How Low Can the Threshold Be on an Aluminium Bifold Door?
One of the key considerations when choosing bifold doors is the height of the threshold. We would all love a seamless transition between the indoors and the outdoors when the doors are open but the height of the threshold can have a significant impact on the functionality of your door. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how low the threshold can be on an aluminium bifold door.
Bifold doors are a popular choice for modern homes, providing an elegant and functional way to create open spaces that seamlessly connect indoor and outdoor areas. With their sleek design and smooth operation, bifold doors offer a great option for those looking to bring more light and fresh air into their homes.
Before we delve into threshold height, it’s important to consider different types of door tracks available for bifold doors. There are two main types: top-hung tracks and bottom-rolling tracks. All bifold doors run on a track system.
To an outsider of the industry you would think that top-hung tracks offer several advantages over bottom-rolling tracks in terms of functionality. They require less maintenance as there is no track channels, they don’t have any issues with dirt or debris getting caught in them which might cause damage over time; they also allow easier access as there are no floor guides needed. Top hung bifold doors are only really suitable for internal installation. All the weight of the bifold door is held by the rollers at the tops of the door panels. ( An extra lintel may be required to take this weight) A bifold door with a double glazed panel is very very heavy and over time a top hung bifold may drop. Once there has been movement in the panel, it will become difficult to open smoothly. A bifold door that has no track at the bottom may also pose more of a security risk.
In contrast, bottom-rolling tracks rely on wheels which run along a channel at ground level. In the United Kingdom, where we don’t always have the best of weather it is normal to fit bottom rolling track bifold doors. The track will assist with the sealing of the doors when closed and hopefully prevent water ingress. A bifold door on a bottom track is easier to install as gravity will assist when positioning the bifold panels.
The threshold height is the distance between the bottom of the door and the floor. Many customers ask for low thresholds when ordering a bifold door as the lower this height, the easier it is to move in and out of your home without tripping or stumbling. However, a lower threshold also creates greater potential for water ingress during heavy rain or flooding.
While some bifold door manufacturers claim that their doors can have zero-thresholds, meaning that there is no step up from one side to another, a threshold height of around 10mm is recommended to prevent water ingress. However, an experienced installer may be able to install bespoke thresholds with heights as low as 5mm or even less if required but these would require some degree of maintenance over time due to build-up dirt which may cause problems with functionality if not addressed.
Water Ingress
A common concern when installing low-threshold bifold doors is water ingress. When heavy rain falls directly on a low-threshold bi-fold door system there’s always a risk that some water could enter inside your house. Whilst we dream of bringing the outdoors and indoors together, we don’t want to ensure that we leave the worst of the Great British weather in the garden. This can be mitigated through proper design and installation by choosing a reputable installer who will take into account any issues related specifically relating to drainage systems to ensure good weather sealing across all parts of the frame.
In addition, designing suitable thresholds like weathered cill can help divert rainwater away from entering internally while ensuring effective drainage channels are created along both sides of tracks & ‘sills’ where any excess rainfall can escape freely back outside.
The maintenance of the track plays a significant role in maintaining functionality and longevity of your bifold doors. Any debris that accumulates in the tracks can interfere with the smooth operation of your doors over time, which may result in difficulty opening or closing them.
To prevent any build-up of dirt or debris, it is important to regularly clean both the bottom and top tracks. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove any larger particles and finish up with a wet cloth to wipe away any remaining debris.
Additionally, it’s good practice to lubricate both top & bottom tracks & hinges at least once every six months using silicone-based lubricant available from most hardware stores.
Choosing an aluminium bifold door with a low threshold can add style and functionality to your home while also providing easy access between indoor and outdoor spaces. However, it’s important to consider factors such as water ingress potential, maintenance requirements, different types of door tracks available before making a final decision.