How to get a LOW bifolding door threshold

Bifolding doors are as popular as ever. Designed with a professional installer and competent builder, a low bifolding door threshold looks very neat, and slim and has a seamless transition between inside and outside. A minimal bifolding door threshold is also important to those with accessibility issues and when you desire a minimal step.

This article explains the different bifolding door threshold options that are available.

The bifolding door threshold and why it matters

Every door, whether standard, low, or even a zero threshold on internal doors, has a threshold of some sort.

A bifolding door threshold, in addition to providing weather and water protection, also serves practical purposes. For instance, it can aid in the smooth transition of disabled individuals through a doorway or make it easier to manoeuvre pushchairs. These practical benefits underscore the importance of a well-designed bifolding door threshold.

The bifolding door threshold doesn’t just provide weather protection; it also houses the bifolding door rollers and guides at the bottom, holding the door panels securely in place. At the same time, opening the doors must be smooth and easy. Again, the threshold provides a suitable track, letting the panels fold and slide to the fully open position. 

Moreover, designing your bifolding doors means considering the type of threshold you want. Many people simply want the best possible look, often meaning the interior floors are flush with the threshold and then the outside decking or slabs. Therefore, aesthetics are important for bifolding door thresholds whilst also creating that desirable seamless link between the inside of your house and your garden.

What are the bifolding door threshold choices?

Most common door thresholds on all types of doors have a rebate which is an upstand that is designed to create a physical barrier against any water entering the inside.  It also plays an important role in keeping the doors sealed.  This rebate can also be seen around the rest of your door frame and it is what the door shuts against.  Typically you may see some kind of rubber, nylon or brush seal there as well to further aid air and water ingress.

The images below illustrate the popular threshold arrangements for bifolding doors. These images illustrate what’s available with the best-selling Origin brand of bifolds and how they interact with the internal and external floor levels.

Types of bifolding door thresholds

The below images using Smart Systems Visofold bifold doors again showing a selection of bifold door configurations and thresholds.

(low threshold images courtesy of 6-Day Doors and Chigwell Window Centre)

The standard threshold

Standard bifoliding door thresholds typically have a standard installation that provides the required weather and water protection and comes with a small ‘upstand’ that provides a suitable barrier to the elements.

When replacing an old set of doors with a bifold, the standard threshold provides the simplest installation. New openings mean your installer should be working with your builder or architect, who will be familiar with the dimensions and design, to ensure a suitable door opening is provided. Therefore, ensure all parties involved with the project communicate the details for any new set of doors.

The good news with a standard threshold is this, too, can sit lower. Typically, this involves removing a course of brickwork at the bottom, enlarging the opening, and setting the new doors lower. Working with a good installer is essential. Contact us for details of where to buy in your area.

The interior low threshold

With many bifolding doors being used internally as room dividers or partitions, there’s an interior or low threshold. Most bifolding doors offer this option. Bear in mind it’s for internal use only, and there’s no weather or water protection.

Important: If it is your intention to have bifolding doors internally, you will get an altogether better product by having bifold doors specifically designed and intended for internal use.

Exterior grade bifolds may work internally with a low bifolding door threshold. However, the internal bifold systems have better and flatter versions whilst also not having the features of exterior bifolds that are not needed. Double glass, multipoint locking, extensive sealing and gaskets. All of these are not necessary inside.

Solarlux, Sunflex, Schüco, Frameless Glass Curtains are just some of the brands with dedicated internal doors.

The ramp-type bifolding door threshold

The best bifolding door threshold options

Where most bifolding doors only come with one or two options at the threshold, there are brands that give you more choices and options. And it’s these that not all bifold door installers will know about.

Here are some brands offering multiple threshold options for your bifold doors, meaning you don’t just get a low bifolding door threshold but also dedicated thresholds for commercial property, accessibility requirements, and hidden and flush tracks for internal doors.

5 top tips and advice when choosing a bifolding door threshold

• Always work collaboratively with your builder and bifolding door installer. Ensure those building a new opening are familiar with the bifolding door profile and dimensions. A good installer can bring a sample of the profile and provide drawings.
• Want bifold doors internally? Don’t always accept external quality bifolds. There are dedicated internal folding doors that will give you a significantly better product.
• Consider the bifolding door track design early in your research, as this will help avoid costly mistakes further down the line. 
• When properties are built from new with bifolding doors, the builder will already have created a level threshold to comply with building regulations, so your builder will have to work a little harder to overcome an existing entrance that is not level.
• The location of your doors also affects performance and the available bifolding door threshold options. Doors in very exposed locations need extra care. In these situations, you’ll get the best performance using a fully weathered version.
• Low or flush thresholds are usually available for other door designs, such as opening inwards and open or fixed corner designs. 

If you would like some expert help on which bifolding door threshold to choose for your project, please get in touch, we will be happy to advise you.