Becky’s sliding door threshold wedges
Today I’ll answer another frequent question from clients.
Question: I have a sliding glass door with a tall threshold at the doorsill. Now that I use a scooter to get around outside, I find that doorsill is tough to roll over in my scooter. Are there ways to make it easier, short of replacing the door?
Answer:
Add a wedge on either side! Sloped surfaces are much easier to roll over than vertical edges. Have your handyperson create some beveled wood inserts that match the width of the door. The slope can be as steep as 1 (vertical) to 2 (horizontal) for distances up to ¾” or 1:12 for distances ¾” or greater. Size each wedge for the vertical distance on each side (they may not match.) Metal threshold products that create slopes can also be found at commercial or big-box home repair retailers that bridge that gap as well. Be sure as you fit the wedges to the door, that they don’t restrict the sliding of the door. While you are at it, is the handle easy to grip and does the door open smoothly? These are features you might enhance now, while you have a handyperson available.
Threshold ramps are also commercially available that are made of recycled rubber. Unlike aluminum threshold ramps, these are easy to trim for lower heights or more narrow entryways. I’ve been enjoying your blog posts. Thanks!