Getting a flush threshold on sliding doors need not be complicated. With our help, advice and expertise, your new patio door gets that desirable look and full weather protection. We explain what to think about with sliding door thresholds for your new extension or property renovation.
Why a flush threshold on sliding doors is so important
Of course, you don’t always need a low-level threshold on sliding patio doors. Most of our installations come with the standard arrangement, having a suitable track height for most customer requirements. However, with more and more property renovations wanting to connect the patio area to the home, in particular, a flush threshold on sliding doors forms part of the design. In other words, a more fluid transition from the kitchen or living room to the outside space.
Furthermore, functional and aesthetic improvements come with the low track and threshold design. A minimal step over not only looks neat and seamless, but it also makes day-to-day living easier. Young children are less at risk of tripping. Elderly relatives using a walking stick or wheelchair find the lower step easier.
Another aesthetic benefit is the visibly reduced aluminium sightlines compared to a regular sliding door track. As you look down on your doors, the entire door set seems more flush and in particular at the floor levels.
Weather protection and water drainage on sliding door thresholds
When planning a new extension, we advise working closely with your builder or architect if you’re using one too. Working together at the design stage not only ensures the best result, but also avoids costly mistakes.
First of all, is the design of the doors themselves. Not every sliding door is the same. Your builder may be familiar with a particular sliding door system and it’s wrong to assume every door track works in the same way. At the same time, not every sliding door product comes with a flush threshold. Our PVCu Patiomaster sliding doors are arguably the best on the market in this material. However, they come with a regular track and installation.
It’s the same for timber doors, also rarely having the very flush threshold arrangement.
As standard, all our sliding door products come with independent weather testing and security. This weather protection also applies at the threshold. But when you set the threshold lower, it’s important to allow the rainwater falling down the doors to drain away.
With a normal installation, a sub-cill takes care of this. With a flush threshold, your builder needs to allow for the water to move away from the doors in other ways. It’s a good idea for your builder to see a sample of the sliding door track or a suitable drawing of the design. The track also changes in depth depending on whether you’re having two, three or four panel doors in your home. Only by knowing how the doors work will your builder better prepare the new opening.
Done right, you’ll not only get exactly the look you want. You’ll also get weather and water resistant doors, opening up in the summer to enjoy and fully protecting your home in the winter months.
Therefore, make sure all parties involved in your project communicate together as part of your planning.
How does water drain away with a flush threshold on sliding doors?
Every one of our patio door products comes designed for effective egress of water to the outside. A combination of machined drainage slots, seals, profile grooves all work together, keeping your home warm and dry.
The door design and the drainage channel formed by your builder moves water away from the front of your new patio doors.
Does a low threshold get dirty?
Day to day living and the external environment usually determine how often you’ll need to clean your sliding door track. Whether you have standard inline sliding doors or the latest lift and slide design, it’s important to keep the door tracks clean.
Bifolding doors have a simpler arrangement at the bottom of the doors. Sliding doors can come with up to three tracks. All you need is to routinely keep the track clean from debris and any grit. As a result the rollers and lift/slide gearing continue to operate smoothly and your doors also remain reliable in use.
Flat and Flush thresholds on your new patio doors. Our top tips.
- Involve your builder, architect and your door provider early on in your planning.
- Do make sure all parties are familiar with your requirements and how your doors work before your opening is built.
- Ensure everyone is aware of inside and outside flooring, slab or decking requirements.
- We suggest seeing a sample or drawings of the patio door track and how it works.
- Remember, the more panels you have, the deeper the track and a different design.
The best patio doors with Newlite Home Improvements
We’ll be delighted to talk to you about your project and how we help you transform your home with our contemporary sliding doors. Even our bifolding doors come with the same flush threshold option.
Contact us today for a free consultation and quotation on any of our patio door products for your home.
