A wooden balcony window is made of the same delicate (narrow) profiles as an ‘ordinary wooden window’. It differs from a regular window in the height of the handle mounting (in balconies usually at a height of approx. 1100 mm from the bottom of the window) and in the “double” profile at the bottom of the leaf. This double profile both strengthens the leaf and protects users against accidental kicking of the glass, hence the strengthening profile is also called a kicker. This is justified because balcony windows are among the most frequently opened windows.
Balcony windows often provide access to the outside of the room, so we present various threshold solutions below.
The threshold is the lower part of the door frame, also known as the window frame (balcony window). We offer various thresholds in wooden joinery.
1. Standard (window) threshold: the standard height of the threshold, measured before installation, is 78-81 mm (for Traditional and HTR). In Classic and Eco there is an additional drip cap on the door frame, which is permanently connected to the threshold, which gives a total height of approx. 94 mm.
The appearance of the threshold varies depending on the selected system (Classic, Eco, Traditional, HTR, etc.).
Examples of window thresholds for individual systems.
2. Low threshold 32 mm (door): the low height of the threshold is intended to facilitate passage; is used especially where there is a difference between indoor and outdoor levels. Basic body made of aluminum + thermal break made of plastic (black).
3. Low threshold 20 mm (door): a low threshold facilitates passage and is suitable for barrier-free construction. Basic body made of aluminum + thermal insulation insert (black). Together with the threshold, an aluminum door leaf drip is installed, which is sealed with a rubber and brush seal.
4. Thresholdless system – Dropping seal: otherwise known as an automatic or telescopic “threshold”, in which a special seal is lifted and hides in the door leaf when we open the door and falls down when the door is closed. This solution requires a smooth and well-leveled surface made of durable materials (e.g. terracotta, marble, granite). For the seal to function properly, there must be an appropriate gap (7 mm) between the leaf and the ground.
5. Thresholdless system – Brush seal – the gap between the leaf and the ground (7 mm) is sealed using a double brush seal. For the seal to adhere well, the surface must be suitably flat and smooth and made of durable materials (e.g. terracotta, marble, granite).
Options for low thresholds – (32, 20 mm)
32 mm wooden threshold – used in historical buildings where it is required to maintain the consistency of details from a given era. The size and shape of the threshold is a direct representation of the aluminum threshold (32).
Wooden masking cap (up to 20 mm threshold) – used to cover the aluminum drip cap, which is part of the 20 mm system threshold. Made of wood and finished in the same way as the entire door leaf.
Thresholds: (+) advantages / (-) disadvantages
(+) (-)
| 1. Standard threshold (window): | uniform appearance with the remaining window joinery | high – the necessity to step over |
| 2. 32mm threshold: | the warmest of the low thresholds (two seals around the entire circumference) | does not meet the requirements for disabled people |
| 3. 20mm threshold: | meets the requirements for disabled people | worse sealing (only 1 so-called rebated seal, not counting the brush one) |
| 4. Drop seal (non-threshold system): | great comfort – flat in the aisle | requires a very even and smooth surface, much worse sealing (for warmer climates) |
| 5. Brush seal (non-threshold system): | comfort – flat in the aisle | requires a very even and smooth surface, poor sealing (for warmer climates), brush seal is a place for dust accumulation |
Recommended articles regarding wooden windows/balcony doors:
Wooden windows / balcony doors – handles
Wooden windows / balcony doors – hinges
