How to Replace a Door Threshold
Air that leaks through a gap between the floor and the bottom of your entry door is like throwing money to the wind. Don't waste your money--replace the broken, warped or deteriorated door threshold and seal the gap. Installing a new threshold strip is a cheap and easy solution. Here is how. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Jigsaw, hacksaw or metal saw
- Drill
- New threshold strip
Instructions
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1
Measure the gap between the floor and the bottom of the door. Then measure the width of the doorway. These numbers will be your reference when buying your new threshold strip.
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2
Purchase your new threshold strip. They are available at most home improvement and home supply stores. There are several types of thresholds, so it is best to know what you want. Do you want a wood or metal threshold for a door that already has weather stripping? Or an aluminum threshold with a weather strip in the middle? Then check the height and length of the threshold strip to make sure they coincide with your door's gap and width measurements.
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3
Remove the old threshold by unscrewing the strip from the floor. If the old threshold has rubber weatherstripping, pry out the rubber to expose the screws that hold the threshold to the floor.
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4
Double-check the width of the doorway. Mark this measurement on the new threshold strip.
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5
Use the appropriate saw to cut the threshold strip to size. Use scissors to cut the weatherstrip if included.
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6
Lay the threshold on the floor to mark where you need to drill pilot holes for screwing the new threshold down. Check if the old threshold strip's screw holes can be used to hold down the new strip.
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7
Install the threshold strip securely, then attach the weather strip if applicable.
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Tips & Warnings
There are wood thresholds that can be adjusted (raised) to fit the gap between the floor and the bottom of the door. You may want to consider this for a door that has built-in weatherstripping.
When removing the old threshold be careful not to damage the corners of the doorjamb.
If installing a new threshold resulted in gaps at the corners of the doorjamb, use a foam sealant (available at home improvement stores) to fill the gaps.
Always wear protective gear when using power tools.
Resources
- Photo Credit Photos by Ruby Bayan
