The sill finish gives the door structure a complete look. In apartments and private houses, these structures are made from various types of materials.
Purpose and device of the threshold at the front door
The main function of the threshold is to prevent the penetration of unfavorable environmental factors into the door space: pollution, dampness, precipitation. It also creates a barrier to drafts and helps protect the house from strangers. This element is the link between the door structure and the floor and must visually harmonize with the opening.
Performance and resistance to various kinds of damage are determined by the material from which the product is made. It is selected so that it is combined with the rest of the structural elements.
Consideration of parameters when choosing
Before you make a threshold at the front door, you need to decide on its implementation. For construction work, you can draw up a special scheme. If the strip was supplied with the door frame, there is no need for such operations. This component is assembled during the box installation process. In the absence of a bar, residents select the execution of the threshold on their own. Install it when the box is already mounted.
The height of the structure should be small - a maximum of 3 centimeters. Sometimes there are thresholds comparable to an ordinary step, however, for children and short tenants, such a design can cause inconvenience when entering the house. Also fit the butting distance for the door leaf. The lock-type connection creates a snug fit.
With a large and regular load on the threshold, special attention is paid to the strength of the cladding material.
Materials for the threshold at the front door
For the installation of the threshold, many types of raw materials are used that are used in the construction of walls. Often they choose a material that is in harmony with the door.
Wood
It is one of the most common materials, aesthetically pleasing and suitable for wood linen. Installation, replacement or repair of such a structure is much easier than metal or cement. It also has good noise and heat insulation properties. Oak is best suited - its wood is durable. It is possible to use other breeds, the main thing is that the material is solid. Before installation, the raw materials must be treated with compounds that prevent fire and decay.
Metal
Such a threshold will be characterized by maximum wear resistance. Another plus is the possibility of installation in industrial premises, including where the air contains a lot of moisture. The product is not afraid of corrosion. It is recommended to choose a steel or brass profile - these materials are very durable. The threshold is mounted quite simply; self-tapping screws are well suited as fasteners.
Brick
This material is quite durable and easy to get. A brick threshold is well suited for buildings whose walls are also lined with it.
Plastic
Due to the low price, such products are quite popular, but they do not differ in durability and resistance to sunlight.However, it is permissible to use them for the inner door of the room, especially if it is also made of plastic.
Cement
The cement threshold turns out to be durable and lasts up to half a century, while the cost of money will be quite small. Another plus is good waterproofing.
Typically, such designs are made for the outer entrance door, as well as for the balcony.
For decoration, you can use decorative panels that are resistant to moisture. If the door is already installed in the opening, it will be more difficult to make such an element.
Necessary tools and materials for work
Before you make a threshold at the front door of a private house with your own hands, you need to prepare the toolkit. If it is decided to make a structure of cement, you need to prepare raw materials for preparing the mixture, as well as facing material. Paving slabs are often used as the latter. The mixture is poured into the formwork.
The following tools will come in handy:
- puncher;
- plumb line;
- a set of spatulas;
- primer composition;
- needle for piercing bubbles that appear when pouring the solution.
If you decide to make a structure out of wood, you need tools for processing it - a grinder, a saw and a hammer. Also, a sander comes in handy.
The best raw material for a wooden threshold is a board made of birch or oak, treated with an impregnation that prevents damage from moisture. You can strengthen it with ordinary nails.
DIY installation steps
Before pouring concrete into the threshold after replacing the door or dismantling it, remove dust and other impurities from the surfaces. A regular vacuum cleaner works well for this. It is necessary to check if there are cracks, peeling areas or other noticeable defects in the working area. The separated fragments of material must be removed, and large cracks must be covered with a cement solution.
In order for the concrete to adhere well to the surface, the latter must be primed. For the step, formwork is made of wood corresponding to its dimensions. The solution is mixed according to the instructions on the package. It should not be too liquid, otherwise the surface will turn out to be bumpy. The mixture includes components that make it elastic. A hammer drill with a nozzle is well suited for cooking. The composition should be used within two hours after mixing. After this period, it loses its properties. When bubbles form, they are eliminated with a knitting needle. Within 10 days after pouring, the structure is moistened with water. You can revet it with tiles, which are planted on an adhesive composition.
A board for a wooden threshold should have a length slightly exceeding the clearance formed by the frame racks. In the lower parts of the latter, for reliability of fixation, corners are cut, the height of which should be suitable for the width of the structure. The surface of the floor is cleaned with a vacuum cleaner and then the boards are inserted into the prepared recesses, sawn in accordance with the height of the threshold. Fixation is done with nails. The product can be varnished.
Finishing and decoration of the threshold
Threshold cladding made of concrete or brick is often made of tiles or laminate.
Linoleum is also used - this is a cheap, but not the most durable option.
For finishing a wooden structure, paints and varnishes are suitable, which protect the material from water and pollution.
The tone of the composition should be selected so that it matches the color of the door leaf and frame.
