A ready-to-fit hardware and smart accessory, the result of Alias’s R&D.

Alias is constantly looking for “smart” solutions that can solve and prevent everyday technical issues. It is precisely from this perspective – after several months of study and field tests – that the “Slim Threshold” is born. The “Slim Threshold” was researched in-house by engineers in Alias’s “Research & Development” department to make our products even more high-performance in terms of thermal and noise insulation and can be easily implemented and combined with security doors from the various collections in our catalogue.

The “Slim” threshold arose from the need to increase the acoustic, thermal, air and wind seal; a practical accessory, easy to install and pleasing to the eye. The possibility of being able to be installed with existing security doors makes this a product that can be integrated and independent from the technical front door.

It is therefore an excellent solution to adopt where there is an abnormal passage of air and/or sound pressure or when you need to “reinforce” the seal on the side of the door, or bottom, that is more susceptible to permeability.

Construction elements

The threshold consists of an extruded profile in 6060 aluminium alloy, treated with a natural anodising process, with – in the most recent 2022 version – a planking level a few millimetres thick that extends throughout the depth of the frame; This flat portion serves as a surface for the air blade positioned directly under the leaf.

A thicker part, with a height of approximately 13mm, is on the exterior of the door and has a milling on the top to limit slippage. The profile with inclined plane encourages the expulsion of water on the external side, in the event of precipitation: it is this external part that has a place for housing the seal.

Seal and fixing

The seal applied to the threshold – in single black PVC component – has a closed-profile sealing element, suitably shaped to affect the front of the lower covering of the door; The interlocking part has an arrow shape that allows it to be both laterally inserted (before the laying of the aluminium profile on the ground), or mounted to the front, in the event that it requires replacing.

The threshold is cut to size and machined using a numerical control machining centre to shape the ends so that they can accommodate, on the exterior side, the symmetrical jambs of the frame: at Alias we set the objective of seeking the continuity of the part of the seal applied to the frame and that applied to the threshold. Grey ABS end caps with an Alias logo are placed on the sides of the outer profile of the threshold, a detail that makes the item aesthetics even more well-finished.

It is fixed to the floor by means of expansion plugs and/or silicone sealing along the joints between the threshold and frame.

Applications

The Slim threshold is suitable for rear installation on already fitted doors as it is compatible with all Alias models with either a standard or thermal break frame, with one or two doors (there are some exceptions that can be checked with Alias’s technical and commercial department).

Limited thickness

The limited thickness and compatibility with the guillotine seals under the door allow installation without any special adjustment of the hinges. It is absolutely recommended a drip applied to the outer covering, in order to carry water beyond the inclined part of the threshold, avoiding accumulation between the threshold and the seal.

Versatility

The versatility and the potential to retrofit it on existing systems, make the Slim threshold a very useful accessory. The slim threshold is a smart hardware component intended to increase the weather sealing performance and improve acoustic comfort.

Significant performance

The use of the Slim threshold to carry out air-wind/acoustic proofing tests, has provided satisfactory results, which are transformed into an appreciable increase in comfort inside the housing.

Specifically, the air/wind seal tests carried out on different types of single-leaf doors (Steel/Silver – Wall) produced the following results:
– 4 (air tightness) / C4 (wind load tightness)

Values that are absolutely in line with market demands.

Also the two-leaf solution has been tested, with a slightly lower air tightness value: this is due to the lack of continuity between the two doors.

The value obtained for double-leaf doors (Duo / Double) was:
– 3 (air tightness) / C4 (wind load tightness)
Also for noise abatement tests, the Slim threshold produced an increase in sound pressure values quantifiable at about 2 dB for each solution tested.