Should I choose the optional uPVC sill for my new front door, or leave the current hardwood one in place?
Question:It's optional on the order at no extra charge. Is it made optional because some people have stone sills which they wouldn't want to remove, or is it optional for some other reason: eg are uPVC sills not as hard-wearing as the original wooden ones? I guess a sill gets a lot of rough treatment like standing, accidental kicking & scratching.
(I will be installing it myself).
Answers:
Not sure of the technical reasons for the "option", but I can give you my tuppence-worth as I have a uPVC sill on my porch door, but a wooden sill on my internal front door.
I would say that the uPVC sills are pretty hard wearing. My porch door has been in situ for about 10 years but is starting to look pretty scratched and bashed around. The wooden sill looks even worse, but I know that a sand down and a lick of paint will bring it back to life - which isn't an option with the uPVC sill.
I think it is pretty much a case of personal taste - if I was in your position I would go for the uPVC sill. Its free, and there will be uniformity when the new door is fitted. Also, uPVC really is virtually maintenance-free, is the wooden sill going to be exposed to the elements, as you will probably have to paint or treat it at least annually.
Can you just order it anyway, and just have it available when you fit the door? Then, if the wooden sill looks like it is going to be horrendous to remove, you can just leave it. ;o)
It will never rot or need painting as the wood one will
I would stick with the wood... just my choice. I just like the looks...and if you dont have to rip it out..why mess with a good thing. During all the houses I have renovated... I have made the mistake at times with ripping out the old and tested and putting in the new fangled...and a few years later realize what a mistake it was. If they can't give you a valid reason for changing it..don't.
i would go for the plastic cill ..but ..ask them if they do the low thresh hold cill ..as some plastic cills are very high to step over don't believe if they say they don't do them ..as the company i use do it all the time
when you get a pre-hung door the unit is made to fit perfectly with the sill. can you be sure your door will sweep properly with your old sill (air/light gaps = decrease in energy efficiency). for my money replace the whole unit.
best thing to do is get the wooden one out you will never achieve a good seal other wise. the sill is optional purely because some people dont like them. the pvc door has weep holes in the bottom of it so that any water that does get past the rubber seals round the glass can escape onto the sill and away from the builing. go for the plastic.
good luck mate.
Keep the wooden one if it` hardwood which I guess it is and it would be easier for you.
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