What is the difference on aluminum thresholds?
Thresholds come in many forms but the most common threshold is either a standard in-swing or out-swing threshold. Many front entry doors are in swing and usually all the rest of the doors around the house are out swing.
Front doors in coastal areas with impact glass are changing to out swing doors because of the wind pressure in a storm. The out swing threshold is what the door presses against at the bottom to prevent the door from blowing in. The frame around the door, sides and bottom, also prevent an out swing door from blowing in. So that’s good right?
IN Swing Thresholds
So the biggest difference is where the door sits in relation to the threshold. In swing doors, swing and rest ABOVE the threshold. Rain will fall down the door and the sloped area sheds the water away from the door. BUT, water can be forced under the door is a driving rain or extra heavy rain. So usually inswing doors on the front entry usually have a larger overhang. So helpful!
Compare the images below:
Out Swing Thresholds
Usually doors around the house are OUT swing. This is because usually the living area inside the home is smaller and a swinging door awkward and in the way. Out swing doors swing INTO the threshold when closed.
The Next reason is the most important. Because of rain and wind! Out swing thresholds are designed for the rain to cascade down the door and fall to the ground away from the home. It is very efficient at diverting rain.
The next BIG advantage was mentioned above, WIND. The frame of the door and the threshold all support the door when wind is pushing against it from the outside. That is a BIG reason most homes are going to out swing all around the home. It is safer.
See below where the door sits when closed below. If you are coastal, getting impact rated Plastpro doors and hurricane rated door glass, please consider out swing doors. Your guests at the front entry will NOT stand so close as to hit them when you open your door. Plus, in the next storm you will be safer.
