About Door Thresholds

Door thresholds can be one of the best defenses against leaking energy and they protect the interior's energy efficiency by keeping out unwanted air and rain. When flush to the door or a sweep, a threshold maintains a tight seal. Thresholds also are used to delineate rooms and protect carpet and flooring edges. There are a number of options to consider when choosing door thresholds.

Replacement

Rotten and worn thresholds often are easy to replace. At other times, the damage may extend deeper into the floor beneath the threshold, creating a bigger repair job. (This is especially the case with wooden thresholds.) The first step in determining the extent of the job is to remove the existing threshold piece by taking out the screws that hold it down. Once removed, clean the floor surface and push down with your fingers to see if the floor is spongy or solid. Oftentimes, rotten wood flooring is easily detected. Repair the floor before replacing the threshold. If the floor is solid, a new threshold can be easily attached.

DIY

Most do-it-yourself home repairers can replace a threshold. Measure the old threshold after removing it. Most hardware and big box stores sell thresholds in 48 to 96-inch lengths. Purchase a threshold that is longer than the piece you need and cut off the excess length after measuring for your space. Retail and online sellers such as Lowe's and Hardware World.com include the necessary screws in the package with the threshold.

Décor

Many thresholds are utilitarian and should be purchased to fill the space between the floor and the bottom of the door. Others are placed indoors over carpet and tile edging. Choose a style that compliments the décor. Wood thresholds come in a variety of shades from pine to dark mahogany. You can find a wide selection of finished and unfinished wood thresholds at Wood Floors Online or Accra. Less expensive thresholds used on carpet and tile edging typically come in silver, brass and copper shades. Use metal clippers or a hack saw to cut the new threshold.

Sweeps

A sweep is a rubber edging that is attached to the bottom of a door and is meant to brush smoothly over the threshold and rest snugly on top of it when the door is closed. When possible, purchase the door sweep and threshold together to make sure they are compatible. Get packages online at Door-Thresholds.com (see Resources).

Garage

While most people are very aware of drafts coming through living area doors, many homeowners neglect weatherproofing around garage doors. Whether the garage is attached to the house or separate, a simple move such as installing a threshold under the garage door can help to weatherize the space and keep it clean and free from bugs and varmints. Use a simple garage threshold from a company such as Storm Shield that utilizes a strong glue to attach the threshold. With the garage door closed, mark the cement where it meets the door. Open the door and apply the glue provided to the ground and press the threshold firmly in place.

Resources

• Door-Thresholds