Endura’s new articulating threshold definitely belongs in TiC’s ‘New & Cool‘ articles. I’ve never seen anything like it before.
(Note: Click any image to enlarge)
Interlock thresholds are always the best way to go, if you want a 100% positive seal—a door that never leaks. It’s easy to add a thin strip of silibead to the interlock J-hook, too, so wind and air can never penetrate the opening. But interlock thresholds aren’t easy to install. Plus, if anything settles, the J-hook can hang up and drag on the threshold.
Endura’s approach is more like an auto-bottom, except rather than lowering from the door, Endura’s articulating cap rises from the threshold. The cap interlocks with the neoprene door shoe and creates a positive seal. And the entire design accommodates both settling and human error—the cap self-adjusts up to 1/4 in.
This is the perfect threshold for remodeling an existing opening. And if you order your exterior doors prehung, you’ll need to ask your prehanger or door supplier if they can fit the unit with Endura’s threshold.
Pretty Cool! I’ll have to use that on my next door job.
Is the moving assembly easily replaced, or is there a way to clean it out when dirt and grit get down between the fixed and moving strips on the threshold? Looks to me like the selling feature is also a weak point in the assembly.
Ken,
Actually….it’s one of the strong points! The hinged strip snapped right out of there and snaps right back in. Endura makes covers that snap over the threshold, too, so you can protect the aluminum during construction.
Gary
OK. That’s a big WOW!
Gary, It looks like the unit is about 1/2 to 3/4 higher than normal due to the action parts. It is certainly a great feature!
Hey Gary,
The thresholds on my prehung doors in my house are slightly lower than the slab (finish) floor. As the doors are all inswing, this has caused problems. Is there a way to retrofit my doors with this product?
Eric,
I’m not sure what to say. Send a photo. But in any case, I’ve had to remove thresholds from exterior prefit door units for that very reason. It’s a lot easier to get them out before you install the doors, but a determined carpenter can remove them afterward, too. It’s just very very time consuming and messy. And yes, you can retrofit any threshold to an exiting installed unit. I’ve installed hundreds of thresholds in existing jambs.
Gary
Where can we order these sill/thresholds from?
I couldn’t get them to show up on the Endura site.
Do a Google search for Endura Articulating Sill and you’ll find this link:
http://www.enduraproducts.com/product-overview/sills/z-series/Z-Series%20Articulating%20Cap.aspx
Nice review, Do you think wheel chairs would be an issue? Also walking over the threshold over, say a year, would damage occur? I have used the WS58 Automatic Door Bottom with the WS17 weather seal. As my mom becomes older, not needing a threshold eliminates a tripping hazard with the above mentioned Door seal. Thanks for sharing other options Gary.
Tim,
No, this is NOT a handicap threshold. Most interlock thresholds do not meet code requirements for handicap units–under 3/4″ tall and with a 50% slope. These thresholds, like most common interlock AND sweep-type thresholds, interfere with wheelchairs and can be used only on door openings that meet code exceptions as “non-accessible” openings.
Yes, auto-bottoms with continuous sills are great, but they can’t seal an opening completely. I’ve installed a lot of them and always insist that customers understand the limitations and agree to accept the consequences. There are several handicap threshold designs that rise less than 1/2″ and provide a far better seal than with a standard sweep, but even those are tough to roll over!
Gary
G
I love the endura products but I find them hard to get. I tried to purchase a multi point lock and could not find anyone who was interested in selling me one. I got a hold of the regional guy at endura he got me in touch with a vendor and the vendor would not call me back or follow up. I ended up using another brand.
I have been trying to buy the Z articulating sill for over a week now. They refer me to their stockists who do not stock them and do not know what I am talking about. They refer me to their local rep who does not return my calls and/or emails. I finally found a local company that deals with the wholesale dealer who has Endura products but not this one. The local company spoke with Endura today. Endura asked did the client [me] want the full kit [the sill and door thresholds]. Well of course I want the whole kit as that’s what looks like will solve my problem. Endura said they do not have a price for the whole kit but will call the local company back later today. What? a manufacturer that does not have a price list? The Endura company show why Amazon thrive, and yes the Endura stockists on Amazon do not stock the product. I am very happy at the local company’s attempts to help me. Peter Walker in Lake Elsinore California
Peter,
I applaud your persistence! I’m surprised it isn’t easier to purchase one of those thresholds. Since writing that article, we worked with Endura at their IBS booth in January 2016, and they seemed very eager to market that threshold. A lot of contractors and carpenters who visited the booth and watched the demonstration were impressed. Naturally, I just assumed the articulating threshold would be readily available.
Gary
I live in spokane Washington, I caught the show on
KSPS demoing your product and wondering is there
a local supplier here locally that distributes this new
threshold product and also standard prehung doors?
Where can I buy this articulating door sill I live in Birmingham Alabama