When planning patio doors, it’s easy to overlook the need for flush threshold drainage, zero threshold or semi-flush threshold drainage, which all can play a crucial role in keeping water out and ensuring a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. Whether you’re considering bi-fold, sliding, or lift-and-slide doors, integrating drainage into your structures design enhances durability, functionality, and the connection between your home and garden.
It is often vital that it be considered as early as possible at the right stage of installation to enable your drainage to be fully integrated with the structures DPC’s and DPM.
What is Flush Level Threshold Drainage?
A flush level threshold creates a smooth, uninterrupted transition, blending indoor and outdoor spaces without raised edges. This design minimises trip hazards and complements modern architecture with a clean, continuous look. Flush thresholds effectively handle water exiting the door threshold door channels, weep holes, and runoff, creating both a practical and visually appealing solution for patios and gardens.
However, with the level threshold also comes the risk of water ingress. To prevent this, drainage must be carefully designed for each specific project and installed to channel water away from the threshold. The Aqualevel drainage system has been specifically designed for this purpose, offering a fully integrated solution that works alongside the threshold to collect and safely divert water away from the structure.
Why Integrated Drainage Like Aqualevel Matters
Aqualevel’s unique design ensures your door threshold becomes an integral part of the drainage system, protecting the building’s fabric from moisture damage. Whether you’ve chosen a popular door brand such as Skyframe, Schueco, Smart Systems, Solarlux, Sunflex, Reynaers, Aluk, Origin, Scenic, Vitocsa, ID Systems or Cantafix etc, Aqualevel can be installed with nearly any door model available in the UK market. This adaptability is crucial, as off-the-shelf threshold drain systems often fall short of addressing the specific challenges posed by each unique installation, leading to potential vulnerabilities for water ingress.
The system addresses the challenge presented by level threshold design, often dictated by a need to try to comply with current building regulation “PART M” that have been designed for traditional builds with solid door thresholds or you have to maintain a 150mm difference between the finished floor level and external ground level. Without a suitable drainage system like Aqualevel, maintaining this design standard can be problematic, potentially compromising both aesthetics and the structural water integrity of the building.
The Need for Flush Thresholds in Modern Architecture
For new residential constructions in the UK, compliance with level threshold standards is now a legal requirement for external access points. This standard applies to a variety of door types, ensuring equitable and easy access for all occupants. While these regulations may not extend universally to renovations, some local authorities may require level thresholds for significant renovations as a condition for approval, especially to improve accessibility.
Retrofitting Drainage Systems: A Unique Solution with Aqualevel
In some cases, doors may have already be installed and levels have been set to try to achieve a level threshold without a proper drainage solution being fully thought through and designed that will collect the water that exits the door threshold. Retrofitting can be complex, but Aqualevel stands out as the only system that can be adapted to correct and collect the water from the poorly detailed installation. Unlike other drainage solutions that may lack the flexibility to work with the specific build-up of each site, Aqualevel is customisable to work with these unique site variables. This capability allows it to be retrofitted seamlessly, providing an essential safeguard against water ingress where previous installations may have left the property vulnerable.
Key Considerations When Designing Your Flush Level Threshold
Site-Specific Needs: Every property is unique, and considerations like ground level, floor finishes, and outdoor conditions must be factored into your drainage design. Aqualevel’s adaptable nature makes it a valuable choice for both standard and unique site requirements.
Compliance with Building Regulations: For new constructions, ensuring compliance with level threshold standards is essential. This not only fulfills legal requirements but also adds value to your property by promoting accessibility. Equally important to compliance to the building Regs, is for the design of the drainage system has to able collect all the water that exits of passes over modern metal door threshold.
Future-Proofing Your Property: Adding flush level threshold drainage now can reduce the need for costly repairs or retrofits in the future, especially as climate change brings increased rainfall and more extreme weather. In conclusion, integrating a flush level threshold drainage system like Aqualevel into your patio door installation or retrofit can save you from future maintenance headaches while providing a seamless, stylish indoor-outdoor connection. Whether you are in the early stages of planning or considering solutions for an existing installation, investing in Aqualevel’s comprehensive drainage approach will protect your home for years to come.