02 Sep Can I Have a Low-Threshold Door Fitted in Whitley Bay?
A lower threshold reduces the step at the doorway, which can make entry easier for wheelchair users, people with limited mobility and anyone pushing a pram. Some doorways still need a raised threshold for weather protection or because of the surrounding floor levels.
What is a low threshold?
The threshold is the section at the bottom of the doorway. Standard external doorsets have a raised or rebated threshold that improves resistance to wind-driven rain. With a flush threshold, the inside and outside surfaces are brought much closer to the same level. Approved Document M describes an accessible threshold as level or, where a raised threshold is needed, no more than 15 mm high.
Why choose a lower threshold?
A smaller step at the doorway can be particularly useful for:
- Wheelchair and mobility-aid users
- People who find steps difficult to negotiate
- Parents with pushchairs
- People regularly moving bikes, trolleys or bulky items through the doorway
Why can’t every door have a flush threshold?
A raised threshold forms part of the doorway’s defence against rain, so reducing its height increases the importance of weather protection, drainage and the surrounding ground levels.
Weather resistance: A raised rebate gives the door more protection where driving rain reaches the entrance. With a lower threshold, the seals and the junction between the frame, floor and outside surface become more important. A sheltered entrance beneath a porch will usually face less driving rain than a doorway exposed directly to coastal wind and rain.
Ground levels and drainage: High paving or surfaces sloping towards the door can direct water inside. Where paving sits close to threshold level, a channel drain may be needed immediately outside the door. Reducing the threshold will also not create level access if steps remain or the outside path is well below the internal floor.
Door system: Threshold profiles differ between composite, uPVC, timber-alternative and timber door systems, so a completely flush option will not be available with every doorset.
What does Building Regulations guidance say?
In England, Approved Document M covers access to and use of buildings. Its definition of an accessible threshold as level or no more than 15 mm high does not automatically apply to every replacement door in an existing home.
Approved Document M Volume 1 principally applies to new dwellings and dwellings undergoing material alteration. A replacement door in an existing home is therefore not necessarily subject to the same requirements as the entrance to a new wheelchair-accessible dwelling.
If the doorway needs to accommodate a particular wheelchair or mobility aid, mention this during the survey so the threshold and usable opening width can be checked.
Does the doorway need to be wide enough?
Threshold height is only one part of accessible entry. The door also needs enough clear opening width for the person or mobility aid using it. Handle position, the door’s opening arc and the space available to approach it can also affect how practical the entrance is to use.
Choosing the right threshold for your entrance
Many replacement door systems offer low-threshold options, although a fully flush threshold isn’t practical for every entrance. If you are considering low-threshold replacement doors in Whitley Bay, Priory Windows can check the doorway and explain which threshold options will work there. Contact us today to learn more.
