Pemko 253 Series Half Saddle T...
IN STOCK (leaves warehouse same day if ordered before 3pm ET)
$58.65
$47.51

Pemko 253 Series Half Saddle Threshold 3" x 1/2" Aluminum & Bronze Fire Rated

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Model: 253D 36
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In Stock (leaves warehouse same day if ordered before 3pm ET)

$58.65
$47.51
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Pemko 253 Series Half Saddle Threshold - Fire Rated Commercial Door Transition

The Pemko 253 Series Half Saddle Threshold delivers a code-compliant, fire-rated floor transition for commercial openings with a 1/2" height offset and 3" width. UL 10C positive pressure listed and BHMA A156.21 certified, it is engineered for demanding applications where fire rating, ADA accessibility, and long-term durability are non-negotiable. Available in Mill Finish Aluminum, Dark Bronze Anodized Aluminum, and Mill Finish Extruded Bronze (Brass) in 36" and 72" lengths.

Key Features

  • Fire-Rated Construction: UL 10C positive pressure and UL 4L10 listed for use in fire-rated door assemblies - meets code in commercial, institutional, and government applications.
  • BHMA Certified: ANSI/BHMA A156.21 certified for professional-grade threshold performance and durability.
  • ADA Compliant: 1/2" height offset meets ADA accessibility requirements when properly installed.
  • Integrated Thermal Key Channel: Built-in channel accepts thermal keys for improved energy efficiency and weather sealing at the door sill.
  • Modular Design: Two half saddles can be combined to create custom-width configurations for non-standard openings.
  • Custom Cuttable: Maximum length 185"; minimum length 24" - field-cuttable to exact opening width.
  • Standard Fasteners Included: Ships with #10 x 1.5" wood screws; alternative fasteners available for concrete and hollow metal substrates.

Technical Specifications

  • Series: 253
  • Width: 3"
  • Height: 1/2"
  • Available Lengths: 36", 72" (custom cut to 185" max, 24" min)
  • Materials: Extruded Aluminum; Extruded Bronze (Brass)
  • Finishes: Mill Finish Aluminum (A), Dark Bronze Anodized Aluminum (D), Mill Finish Extruded Bronze/Brass (B)
  • Fire Rating: UL 10C Positive Pressure; UL 4L10
  • Certification: ANSI/BHMA A156.21
  • ADA: Compliant when properly installed
  • Fasteners: #10 x 1.5" wood screws included

Typical Applications

  • Commercial office buildings and tenant suites
  • Healthcare facilities and hospitals
  • Educational institutions (K - 12 and higher ed)
  • Government and municipal buildings
  • Retail and hospitality properties
  • Multi-family and mixed-use residential
  • Industrial and warehouse facilities

Why Pemko 253?

Pemko has been the specification-grade threshold standard for commercial construction for decades. The 253 Series combines fire-rated compliance, ADA accessibility, and field-adjustable sizing in a single extrusion - reducing the number of SKUs a contractor needs to stock while covering the widest range of commercial openings. When the door schedule calls for a UL 10C half saddle, the 253 is the answer.

Product Specs

Subcategory:
Thresholds
Product Group:
Door Trim and Accessories
Product Subgroup:
Door Thresholds
Product Type:
Commercial Thresholds
Product Model:
253
Product Dimension:
W: 3", H: 1/2"
Product Category:
Door Trim and Accessories
Department:
Door Hardware
Series:
253 Series

Pemko 253D 36 – Frequently Asked Questions

1) Is the Pemko 253 threshold ADA compliant at 1/2 inch height?
The 253 half saddle stands 1/2 inch high, which is the maximum change in level ADA allows at a doorway without a bevel or ramp, so it meets ADA when it is installed properly on a flush floor. If your finished floor already sits proud on one side, the effective rise is what the inspector measures, not the extrusion height alone. The profile is 3 inches wide by 1/2 inch high.
2) Can the Pemko 253 threshold be used on a fire rated door opening?
Yes. The 253 series is UL 10C positive pressure listed and UL 4L10 listed for use in fire rated door assemblies, and it is ANSI/BHMA A156.21 certified. That is the combination a door schedule is usually asking for when it calls out a fire rated half saddle in a hospital, school, or government building.
3) My opening is 42 inches wide and the threshold comes in 36 and 72 inch lengths. Can I cut it down?
Cut the 72 inch stick to your opening. The 253 is field cuttable, with a maximum length of 185 inches and a minimum of 24 inches, so anything between those is fair game. Buy the 36 inch for a standard single door and the 72 inch when you need to trim to a wider or non standard opening. Cut ends on aluminum or bronze extrusion with a non ferrous blade and deburr before you set it.
4) Does the Pemko 253 threshold come with screws, and will they work in a concrete floor?
It ships with #10 x 1-1/2 inch wood screws, which suit a wood sub floor. For a concrete slab or a hollow metal sill you will need to order alternative fasteners; the wood screws in the box are not the right anchor for those substrates. Plan on masonry anchors sized to the same #10 hole pattern if you are shooting into concrete.
5) What is a half saddle threshold and when do I use one instead of a full saddle?
A half saddle covers one side of the sill only, so it is the piece to use when you are transitioning from a finished floor to a slab or covering the edge of an existing floor at the door, rather than building a full raised sill under the door. The 253 is 3 inches wide, which puts it under the door leaf and just past it. If you need a wider transition, two 253 half saddles can be combined to build a custom width for a non standard opening.
6) What finishes does the Pemko 253 half saddle threshold come in, and which one holds up in an exterior doorway?
Three: Mill Finish Aluminum, Dark Bronze Anodized Aluminum, and Mill Finish Extruded Bronze (Brass). The anodized dark bronze aluminum carries a protective coating and hides scuffing from foot traffic, which is why it is the usual pick where the threshold is seen. Mill aluminum is the plain extrusion. Extruded bronze is the solid brass alloy, heavier and typically specified where the rest of the door hardware is bronze. All three come in both 36 inch and 72 inch lengths.
7) Can I add a weather seal or thermal break to the Pemko 253 threshold?
There is a thermal key channel built into the extrusion that accepts thermal keys, which is how you get a thermal break and improved sealing at the sill on an exterior or conditioned opening. You order the keys separately; the channel is part of the 253 profile whether or not you use it.
8) I need to standardize thresholds across a whole building. Does one Pemko 253 part cover most of my openings?
That is the point of the 253. One extrusion in one finish, cut on site anywhere from 24 to 185 inches, covers single doors, pairs, and odd width openings, so a facility can stock a couple of 72 inch sticks instead of a length for every door. It is UL 10C positive pressure listed and A156.21 certified, so the same part satisfies both rated and non rated openings on the schedule.
9) Will a 36 inch threshold work under a standard 3-0 commercial door?
Yes, for the leaf itself. A 3-0 door is 36 inches, so the 36 inch 253 matches it exactly. If your frame throat adds width at the jambs and you want the threshold to run the full frame opening, take the 72 inch and cut it, since the 36 inch has no extra material to work with.
How fast can I get the Pemko 253D 36 delivered?
Most orders ship the same day from our distribution partners, with quick delivery throughout the continental U.S. Need it urgently? Contact Us for expedited shipping options.
Can I return it if it doesn’t work for me?
Yes—ZenSupply offers a hassle-free return policy. If the product isn’t the right fit, reach out to our support team for a return authorization or setup a return by following our return instructions.
Does the Pemko 253D 36 come with a warranty?
Absolutely. The Pemko 253D 36 is backed by a manufacturer’s warranty. For full warranty terms, check the product documentation or Contact Us.
How do I get technical support or installation help for the Pemko 253D 36?
You can call, text, or email our expert support team for fast answers. We’re here to help with product selection, installation tips, and troubleshooting. Contact Us
Why buy the Pemko 253D 36 from ZenSupply?
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