Door Threshold Busted...

[GobBluth]

Preface: I'm a new, first time, home owner... it has become abundantly clear that I have no idea how to DIY most of this stuff...

Is there anyway to replace this without replacing the whole door? The floor of the garage is concrete so I'm not sure how one would actually get a threshold to stay put. So right now I have critters and water flowing under my door into my garage when it rains/snows, etc.

Thanks,

JR

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

It can be repaired. You'll need something like this.

 

[Greenman]

A picture would help.

If the threshold was mounted to the jambs getting the old one out can be a chore, you'll have to cut the screws. The new one will be easy to install, just mark the mounting holes on the concrete, drill them, drive in a couple plastic anchors, and screw the new threshold down.

 

[Greenman]

It can be repaired. You'll need something like this.

That's a sill pan for installing a new door, I don't see why he would need that.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

That's a sill pan for installing a new door, I don't see why he would need that.

How do you plan on replacing the sill? Do you use wood that will rot out again?

 

[Greenman]

How do you plan on replacing the sill? Do you use wood that will rot out again?

He didn't mention anything being wrong with the sill, he said the threshold broke. He never mentioned rot either. In fact, he said the door was on a concrete slab. He needs a new threshold, not a flashing system. You're solving the wrong problem.

 

[GobBluth]

Ill take a picture and upload it tonight.

Basically, the door frame is good, I have no idea what a sill is, and the threshold ramp is completely detached from the concrete so there is just a gap under the door.

Not worried about wood rot, the wood seems to be in good shape.

Thanks guys.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

He didn't mention anything being wrong with the sill, he said the threshold broke. He never mentioned rot either. In fact, he said the door was on a concrete slab. He needs a new threshold, not a flashing system. You're solving the wrong problem.

You're right, we could use more information. However, he said there is water coming in so, rot is a fair assumption. You are also making the assumption that a self confessed 'unhandyman' is using the correct terminology when he says "threshold."

 

[GobBluth]

This... this is exactly what mine looks like

This is completely gone with only concrete remaining.

 

[GobBluth]

You're right, we could use more information. However, he said there is water coming in so, rot is a fair assumption. You are also making the assumption that a self confessed 'unhandyman' is using the correct terminology when he says "threshold."

And as far as being an "unhandyman"... I did change a heat pump thermostat by myself....

 

[alkemyst]

That's a sill pan for installing a new door, I don't see why he would need that.

QFT, take a pic OP....threshold and damage doesn't tell us a whole lot.


I have been told "my whole door is broke" and they just needed the door jam 1/8"ish piece that runs vertically to stop the door from over-closing.

Many door repairs aren't too bad.

 

[alkemyst]

This... this is exactly what mine looks like

This is completely gone with only concrete remaining.

If the subfloor is fine then all you need to do is figure out the right type of threshold and just seal it down and screw it to the subfloor.

That said, if it's just concrete and the whole thing is missing; I'd worry they put the door in right or the proper door in.

My work shop has no threshhold, but should...however the previous homeowner just used a door he probably found in the trash. The door is nice and metal, but there is no room for a threshold.

Fortunately that is both wind and water covered already.

My back French Doors he installed wrong too and concreted the bottom of the door and frame in place. I was able to fix it mostly and I have some adjustable door hinges to finish the project when I get the desire...probably when it cools down in the next month or so here (it's still in the mid 80s+)

 

[Greenman]

You just need a threshold, one that's designed to screw down. You'll probably have to notch it to fit around the door jambs, then screw it to the concrete. Put a good quality sealant under the jambs and new threshold. Sikaflex is good stuff, and I think they have it at the HD.

Edit: You might have to trim the door a bit to fit the new threshold, if it's a steel door you have a whole new set of problems.

 

[Greenman]

You're right, we could use more information. However, he said there is water coming in so, rot is a fair assumption. You are also making the assumption that a self confessed 'unhandyman' is using the correct terminology when he says "threshold."

It's always guesswork without a picture. I'd be willing to bet there was never a threshold on that door.

 

[Red Squirrel]

I have a threshold like the one in the pic you posted that I removed from a new door as I did not need it. (used an outside door for inside). It's 3 feet long. If you want it it's yours. I could send it for cost of shipping if you want.

Typically they sit under the frame and are attached to the frame though so you'd almost need to remove the door if you want to do it properly but you might be able to retro fit it somehow. Whatever you do, make sure you caulk all around you don't want water getting in under it and freezing.

I'd check a door/window place first see if you might be able to actually buy one though and they might have some tips as well.

 

[mindless1]

You don't necessarily need one that screws down nor to drill holes in the concrete. Construction adhesive or caulking on the bottom should do fine to hold it in place if the floor is cleaned first... you'll need the caulking out anyway to seal it up once installed.

 

[Greenman]

You don't necessarily need one that screws down nor to drill holes in the concrete. Construction adhesive or caulking on the bottom should do fine to hold it in place if the floor is cleaned first... you'll need the caulking out anyway to seal it up once installed.

I prefer positive attachment on something that gets kicked as much as a threshold. It's not like it's hard to do.

 

[mindless1]

^ Some things are an ideal or overkill and not really needed. Mine is exactly where I put it. What I did, just, works.

Anchoring in concrete is almost ridiculous for this repair unless it's really easy to just do it again with holes open begging for it. If there is any labor involved, it's a silly waste.

 

[mindless1]

I prefer positive attachment on something that gets kicked as much as a threshold. It's not like it's hard to do.

and it's not like doing it makes any sense. Nobody you have ever met would accidentally kick it and cause a problem.

There is no sane reason to bolt this to concrete. Even if you're some nut case that thinks the sky is falling and end of world is seconds away, it still has no purpose to make that any more sturdy than the rest of the door and frame.

 

[Greenman]

and it's not like doing it makes any sense. Nobody you have ever met would accidentally kick it and cause a problem.

There is no sane reason to bolt this to concrete. Even if you're some nut case that thinks the sky is falling and end of world is seconds away, it still has no purpose to make that any more sturdy than the rest of the door and frame.

Don't get all worked up skippy, it's just a threshold. You glue you'rs down and I'll screw mine down. As I said, I prefer a positive attachment, it takes no time to do, it holds everything in place while the sealant sets, and it never comes lose. Since I don't get paid to install it the second time, it makes sense to do a good job the first time when I am getting paid for it. I also don't have to explain to the home owner why there is a screw hole in the threshold and no screw in it.

 

[Red Squirrel]

To be fair some stuff like PL Premium has quite a crazy hold, so it could probably work fine. Though I'd still try to get a couple screws in there. If the door is taken out it could also be screwed up into the frame. That's how it was when I bought the door. You definitely want to caulk it in after anyway.

 

[Greenman]

To be fair some stuff like PL Premium has quite a crazy hold, so it could probably work fine. Though I'd still try to get a couple screws in there. If the door is taken out it could also be screwed up into the frame. That's how it was when I bought the door. You definitely want to caulk it in after anyway.

The manufacturer puts screw hole in the threshold, and sends a screw along with it, I think they're trying to tell us something.

 

[mindless1]

The manufacturer puts screw hole in the threshold, and sends a screw along with it, I think they're trying to tell us something.

Most of them don't have screw holes or screws included which also tells us something. I take that back, some have screws but only for adjusting the height of a top shim so it sits the right height against the door gasket.

 

[Humpy]

Most of them don't have screw holes or screws included which also tells us something. I take that back, some have screws but only for adjusting the height of a top shim so it sits the right height against the door gasket.

Just because you don't see the fasteners or don't know where they are does not mean they are not there. Many have concealed fasteners, pull up the adjustable insert or bulb gasket and look underneath. Most installation guides will specify mechanical fastening.

Though possible, this is not a product that makes sense to install with adhesive only.

 

[mindless1]

Just because you don't see the fasteners or don't know where they are does not mean they are not there.

Nor does not seeing any become a proof they are there. I was actually at the hardware store picking one out a month ago. You could see the backs of them and that there were no screw holes or screws included.

Many have concealed fasteners, pull up the adjustable insert or bulb gasket and look underneath. Most installation guides will specify mechanical fastening.

Most of them do not have fasteners and their installation guide does not suggest this. Of course one that did have fasteners and holes would mention it.

Though possible, this is not a product that makes sense to install with adhesive only.

Depends on your definition of makes sense. The majority aren't fastened into concrete on new installations and don't come loose until either the wood core rots out or the frame does. It would then follow that it makes no sense to go to extra steps to *fix* something that isn't a problem.

However, let's dig into specifics. Here is one that looks like the pictured threshold. It may or may not be exactly the same but it is still an example of one of many that don't have mounting holes or hardware:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Frost-Ki...er-Brown-Fixed-Sill-Threshold-TS36A/100207958

Notice there aren't screw holes and the vinyl trim is not designed to be popped off the top and snapped back on so it would hide any, rather it slides into the channel from the side during manufacture and is stapled to the back.