Save Energy: Installing a New Threshold
First you should measure the inside of your doorway at it longest measurement. Take that measurement to your local home improvement center and purchase a new metal threshold. If you cant find one that is the right size buy one that is longer than your opening and use a hack saw to cut it to length. They also sell adjustable thresholds, but are more expensive.
Cut your threshold to length using a hacksaw with a metal blade. You can also use a reciprocating saw if you have one of those equipped with a metal blade. If you have an exterior stop on your door jambs then you will need to cut these off at the same height as the threshold is off the floor. Use a small coping saw or small hand saw. Test fit the new threshold into place. Trim any door stops to fit tight against the threshold. Using a caulk gun, place a bead of caulk up each side of the middle of the door jamb about �½ inches and along the floor.
Place the threshold over the bead of caulk without disturbing the caulk bead as much as possible. Gently tap the threshold into place. Screw down with the screws that come with the door or ones you’ve purchased into the wood sub floor. If you have a concrete floor you need to buy tapcons to secure down the threshold. Pre drill the concrete with the bit that comes in the box and use a screw gun to drive the tapcons into the threshold. You can buy colored tapcons if the heads of the tapcons are exposed. Some thresholds have a plastic insert that goes over the screws also so decide what type of threshold you have before spending the extra money on colored tapcons.
Depending on what type of threshold you have purchased, you may need to adjust the height now. First close the door tightly until it can be locked. If the door is too hard to close and rubs then you can locate the three adjustment screws and adjust as needed until you have a tight draft free fit. If your threshold is not adjustable then you will need to cut the door to fit the threshold.
To find out how much of the door you will need to cut off, push the door closed as you can and visually see where the threshold begins to press against the middle of the thresholds rubber bumper. Mark a small mark with your pencil and remove the door. Take out the hinge pins from the door instead of unscrewing the door from its hinges. Place the door on some sawhorses and using a level or straightedge make a pencil line evenly along the bottom of the door. Pre cut the line with a utility knife about 1/8 inches thick on both sides of the door. This prevents splintering when cutting the door with a circular saw or electric planner.
Hang the door and check to fit. You should now have a nice tight fit, if not you might need to re-cut the door. By installing a new threshold in your home can save tons of money in energy savings each year.
