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Project Difficulty:
Easy
Estimated
Project Time: 1 to 2 hours
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Measuring tape
Pry bar
Cordless drill/driver or electric drill, as needed
Backsaw, as needed
Jigsaw, as needed
Hacksaw, as needed
New threshold
Wood shims, as needed
Construction adhesive, as needed
Caulk and caulking gun
Paint or stain, as needed
Rags, broom, or shop vacuum (to clean area below old threshold)
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You step over it every day but probably never notice. Though often ignored, your home's threshold continually helps seal your house against drafts, moisture, dust, insects, mold, pollen, and other irritants. Thresholds also protect the structural framing beneath the door. A worn-out threshold gives rain easy access to the interior framing and that could lead to a rotted sill plate, which is difficult to repair. It's simple however, to replace the threshold and avert future damage.
Types of Thresholds
There are several types of thresholds from which to choose. Use the following information to help select the one you should use:
* Aluminum/Vinyl: the most common, with an attached vinyl weatherstrip to help seal the door
* Adjustable: the best for sealing uneven floors or uneven door bottoms
* Frost Break: an aluminum/wood combination that protects both the floor and the threshold itself from water damage caused by frost and condensation
* Solid Wood: usually made of red oak, this is the traditional threshold choice
* Saddle Style: all-aluminum and installed in combination with a separate door bottom seal
* Bumper Style: used most often on out-swinging doors
* Commercial Duty: wider and more durable, it is less attractive and does not seal as well.
The following describes how to replace an old threshold with a new one.
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1.
Measure the Old Threshold
Measure the length and height of your old threshold. Also, measure the width of the door opening from jamb to jamb, and the distance from the bottom of the door to the floor. Older homes may have thresholds that extend under each doorjamb; to replace these, you'll probably need to custom-cut a threshold from solid wood. If there's no rot, you can leave the "horns" of the old threshold in place under the jamb and install a new threshold with little or no custom cutting.
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2.
Remove the Old Threshold
Carefully remove the old threshold so that it can serve as a template for the new one. This may involve simply removing some screws, but more likely you'll need to pry up the old threshold or cut it out. When cutting through a solid wood threshold, cut through the center using a backsaw, protecting the surrounding flooring from the saw. Then carefully pry the two pieces free. Clean the area under the threshold and check the framing underneath for signs of water damage or rot. If you find any, call in a contractor to repair the damage.
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3.
Cut the New Threshold
Measure, mark, and cut the new threshold to fit, either using the old one as a template or using the measurements taken in Step 1.
If your new threshold is made of wood, use a backsaw or a jigsaw to cut it. Then, before it's installed, you might want to stain or paint it.
If your threshold's aluminum, cut through it and any attached vinyl weatherstripping, using a hacksaw.
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4.
Install the New Threshold
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Each type of threshold installs a little differently, so follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Here are some general guidelines:
Thresholds containing aluminum install with screws and the screw holes are usually hidden below the attached vinyl weatherstripping.
Solid wood thresholds can be installed with construction adhesive, nails, or screws (Figs. 1 and 2). But since you'll want to limit visible fasteners in an all-wood threshold, both for cosmetic reasons and to prevent water from seeping in, construction adhesive may be the best solution. If you do drill any holes in the floor, use the threshold, if predrilled, to locate the positions for the holes. If attaching the threshold to concrete, use a masonry bit to drill the holes, and plastic anchors to hold the screws.
When installing any type of threshold, position it so that the edge facing the home's exterior slopes slightly away from the house so that water can't get in. As you work, test the fit, inserting wood shims beneath the threshold if necessary. Also test-fit the door, adjusting the door's bottom sweep for a good, but not-too-tight, seal. Apply a bead of caulk where the threshold meets the doorjambs, sealing any places where water might get in. Touch up the paint around the entrance, and apply a clear protective finish to any wood that's not prefinished.
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