Technical Study: Level Threshold Detailing

Ground Floor Level Thresholds

There are various ways of designing a level threshold based on aesthetic, cost, structure, site conditions and location. However, there are a number of key features that all level thresholds should take into account.

Door – When specifying a door to be used in a level threshold, most manufacturers will state if the system is compliant with Part M of the Building Regulations. This guarantees that the element you step over is no more than a maximum 15mm in height with no upstands of more than 5mm. Most sliding door manufactures provide frames with a completely level base frame. However, it is important to check the base frame of elements such as front and rear doors, especially in timber, as these will need special aluminium thresholds to be fully accessible.

Threshold Drainage – This is a building regulations requirement when designing this type of threshold. A drain can be installed between the sill and external landscaping flush with the level floor or hidden under the finishes.

Many door manufacturers will even be able to provide a threshold drain for the door system chosen. This will help drain away any water near the drain as well as water which hits the door or glass and drains through the frame. ​

[Above] Threshold drain designed to clip into the aluminium sliding door system to drain both surface rain and rain hitting the glass and filtering through the window frame.

Waterproofing – Damp proof membranes should be draped up the door or window frame system at the point of the threshold. Water should be moved away from the threshold, by sloping eternal finishes away from the drain. To either side of the threshold, the damp proof course should be minimum of 150mm above ground level.

Key points to remember

• The threshold including door frame should not be more than 15mm in height overall. Of these 15mm, there should be a minimum number of upstands and slopes, with any upstands higher than 5mm chamfered.
• If the threshold is exposed to wind driven rain the landing can be up to 10mm below the level of the sill if the sill is rounded or chamfered.
• The external landing should have a fall ratio of between 1:40 and 1:60.
• Ensure all water falls away from the doorway in a single direction.
• Build a drainage channel between the landing and the threshold.
• Ensure the channel discharges to a drainage system or land drainage such as a soakaway.

Timber Frame Key Considerations

Raised terrace

Another way of preventing water ingress at this critical junction is to use a raised terrace such as paving slabs on pedestals. Whilst this is the best option if you have a raised terrace area, it is also used when the garden level is lower than your internal ground floor level, such as with a beam and block construction. Further details can be found in the following section.

Level Balcony and Terrace Thresholds

When designing a level threshold onto a raised terrace or balcony, even more care needs to be taken to assure that water does not enter the building fabric.

When creating a level threshold over a heated space, care needs to be taken when setting the internal finish floor level and ceiling level to allow for the new insulation. Many people opt for vacuum insulation to this area to allow for a reduced terrace build-up.

Adjustable pedestals can be used to bridge the gap between the level pavers or timber deck with the sloped flat roof. The gaps between the deck material is also key in allowing the water to drain through to the roof and the roof outlet.

Key points to remember

• The threshold including door frame should not be more than 15mm in height overall. Of these 15mm, there should be a minimum number of upstands and slopes, with any upstands higher than 5mm chamfered.
• The gap between door sill and paving or timber to be a minimum of 10mm.
• The gap between paving or timber to be a minimum of 6mm.
• Flat roof to have 1:40 falls for a 1:80 minimum built slope.
• Ensure all water falls away from the doorway in a single direction.
• Build a drainage outlet on the opposite side of the flat roof to the threshold.
• Ensure the flat roof has an overflow.
• Ensure all waterproofing has a minimum of 75mm upstand under the threshold.
• Provide a minimum 150mm waterproofing upstand to sides such as brickwork.

For More Inspiration…

Resources

If you want more inspiration on level thresholds, detailing and precedents, be sure to follow Detail Library on Pinterest where we have lots of examples.