About Door Saddles

Door saddles are commonly referred to as door bottoms or thresholds. They are also occasionally mistakenly called door sills, though this is another specific element of a doorway. They are located directly under the door and constantly exposed to foot traffic and the wrath of the weather. Door saddles frequently need to be replaced. They are manufactured in a number of styles.

Function

A door sill creates the base of the frame of a doorway, a sturdy foundation that redirects water. A door sill fits below or adjacent to the jambs and tightly beneath the casing. The door saddle is secured to the sill to help in closing the air gap below the door. It can be used on an exterior door or an interior one.

Significance

Exterior doors that do not have door saddles can cost a lot of money. Energy use will go up when a door is not sealed. The area beneath the door could also be ruined by water. Door saddles are most often used on interior doorways to cover up an alteration between dissimilar flooring materials.

Types

Door saddles are manufactured in metal or hardwood. The most common metal utilized is aluminum. Certain types function as weather stripping that has a corresponding strip attached to the base of the door. The two parts connect to form a seal. Another type of door saddle is designed to allow wheelchair access. It is flat and should be used along with a door that has the base weather stripped.

Identification

Door saddles come in various lengths, including 36, 48 and 72 inches. The widths range from 4 to 7 inches. Some of the door saddles contain inserts that fit securely and form an arc. You can find them to fit all types of doors. Door saddles are most often secured with screws when made from metal; nails are frequently used for wood varieties.

Considerations

The location of the doorway must be considered. Any door on an exterior wall should have a door saddle installed. You must be careful when removing the old ones not to damage the door sill on the frame located beneath it. The process of installing or replacing a door saddle requires some skill. If you are not able to do it, you may think about hiring a professional.

Resources

• Lowes: Replacing Thresholds (Door Saddles)
• Hardware Store: Door Thresholds & Sweeps
• The Hardware Hut: Door Bottoms, Thresholds and Weatherstripping