How to Choose the Right Type of Commercial Exterior Door Thresholds

A threshold is a protective strip installed at the base of a doorway in order to close the gap between the door and the floor. Commercial door thresholds serve multiple functions, including:

• Weatherproofing. Thresholds enhance comfort and protect your building by preventing rain, snow, and wind from seeping into your building.
• Energy Efficiency. By sealing gaps in door frames, thresholds prevent outside air from interfering with your climate systems, making it easier and less expensive to maintain consistent temperatures indoors.
• Pest Control. Installing a threshold blocks insects and rodents that could damage your property, equipment, or inventory.
• Accessibility. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires doorways to provide a smooth transition for everyone entering your facility, regardless of their physical ability. Many thresholds are designed to compensate for uneven flooring, making it easier for people with mobility aids to access commercial buildings.
• Security. Intruders exploit any gap they can find in order to force their way into your business. By minimizing space around your door, thresholds help keep your facility secure.

Thresholds are constructed in a variety of materials and configurations. To help you choose the right type of commercial exterior door threshold for your entrances, here is a rundown of the most common designs.

Door Saddle Thresholds

One of the most common types of door thresholds, saddle thresholds resemble a gentle arch, with slopes or bevels on either side leading up and away from an elevated center strip. The smooth, contoured shape seals the door while allowing people to enter and exit freely. Depending on your needs, you may require a:

• Full Saddle Threshold. Sloped on both sides. Spans the entire width of the doorway.
• Half Saddle Threshold. Only sloped on one side and has a flat edge on the other. Designed for areas with irregular flooring.
• Offset Saddle Thresholds. A threshold with two different height levels. Both sides are sloped, but one side is longer than the other, for entryways with rises or dips.
• Ramp Saddle Thresholds. Provides an inclined surface between areas with different floor heights. Instead of being beveled, this threshold creates a continuous slope that’s easy to move over without tripping.

For extra protection against the elements, saddle thresholds are often used with a door sweep – thin strips of rubber, plastic, or aluminum attached to the bottom of the door to block dust, drafts, and smoke. In addition to weatherstripping, they can also be used to reduce sound from adjacent rooms.

Interlocking Door Thresholds

An interlocking threshold contains two interlacing pieces that join together when the door is shut, creating a watertight seal between the door and floor. They’re commonly used in locations with extreme weather, where moisture and temperature control are top priority.

Panic Thresholds

Panic thresholds have a raised ridge along the central strip designed to engage the bottom bolt of a vertical rod panic bar, a device commonly installed on fire doors and emergency exits, consisting of a metal rod that runs inside the door from top to bottom, connected to a horizontal panic device. When the bar is pressed, the rod retracts, allowing the door to swing open. As it swings closed, the ridge catches the bottom bolt, holding the door shut until someone opens it again, eliminating the need for a floor-mounted strike.

Bumper Seal Thresholds

Bumper thresholds are similar to panic thresholds. Each one has an elevated or “bumped” edge with a strip of vinyl or rubber that creates a tight seal when the door is closed. When the door swings shut, its weight compresses the bumper, preventing drafts, dust, and pests from entering.

Thermal Break Thresholds

Used in areas that require strict temperature controls, thermal break thresholds contain a strip of non-conductive material (e.g. plastic, or polyurethane) connecting the inside and outside sections. By dividing the material in two, the strip minimizes heat transfer from one side of the door to the other. It also prevents condensation from forming on your doorstep, which reduces the risk of accidents.

Heavy Duty Thresholds

Made from high-grade metal or reinforced PVC, heavy duty thresholds can bear an enormous amount of weight without bending or warping. They’re normally installed in high-traffic areas, especially ones that see a lot of vehicles and loading equipment (forklifts, pallet jacks, etc.) passing back and forth.

Fluted Thresholds

These thresholds are constructed with shallow grooves across the top, for enhanced grip. They are found in a wide range of buildings, such as shops, schools, hotels, hospitals, factories, warehouses, airports, and train stations. In wet and snowy climates, they reduce the chance someone will slip and fall as they enter your building.

Types of Material

Commercial door thresholds are made from a variety of different materials, generally chosen for their durability and insulating properties. While wooden thresholds are used mostly in private homes, popular choices for businesses include:

• Stainless Steel. Stainless steel thresholds are strong and corrosion resistant, commonly seen in industrial locations with high volume traffic.
• Aluminum. Lightweight, durable, and weather resistant, aluminum thresholds offer many of the same benefits as steel thresholds but at a lower price. Because it’s easier to mold, most fluted thresholds are made from extruded aluminum.
• Dark Bronze. Though it is durable and resists corrosion, bronze is normally chosen for aesthetic reasons. You’ll often find it in high-end buildings, such as hotels, museums, and courthouses rather than factories and shipping centers.
• Brass. Similar to bronze, brass is durable and doesn’t rust easily. Its appearance is also considered sophisticated, which is why it’s generally found in upscale locations and not industrial ones.
• Vinyl and PVC. Though less durable than metal, vinyl and PVC thresholds are strong insulators.
• Rubber. Pliable and flexible, rubber thresholds provide a tight seal against the elements.

Choosing the right material depends largely on the environment where you’ll be installing it. Locations with harsh weather and heavy traffic require durability, while for others, aesthetic considerations may be more important. Flooring, safety concerns, and building codes play an important role as well.

If you’re transitioning from concrete to hard wood, for example, there may be a height difference. Icy conditions require thresholds with greater traction, while an automatic door is typically better served by thresholds with low profiles to comply with ADA guidelines. Discuss your options with your vendor to make sure you’ve considered all the factors before making your selection.

Door Threshold Repair and Maintenance

Vortex service teams are trained to inspect, repair, and replace all types of doors and door hardware, including thresholds. We detect signs of wear, such as warping, cracking, and loose components, replacing damaged units before they impact your business. Keep your doors in good condition. Contact us today to learn more about our repair and maintenance programs.