the crucial design features when planning a flush threshold on patio doors. On a standard installation, the doors sit on a cill. As the rainwater runs down the glass and frame, it lands on the cill. The projecting nature of a good cill deflects the water away from the doors.
On a low or flush version, it’s often the case your builder creates a suitable drainage area at the front of the doors. Again we frequently work with builders providing useful details of how our doors drain and what needs doing with the structure and exterior area in front of the door track.
In order to get the best result and no risk of leaking, drainage planning is essential. This also helps you and your builder understand the relationship of inside and outside flooring and their relationship to the threshold on your patio doors.
You’ll benefit from excellent weather performance, sealing the door at the critical flush threshold and all around the doors too.
Tips and Advice for getting the ideal patio door flush threshold
- For new extensions, plan early and before work starts building the door openings.
- Ensure you and your builder have an understanding of the door track. Every door is different and there’s no one size fits all approach.
- Remember, bifolding and sliding doors don’t have the same design at the bottom track.
- Do get to see your chosen doors fitted. It’s the best way to understand how to get the look you want.
- Make sure your various trades are aware of the inside and outside finished floor sizes and dimensions.
- The bigger the door opening, the more challenging for this to be 100% level and square.
Let our transformational glass doors create the perfect modern room
Whether you choose our standard doors or even an open corner design, our doors promise a stunning new room with that smooth garden access thanks to our super low threshold.
We’ve also got a great section with all the common questions about our unique product. Or why not get in touch and discuss your property improvement project with us. At FGC our doors give you the perfect exterior patio door. You can even use them inside the home as stylish room dividers too.
