Door Thresholds - What You Can't See Loses Money

I posted a few weeks back about a simple product that can be installed in 30 seconds or less that will give you a nice tightly sealed door.  The ratcheting strike plate is wonderfully simple and useful, but it is only part of the picture when it comes to sealing your door.

The biggest gap is often under the door, along the door's threshold.  The threshold often doesn't seal tightly with the bottom of the door, creating a gap for air infiltration as well as insect infiltration.

But never fear - the solution may be another 30 second fix.

If you are lucky, you may have an adjustable threshold installed on your exterior doors.  These allow you to simply turn three or four screws to raise or lower the height of the threshold.

Adjustable Door Threshold

My house had these installed, and I was amazed to see that the builder never adjusted them properly.  And I didn't think to check them out for several months!

If you are lucky and have these adjustable thresholds already, simply turn the screws to adjust.  Make minor adjustments in small increments, testing to ensure you can still easily close the door.  When you think you have a tight seal, wait until night and turn out your interior lights.  Have someone shine a bright flashlight along the bottom of the door from the outside and see if you can see any light.  If so, adjust the threshold a bit more.

If you aren't so lucky to have a threshold that adjusts, you can always purchase an adjustable threshold.  However, thresholds are not a beginners project, and in older houses you may discover other surprises (like rotting wood) when working to replace a threshold.  If you decide to do it, I recommend you watch this Bob Vila video showing the process.

Another simple solution is to install a door sweep.  Door sweeps are usually vinyl so that they can flex with uneven surfaces like tile and carpet.  They fit along the inside bottom of the door and obstruct air infiltration. Door sweeps should be used in conjunction with adjustable thresholds to provide the best blockage.

Amazon has a self adhesive door sweep that looks to be about the simplest option available.

A low tech option is to use one of many available draft stoppers and 'door snakes'. The are placed against the door, and must be moved when opening the door.