How To Replace A Threshold: Explained!

Replacing a threshold is one of the most common tasks homeowners have to deal with every year. Replacing it can save you money and time in the long run.

In this article, we will look at how to replace a threshold. Sounds simple, right?

Well, in reality, it’s not. For example, why can’t we just look at the existing threshold and remove the old one? Well, a lot more is involved with replacing a threshold than is apparent at first glance.

But don’t worry — this doesn’t mean you’ll need a degree in construction to do this type of work. In fact, anyone can replace a threshold (but probably not with their own hands).

Replace A Threshold In 8 Easy Steps

Steps	Estimated Required Time
Preparation	5-10 minutes
Remove The Old Threshold	10-20 minutes
Pull Out The Exterior Board	15-30 minutes
Install The Rubber Seal	15-30 minutes
Line Out Notch For The New Threshold	5-15 minutes
Cut The Notch Out	10-20 minutes
Attach The Threshold	10-20 minutes
Seal The Threshold	5-15 minutes

Step 1: Preparation

Required Tools

New threshold.
Pencil.
Ruler.
Rubber mat.

Steps

Buy a new threshold.

To trim it later for a precise fit, the new threshold should be an inch or two longer than the gap between the outside edges of the door casing.

Measure the old threshold’s length, width, and thickness.

Take off the threshold weatherstripping and the storm door.

You’ll be on your knees a lot on the house’s outside. Consider putting rubber mats on the porch, or get a good set of knee protectors.

Step 2: Remove The Old Threshold

Required Tools

Safety gloves.
Reciprocating saw.

Steps

Get a reciprocating saw with a wood-cutting blade that is at least as long as the previous threshold’s depth.

Make two cuts across the wood, about 10 inches from each jamb.

Watch the blade’s tip to avoid cutting the flooring while holding the blade so that its teeth are almost parallel to the surface.

As soon as you feel the blade pierce the threshold, stop sawing.

Before lifting the blade out of the kerf, wait until it stops moving.

Step 3: Pull Out The Exterior Board

Required Tools

Safety gloves.
Pry bar.
Borate solution.

Steps

Pry up the center part by inserting a pry bar between the threshold and the sub-sill.

Move the ends away from the jambs. If not, split them in half and remove each section separately.

You don’t want to harm the ends of the door stops, so use caution and care rather than force.

Check the wood for symptoms of rotting by prying off the toe kick (the outer board below the threshold).

To stop decay and drive off termites, replace any bad wood you discover and spray the entire area with a borate solution like Bora-Care.

Step 4: Install The Rubber Seal

Required Tools

Safety gloves.
Reciprocating saw.
Vycor Plus.

Steps

Water cannot get to the framing below thanks to a layer of flashing on the sub sill.

Cut Vycor Plus, a self-adhering material that is rubbery and a few inches broader than the sub sill, to fit between the jambs.

With the adhesive side facing down, place the flashing over the sub sill with just enough excess in front to cover the top of the toe kick.

After the material has been smoothed out, take hold of the edge closest to the home’s interior and roll it over upon itself to create a little barrier to stop water infiltration.

Step 5: Line Out Notch For The New Threshold

Required Tools

Pencil.
Ruler.

Steps

To fit around both door jambs, the new threshold’s ends need to be notched. This creates a ‘horn’.

To transfer the measurement to the back edge of the threshold, measure the width of the right-hand casing, then put the tape on the corner of the back right of the threshold.

After that, measure the jamb’s width, halt, and transfer it to the end of the stock by hooking the tape on the same corner.

Draw a vertical line from each mark using a square until the lines cross.

Step 6: Cut The Notch Out

Required Tools

Safety gloves.
Jigsaw or circular saw.
Pencil.
Ruler.
Square.
Borate solution.
120-grit sandpaper.

Steps

Use a jigsaw or circular saw to cut following the layout lines, and use a handsaw to complete circular saw cuts.

Measure the space width from jamb to jamb, then put the tape on the cut-out notch and move that measurement to the back edge of the threshold to mark the cuts for the left-hand notch.

Mark the jamb’s width and the threshold’s left end and connect the marks with a square.

Trim the horns to flush with the casing’s edges.

Spray some borate on the threshold after sanding it with 120-grit paper.

Step 7: Attach The Threshold

Required Tools

Safety gloves.
Hammer.
Shims.

Steps

Push the notched threshold into place beneath the door stop, then tap the threshold’s edge with a hammer on a block of wood.

Adjust the block’s placement, so the threshold doesn’t move far.

Slide a pair of shims—best made from cedar shingles—under the center and both ends of the threshold when it is close to the flooring but not the horns.

Place the shims so that their fat ends touch one another.

In this manner, the threshold will rise without tilting as you tap on the fat end.

Break the shim ends off flush with the sub sill once the threshold is tightened up against the door stops and casing.

Step 8: Seal The Threshold

Required Tools

Safety gloves.
Foam sealant.
Hammer.
Screwdriver.
Spar varnish or deck paint.

Steps

Fill gaps with expanding foam sealant to keep the threshold in place and secure.

As soon as possible, tighten the toe kick against the bottom of the threshold and under the flashing, then screw it to the sub sill.

Between each doorstop and the threshold, run a dab of sealant.

Finally, apply several coats of spar varnish or deck paint to protect the wood.

And voila! I believe this article has helped you to replace your threshold in a very short time. But since you are replacing your old threshold, what if you wish to go for a newer style?

I got you covered on that too. Here are 4 interior door threshold replacement ideas to give your doors a new look.

4 Interior Door Threshold Replacement Ideas For You

Saddle Threshold

Saddle thresholds are stretched across the top of exterior doorways and have a saddle-like form.

Larger metal door thresholds are called saddle thresholds and can be supplied with supports beneath that extend the entire threshold length.

Saddle thresholds with grooves can be purchased for safety reasons to reduce the possibility of slipping.

Saddle thresholds may be seen along the doorways at outdoor gatherings like weddings, festivals, and corporate parties.

Bumper Threshold

This style of threshold has a seal at the top that links to the threshold when the door is closed.

As a result, draughts and moisture are prevented from entering by acting as a seal for the bottom of the door through the bumper seal threshold.

When considering how to replace a bumper seal threshold, it’s crucial to consider the door’s undercut.

Thermal Break Threshold

The purpose of thermal break door thresholds is to prevent heat or cold from entering the floor.

Thermal break thresholds are perfect for both hot and cold regions because they prevent condensation buildup on the threshold, which can be a safety threat, especially in colder circumstances (slip hazards).

The thermal break prevents the threshold from becoming wet and slick in hot and cold conditions by being in the middle of it.

Heavy-Duty Threshold

Heavy-duty thresholds are made to endure high foot traffic, as the name suggests.

This kind of door threshold can withstand traffic from heavy machines like cars, lawnmowers, and forklifts and is suitable for indoor and outdoor installation.

Thicker metal, frequently stainless steel, is used in the design of heavy-duty thresholds to assist them in resisting constant heavy foot activity.

Final Verdict

Changing a door threshold can save you money on energy costs and be aesthetically pleasing.

The constant foot traffic and weathering put a strain on the threshold at the base of an outside door.

So if you start noticing any decay on your threshold, it’s time to replace it with a newer one.

FAQ

Can you replace the rubber in a threshold?

If your door is prefabricated, the rubber seal is likely already attached with screws. You may easily replace the rubber seal on your outside door by removing those screws.

How much does it cost to replace the threshold of a door?

With a range of $12.51 to $14.23, the national average material cost to install a threshold transition strip is $13.37 per transition.

Each transition costs a total of $100.79 in labor and supplies, ranging from $79.79 to $121.79.

How long does it take to install a threshold?

You may need to replace an inside threshold if new flooring is required on one side of the doorway or if the existing one is unappealing.

There is no ledge behind the threshold of an inside door, and it sits on the ground. Installing a new threshold and sill will take 2 – 3 hours.

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