I just had a new door and frame installed today. It looks great, except
I am not sure if the door sill (threshold or whatever it is called) is
done right.

It is the metal part that one walks on, or over, when entering the
foyer. It is a bit flexible when one stands on it, and my old sill was
very stable.

Do I need to call the guy back to put some type of support underneath
it? If I don't, could a heavy person standing on it dent it?

Thank you!

Kate

On Jun 20, 7:05*pm, Kate wrote:
I just had a new door and frame installed today. *It looks great, except
I am not sure if the door sill (threshold or whatever it is called) is
done right.

It is the metal part that one walks on, or over, when entering the
foyer. *It is a bit flexible when one stands on it, and my old sill was
very stable.

Do I need to call the guy back to put some type of support underneath
it? *If I don't, could a heavy person standing on it dent it?

Thank you!

Kate

My dad had a front entry door installed and his aluminum threshold has
a little give to it, something I didn't like when I checked it out.

The main reason I checked it out so carefully is that I had 2 entry
doors to install, one really nice one for the front entrance and one
basic one for a side entrance to the garage. I made sure I supported
the thresholds so that they are as solid as a rock.

The thing is, I don't think we step on either one. We don't ever use
the garage entry door, in fact there's a desk blocking it on the
inside.

As far as the front door...well, that's a funny thing. I just went in
and out as a "test" and stepped over the threshold in both directions.
Do I do that ever time? Does SWMBO step on or over it? I don't know.

Now I'll have to pay attention.

In any case, I wanted mine to be solid so that's how I installed them.

Was your old threshold metal or wood? Both of mine were wood, so of
course they were solid. I put pressure treated wood under my new
thresholds to support them.

On 6/20/2012 6:05 PM, Kate wrote:
I just had a new door and frame installed today. It looks great, except
I am not sure if the door sill (threshold or whatever it is called) is
done right.

It is the metal part that one walks on, or over, when entering the
foyer. It is a bit flexible when one stands on it, and my old sill was
very stable.

Do I need to call the guy back to put some type of support underneath
it? If I don't, could a heavy person standing on it dent it?
....

If you let it go, over time it will gradually bow in the middle so the
door bottom seal won't be as good as it should be.

I'd say it was a shortcut that shouldn't have been taken and so it
should be fixed.

--

On 6/20/2012 9:06 PM, dpb wrote:
On 6/20/2012 6:05 PM, Kate wrote:
I just had a new door and frame installed today. It looks great, except
I am not sure if the door sill (threshold or whatever it is called) is
done right.

It is the metal part that one walks on, or over, when entering the
foyer. It is a bit flexible when one stands on it, and my old sill was
very stable.

Do I need to call the guy back to put some type of support underneath
it? If I don't, could a heavy person standing on it dent it?
...

If you let it go, over time it will gradually bow in the middle so the
door bottom seal won't be as good as it should be.

I'd say it was a shortcut that shouldn't have been taken and so it
should be fixed.

--

are they noramlly shimmed underneath?

On 6/20/2012 8:21 PM, Duesenberg wrote:
....

are they noramlly shimmed underneath?

Should be if needed--and if replaced a solid wooden threshold w/ an
aluminum one, it'll need it 'cuz they're not as thick. The ends will be
supported by the frame but the center has no support and w/ time people
_will_ walk on it and the inevitable will happen.

Not to mention that if it's flexible enough that it's noticeable, "that
just ain't right".

--

On Wed, 20 Jun 2012 16:05:44 -0700, Kate wrote:

I just had a new door and frame installed today. It looks great, except
I am not sure if the door sill (threshold or whatever it is called) is
done right.

It is the metal part that one walks on, or over, when entering the
foyer. It is a bit flexible when one stands on it, and my old sill was
very stable.

Do I need to call the guy back to put some type of support underneath
it? If I don't, could a heavy person standing on it dent it?

Thank you!

Kate
It seems pretty normal for them to be installed that way. I don't
like it. A shot of low expansion door and window foam inder the
sill-plate will firm it up, but it is REALLY easy to make a big mess
using that stuff. A properly milled peice of wood or some thin-set
when installing would be a lot better. If I were YOU, I'd talk to the
installer.

On Wed, 20 Jun 2012 17:13:12 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03
wrote:

On Jun 20, 7:05Â*pm, Kate wrote:
I just had a new door and frame installed today. Â*It looks great, except
I am not sure if the door sill (threshold or whatever it is called) is
done right.

It is the metal part that one walks on, or over, when entering the
foyer. Â*It is a bit flexible when one stands on it, and my old sill was
very stable.

Do I need to call the guy back to put some type of support underneath
it? Â*If I don't, could a heavy person standing on it dent it?

Thank you!

Kate

My dad had a front entry door installed and his aluminum threshold has
a little give to it, something I didn't like when I checked it out.

The main reason I checked it out so carefully is that I had 2 entry
doors to install, one really nice one for the front entrance and one
basic one for a side entrance to the garage. I made sure I supported
the thresholds so that they are as solid as a rock.

The thing is, I don't think we step on either one. We don't ever use
the garage entry door, in fact there's a desk blocking it on the
inside.

As far as the front door...well, that's a funny thing. I just went in
and out as a "test" and stepped over the threshold in both directions.
Do I do that ever time? Does SWMBO step on or over it? I don't know.

Now I'll have to pay attention.

In any case, I wanted mine to be solid so that's how I installed them.

Was your old threshold metal or wood? Both of mine were wood, so of
course they were solid. I put pressure treated wood under my new
thresholds to support them.
Don't know about the OP, but mine is concrete.

On Wed, 20 Jun 2012 21:21:23 -0400, Duesenberg wrote:

are they noramlly shimmed underneath?

If necessary. Especially on sliding glass doors. Using a level to
check for level.

I put two beads of silicone caulk under the threshold and a bead under
each end at the jamb.

Prevents drafts and water seepage under the threshold. YMMV

On Wed, 20 Jun 2012 16:05:44 -0700, Kate wrote:

I just had a new door and frame installed today. It looks great, except
I am not sure if the door sill (threshold or whatever it is called) is
done right.

It is the metal part that one walks on, or over, when entering the
foyer. It is a bit flexible when one stands on it, and my old sill was
very stable.

Mine was the same, and eventually the plastic/rubber strip which was
screwed to the top cracked - I glued that back together and added more
support under the metal part, so it shouldn't happen again.

cheers

Jules

On 6/21/2012 7:21 AM, Oren wrote:
On Wed, 20 Jun 2012 21:21:23 -0400, wrote:

are they noramlly shimmed underneath?

If necessary. Especially on sliding glass doors. Using a level to
check for level.

I put two beads of silicone caulk under the threshold and a bead under
each end at the jamb.

Prevents drafts and water seepage under the threshold. YMMV
I never thought about the water seepage. Thanks.

On 6/21/2012 7:33 AM, Jules Richardson wrote:
On Wed, 20 Jun 2012 16:05:44 -0700, Kate wrote:

I just had a new door and frame installed today. It looks great, except
I am not sure if the door sill (threshold or whatever it is called) is
done right.

It is the metal part that one walks on, or over, when entering the
foyer. It is a bit flexible when one stands on it, and my old sill was
very stable.

Mine was the same, and eventually the plastic/rubber strip which was
screwed to the top cracked - I glued that back together and added more
support under the metal part, so it shouldn't happen again.

cheers

Jules
Thank you. I guess I will call the installer back, or simply mix some
powdered concrete with water and neatly push it underneath the sill.

Kate wrote:
On 6/21/2012 7:33 AM, Jules Richardson wrote:
On Wed, 20 Jun 2012 16:05:44 -0700, Kate wrote:

I just had a new door and frame installed today. It looks great,
except I am not sure if the door sill (threshold or whatever it is
called) is done right.

It is the metal part that one walks on, or over, when entering the
foyer. It is a bit flexible when one stands on it, and my old sill
was very stable.

Mine was the same, and eventually the plastic/rubber strip which was
screwed to the top cracked - I glued that back together and added
more support under the metal part, so it shouldn't happen again.

cheers

Jules

Thank you. I guess I will call the installer back,

That's one option.

or simply mix some
powdered concrete with water and neatly push it underneath the sill.

That's probably what I would do since it appears that you have access to get
some type of filler material under the threshold. I think a small bag of
mortar mix would probably work -- they sell small, maybe 5 or 10 pound
plastic bags, of mortar mix at Home Depot etc. Or, if you see the right
type of filler material in a caulking tube, and if you have a caulking gun,
you may want to get that and just pump the stuff in under the threshold with
the caulking gun.

On Jun 21, 10:59*pm, Kate wrote:
On 6/21/2012 7:33 AM, Jules Richardson wrote:



On Wed, 20 Jun 2012 16:05:44 -0700, Kate wrote:

I just had a new door and frame installed today. *It looks great, except
I am not sure if the door sill (threshold or whatever it is called) is
done right.

It is the metal part that one walks on, or over, when entering the
foyer. *It is a bit flexible when one stands on it, and my old sill was
very stable.

Mine was the same, and eventually the plastic/rubber strip which was
screwed to the top cracked - I glued that back together and added more
support under the metal part, so it shouldn't happen again.

cheers

Jules

Thank you. *I guess I will call the installer back, or simply mix some
powdered concrete with water and neatly push it underneath the sill.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

It depends on what is under the threshold as to whether or not that
will work.

If it's just block like my garage entry was, then all you'll be able
to do is get concrete on the front lip and maybe along the ledge where
2 block meet.

Other than that, the more concrete you push in, the more will just
fall into the block cavity.

The support really should have been added before the door was
installed, but I guess you know that by now.

I'd be interested to hear what the installer tells you.

You might consider calling the manufacturer of the door first and get
their opinion. If the "flex" is going to void the warranty, you need
to know that before the installer says "Don't worry about, it'll be
fine."

DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Jun 21, 10:59 pm, Kate wrote:

Thank you. I guess I will call the installer back, or simply mix some
powdered concrete with water and neatly push it underneath the
sill.

It depends on what is under the threshold as to whether or not that
will work.

If it's just block like my garage entry was, then all you'll be able
to do is get concrete on the front lip and maybe along the ledge where
2 block meet.

Other than that, the more concrete you push in, the more will just
fall into the block cavity.

The support really should have been added before the door was
installed, but I guess you know that by now.

I'd be interested to hear what the installer tells you.

One thing that the OP (Kate) may want to consider trying, if it is possible
in her situation, is the following:

Place a block of wood next to the metal threshold and tap on the wood
lightly with a hammer to see if you can cause the metal threshold to slide
out from under the door jamb/frame. If so, you will be able to slide it
out, see what is under it, and maybe add a filler piece or some filler
material while it is out, and then put it back.

I am not sure how the threshold is attached to the door jamb/frame, but I
had one that I did that to and it slid right out without any problem. Of
course, you would have to be careful when trying this to make sure that no
damage to the jamb/frame occurs while tapping on the wood to move the
threshold.

On 6/22/2012 8:11 AM, DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Jun 21, 10:59 pm, wrote:
On 6/21/2012 7:33 AM, Jules Richardson wrote:



On Wed, 20 Jun 2012 16:05:44 -0700, Kate wrote:

I just had a new door and frame installed today. It looks great, except
I am not sure if the door sill (threshold or whatever it is called) is
done right.

It is the metal part that one walks on, or over, when entering the
foyer. It is a bit flexible when one stands on it, and my old sill was
very stable.

Mine was the same, and eventually the plastic/rubber strip which was
screwed to the top cracked - I glued that back together and added more
support under the metal part, so it shouldn't happen again.

cheers

Jules

Thank you. I guess I will call the installer back, or simply mix some
powdered concrete with water and neatly push it underneath the sill.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

It depends on what is under the threshold as to whether or not that
will work.

If it's just block like my garage entry was, then all you'll be able
to do is get concrete on the front lip and maybe along the ledge where
2 block meet.

Other than that, the more concrete you push in, the more will just
fall into the block cavity.

The support really should have been added before the door was
installed, but I guess you know that by now.

I'd be interested to hear what the installer tells you.

You might consider calling the manufacturer of the door first and get
their opinion. If the "flex" is going to void the warranty, you need
to know that before the installer says "Don't worry about, it'll be
fine."
Thank you so much. I will call the manufacturer first.

I have concrete underneath the door. Behind that concrete is my crawl
space.

On 6/22/2012 7:14 AM, TomR wrote:
Kate wrote:
On 6/21/2012 7:33 AM, Jules Richardson wrote:
On Wed, 20 Jun 2012 16:05:44 -0700, Kate wrote:

I just had a new door and frame installed today. It looks great,
except I am not sure if the door sill (threshold or whatever it is
called) is done right.

It is the metal part that one walks on, or over, when entering the
foyer. It is a bit flexible when one stands on it, and my old sill
was very stable.

Mine was the same, and eventually the plastic/rubber strip which was
screwed to the top cracked - I glued that back together and added
more support under the metal part, so it shouldn't happen again.

cheers

Jules

Thank you. I guess I will call the installer back,

That's one option.

or simply mix some
powdered concrete with water and neatly push it underneath the sill.

That's probably what I would do since it appears that you have access to get
some type of filler material under the threshold. I think a small bag of
mortar mix would probably work -- they sell small, maybe 5 or 10 pound
plastic bags, of mortar mix at Home Depot etc. Or, if you see the right
type of filler material in a caulking tube, and if you have a caulking gun,
you may want to get that and just pump the stuff in under the threshold with
the caulking gun.


I do have the concrete mix. The man who did my back door simply applied
concrete underneath the sill after the door was installed.
Thanks.

On 6/22/2012 11:24 AM, TomR wrote:
DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Jun 21, 10:59 pm, wrote:

Thank you. I guess I will call the installer back, or simply mix some
powdered concrete with water and neatly push it underneath the
sill.

It depends on what is under the threshold as to whether or not that
will work.

If it's just block like my garage entry was, then all you'll be able
to do is get concrete on the front lip and maybe along the ledge where
2 block meet.

Other than that, the more concrete you push in, the more will just
fall into the block cavity.

The support really should have been added before the door was
installed, but I guess you know that by now.

I'd be interested to hear what the installer tells you.

One thing that the OP (Kate) may want to consider trying, if it is possible
in her situation, is the following:

Place a block of wood next to the metal threshold and tap on the wood
lightly with a hammer to see if you can cause the metal threshold to slide
out from under the door jamb/frame. If so, you will be able to slide it
out, see what is under it, and maybe add a filler piece or some filler
material while it is out, and then put it back.

I am not sure how the threshold is attached to the door jamb/frame, but I
had one that I did that to and it slid right out without any problem. Of
course, you would have to be careful when trying this to make sure that no
damage to the jamb/frame occurs while tapping on the wood to move the
threshold.


It appears to be screwed down on one edge. I will have my friend
check it out tomorrow. Thanks.

On Jun 22, 2:24*pm, "TomR" wrote:
DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Jun 21, 10:59 pm, Kate wrote:

Thank you. I guess I will call the installer back, or simply mix some
powdered concrete with water and neatly push it underneath the
sill.
It depends on what is under the threshold as to whether or not that
will work.

If it's just block like my garage entry was, then all you'll be able
to do is get concrete on the front lip and maybe along the ledge where
2 block meet.

Other than that, the more concrete you push in, the more will just
fall into the block cavity.

The support really should have been added before the door was
installed, but I guess you know that by now.

I'd be interested to hear what the installer tells you.

One thing that the OP (Kate) may want to consider trying, if it is possible
in her situation, is the following:

Place a block of wood next to the metal threshold and tap on the wood
lightly with a hammer to see if you can cause the metal threshold to slide
out from under the door jamb/frame. *If so, you will be able to slide it
out, see what is under it, and maybe add a filler piece or some filler
material while it is out, and then put it back.

I am not sure how the threshold is attached to the door jamb/frame, but I
had one that I did that to and it slid right out without any problem. *Of
course, you would have to be careful when trying this to make sure that no
damage to the jamb/frame occurs while tapping on the wood to move the
threshold.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

I'm not doubting that you did what you say you did, but it sounds kind
of strange to have a threshold that is just sitting on the sub-
structure, un-attached to the structure or the door.

With both doors that I recently installed the metal threshold was
attached to the jamb on both sides.

On Fri, 22 Jun 2012 14:24:55 -0400, "TomR" wrote:

DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Jun 21, 10:59 pm, Kate wrote:

Thank you. I guess I will call the installer back, or simply mix some
powdered concrete with water and neatly push it underneath the
sill.

It depends on what is under the threshold as to whether or not that
will work.

If it's just block like my garage entry was, then all you'll be able
to do is get concrete on the front lip and maybe along the ledge where
2 block meet.

Other than that, the more concrete you push in, the more will just
fall into the block cavity.

The support really should have been added before the door was
installed, but I guess you know that by now.

I'd be interested to hear what the installer tells you.

One thing that the OP (Kate) may want to consider trying, if it is possible
in her situation, is the following:

Place a block of wood next to the metal threshold and tap on the wood
lightly with a hammer to see if you can cause the metal threshold to slide
out from under the door jamb/frame. If so, you will be able to slide it
out, see what is under it, and maybe add a filler piece or some filler
material while it is out, and then put it back.

I am not sure how the threshold is attached to the door jamb/frame, but I
had one that I did that to and it slid right out without any problem. Of
course, you would have to be careful when trying this to make sure that no
damage to the jamb/frame occurs while tapping on the wood to move the
threshold.

I do not believe there is a manufactured door frame made where the
aluminum threshold, step, or whatever you want to call it is not
fastened to the wood frame in some way which would cause damage if you
tried to knock it out. DO NOT TRY IT!!!!
I've handled HUNDREDS of entry systems - NONE of which had a "loose"
step-plate, thrshold, step, or whatever you want to call it.

Kate wrote:
On 6/22/2012 11:24 AM, TomR wrote:

One thing that the OP (Kate) may want to consider trying, if it is
possible in her situation, is the following:

Place a block of wood next to the metal threshold and tap on the wood
lightly with a hammer to see if you can cause the metal threshold to
slide out from under the door jamb/frame. If so, you will be able
to slide it out, see what is under it, and maybe add a filler piece
or some filler material while it is out, and then put it back.

I am not sure how the threshold is attached to the door jamb/frame,
but I had one that I did that to and it slid right out without any
problem. Of course, you would have to be careful when trying this
to make sure that no damage to the jamb/frame occurs while tapping
on the wood to move the threshold.

It appears to be screwed down on one edge. I will have my friend
check it out tomorrow. Thanks.

Okay, that may make it easier. I read your other posts and maybe the
installer put the door in, poured the concrete underneath, and put some
screws in along one edge (maybe while the concrete was setting) so the
threshold wouldn't slide back and forth. If that's the case, you may be
able to have your friend just take out the screws, slide the threshold out,
put filler in underneath to support the threshold, and replace the
threshold.

wrote:
On Fri, 22 Jun 2012 14:24:55 -0400, "TomR" wrote:


One thing that the OP (Kate) may want to consider trying, if it is
possible in her situation, is the following:

Place a block of wood next to the metal threshold and tap on the wood
lightly with a hammer to see if you can cause the metal threshold to
slide out from under the door jamb/frame. If so, you will be able
to slide it out, see what is under it, and maybe add a filler piece
or some filler material while it is out, and then put it back.

I am not sure how the threshold is attached to the door jamb/frame,
but I had one that I did that to and it slid right out without any
problem. Of course, you would have to be careful when trying this
to make sure that no damage to the jamb/frame occurs while tapping
on the wood to move the threshold.

I do not believe there is a manufactured door frame made where the
aluminum threshold, step, or whatever you want to call it is not
fastened to the wood frame in some way which would cause damage if you
tried to knock it out. DO NOT TRY IT!!!!
I've handled HUNDREDS of entry systems - NONE of which had a "loose"
step-plate, threshold, step, or whatever you want to call it.

I would have thought the same thing, and when I have bought prehung entry
doors the aluminum threshold was attached to the frame. But, I once had a
prehung entry door installed in a basement between the basement and a back
patio area and it was installed over the existing concrete basement floor
and patio area which were all one flat surface. Later, when I was doing a
bunch of demo work of a chimney etc. that resulted in lots of bricks and
debris in the basement, I wanted an easy way to get all of the debris out
onto the patio. The threshold created a barrier that would have kept me
from being able to just slide/shovel the debris from the basement to the
patio. I wondered if the was a way to get the threshold out of the way and
I tried tapping on it and it just slid right out. I don't remember the exact
details of how it was attached, but there was no damage etc. Maybe it was
just tack-glued to the frame or maybe a staple or two -- I don't know. All
I remember is that to my surprise the threshold just slid out with a little
tapping. So, that's the only reason that I thought to suggest that as one
option for the OP. But, since the OP's threshold is screwed down along one
edge (mine wasn't), my idea wouldn't work unless at least the screws are
taken out first.

I'll have to look at the threshold on a prehung entry door the next time I
get a chance and see how the threshold is attached.

DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Jun 22, 2:24 pm, "TomR" wrote:
DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Jun 21, 10:59 pm, Kate wrote:

Thank you. I guess I will call the installer back, or simply mix
some powdered concrete with water and neatly push it underneath the
sill.
It depends on what is under the threshold as to whether or not that
will work.

If it's just block like my garage entry was, then all you'll be able
to do is get concrete on the front lip and maybe along the ledge
where 2 block meet.

Other than that, the more concrete you push in, the more will just
fall into the block cavity.

The support really should have been added before the door was
installed, but I guess you know that by now.

I'd be interested to hear what the installer tells you.

One thing that the OP (Kate) may want to consider trying, if it is
possible in her situation, is the following:

Place a block of wood next to the metal threshold and tap on the wood
lightly with a hammer to see if you can cause the metal threshold to
slide out from under the door jamb/frame. If so, you will be able to
slide it out, see what is under it, and maybe add a filler piece or
some filler material while it is out, and then put it back.

I am not sure how the threshold is attached to the door jamb/frame,
but I had one that I did that to and it slid right out without any
problem. Of course, you would have to be careful when trying this to
make sure that no damage to the jamb/frame occurs while tapping on
the wood to move the threshold.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

I'm not doubting that you did what you say you did, but it sounds kind
of strange to have a threshold that is just sitting on the sub-
structure, un-attached to the structure or the door.

With both doors that I recently installed the metal threshold was
attached to the jamb on both sides.

I agree, it does seem strange. I didn't put that door in -- a contractor
did that one. And, they did some goofy things with this door (the trim was
on backwards), and with some interior door slabs that the did (they cut the
hollow door slabs to size, but didn't replace the filler piece so the doors
were open/hollow where they made the cuts on the top or bottom).

So, maybe when they did the basement entry door, they intentionally or
inadvertently took off the threshold from the frame during the installation
and then just slid it into place when done.

Of course, I stopped using those contractors and I ended up resolving the
other interior door problems on my own.

On Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:15:08 -0400, "TomR" wrote:

wrote:
On Fri, 22 Jun 2012 14:24:55 -0400, "TomR" wrote:


One thing that the OP (Kate) may want to consider trying, if it is
possible in her situation, is the following:

Place a block of wood next to the metal threshold and tap on the wood
lightly with a hammer to see if you can cause the metal threshold to
slide out from under the door jamb/frame. If so, you will be able
to slide it out, see what is under it, and maybe add a filler piece
or some filler material while it is out, and then put it back.

I am not sure how the threshold is attached to the door jamb/frame,
but I had one that I did that to and it slid right out without any
problem. Of course, you would have to be careful when trying this
to make sure that no damage to the jamb/frame occurs while tapping
on the wood to move the threshold.

I do not believe there is a manufactured door frame made where the
aluminum threshold, step, or whatever you want to call it is not
fastened to the wood frame in some way which would cause damage if you
tried to knock it out. DO NOT TRY IT!!!!
I've handled HUNDREDS of entry systems - NONE of which had a "loose"
step-plate, threshold, step, or whatever you want to call it.

I would have thought the same thing, and when I have bought prehung entry
doors the aluminum threshold was attached to the frame. But, I once had a
prehung entry door installed in a basement between the basement and a back
patio area and it was installed over the existing concrete basement floor
and patio area which were all one flat surface. Later, when I was doing a
bunch of demo work of a chimney etc. that resulted in lots of bricks and
debris in the basement, I wanted an easy way to get all of the debris out
onto the patio. The threshold created a barrier that would have kept me
from being able to just slide/shovel the debris from the basement to the
patio. I wondered if the was a way to get the threshold out of the way and
I tried tapping on it and it just slid right out. I don't remember the exact
details of how it was attached, but there was no damage etc. Maybe it was
just tack-glued to the frame or maybe a staple or two -- I don't know. All
I remember is that to my surprise the threshold just slid out with a little
tapping. So, that's the only reason that I thought to suggest that as one
option for the OP. But, since the OP's threshold is screwed down along one
edge (mine wasn't), my idea wouldn't work unless at least the screws are
taken out first.

I'll have to look at the threshold on a prehung entry door the next time I
get a chance and see how the threshold is attached.

Perhaps the staples had rusted out.

On Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:49:10 -0400, "TomR" wrote:

DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Jun 22, 2:24 pm, "TomR" wrote:
DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Jun 21, 10:59 pm, Kate wrote:

Thank you. I guess I will call the installer back, or simply mix
some powdered concrete with water and neatly push it underneath the
sill.
It depends on what is under the threshold as to whether or not that
will work.

If it's just block like my garage entry was, then all you'll be able
to do is get concrete on the front lip and maybe along the ledge
where 2 block meet.

Other than that, the more concrete you push in, the more will just
fall into the block cavity.

The support really should have been added before the door was
installed, but I guess you know that by now.

I'd be interested to hear what the installer tells you.

One thing that the OP (Kate) may want to consider trying, if it is
possible in her situation, is the following:

Place a block of wood next to the metal threshold and tap on the wood
lightly with a hammer to see if you can cause the metal threshold to
slide out from under the door jamb/frame. If so, you will be able to
slide it out, see what is under it, and maybe add a filler piece or
some filler material while it is out, and then put it back.

I am not sure how the threshold is attached to the door jamb/frame,
but I had one that I did that to and it slid right out without any
problem. Of course, you would have to be careful when trying this to
make sure that no damage to the jamb/frame occurs while tapping on
the wood to move the threshold.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

I'm not doubting that you did what you say you did, but it sounds kind
of strange to have a threshold that is just sitting on the sub-
structure, un-attached to the structure or the door.

With both doors that I recently installed the metal threshold was
attached to the jamb on both sides.

I agree, it does seem strange. I didn't put that door in -- a contractor
did that one. And, they did some goofy things with this door (the trim was
on backwards), and with some interior door slabs that the did (they cut the
hollow door slabs to size, but didn't replace the filler piece so the doors
were open/hollow where they made the cuts on the top or bottom).

So, maybe when they did the basement entry door, they intentionally or
inadvertently took off the threshold from the frame during the installation
and then just slid it into place when done.

Of course, I stopped using those contractors and I ended up resolving the
other interior door problems on my own.

Doesn't sound like muxh of a contractor - and I'd bet they had
butchered the frame and threshold.

On Thu, 21 Jun 2012 19:58:47 -0700, Kate wrote:

On 6/21/2012 7:21 AM, Oren wrote:
On Wed, 20 Jun 2012 21:21:23 -0400, wrote:

are they noramlly shimmed underneath?

If necessary. Especially on sliding glass doors. Using a level to
check for level.

I put two beads of silicone caulk under the threshold and a bead under
each end at the jamb.

Prevents drafts and water seepage under the threshold. YMMV
I never thought about the water seepage. Thanks.

Looking at a top view, the silicone caulk would look like this before
the threshold is seated on the concrete or wood floor substrates.

|-------------|
|-------------|

Under the threshold (TH) .... not the outside edges.

Looking from top after the surface is cleaned of dirt, etc.

It protects water infiltration (and wind drafts & bug entry) and also
helps protect the door jamb (wood) from absorbing water.

Ask the installer if he sealed under the threshold.

Trying to add a cement mix (or even caulk on outside edges), after the
fact is (IMO) a waste of time and money. Okay for a final edge along
the TH.

I'm just saying this from experience given buy a _real_ contractor and
experience.

The installer can say what he did.

On 6/22/2012 12:53 PM, wrote:
On Fri, 22 Jun 2012 14:24:55 -0400, wrote:

DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Jun 21, 10:59 pm, wrote:

Thank you. I guess I will call the installer back, or simply mix some
powdered concrete with water and neatly push it underneath the
sill.

It depends on what is under the threshold as to whether or not that
will work.

If it's just block like my garage entry was, then all you'll be able
to do is get concrete on the front lip and maybe along the ledge where
2 block meet.

Other than that, the more concrete you push in, the more will just
fall into the block cavity.

The support really should have been added before the door was
installed, but I guess you know that by now.

I'd be interested to hear what the installer tells you.

One thing that the OP (Kate) may want to consider trying, if it is possible
in her situation, is the following:

Place a block of wood next to the metal threshold and tap on the wood
lightly with a hammer to see if you can cause the metal threshold to slide
out from under the door jamb/frame. If so, you will be able to slide it
out, see what is under it, and maybe add a filler piece or some filler
material while it is out, and then put it back.

I am not sure how the threshold is attached to the door jamb/frame, but I
had one that I did that to and it slid right out without any problem. Of
course, you would have to be careful when trying this to make sure that no
damage to the jamb/frame occurs while tapping on the wood to move the
threshold.

I do not believe there is a manufactured door frame made where the
aluminum threshold, step, or whatever you want to call it is not
fastened to the wood frame in some way which would cause damage if you
tried to knock it out. DO NOT TRY IT!!!!
I've handled HUNDREDS of entry systems - NONE of which had a "loose"
step-plate, thrshold, step, or whatever you want to call it.

I called the co. that I bought my new door from. They also installed
it. He said a caulk was applied underneath it and there is no chance of
the sill warping. I told him I did not like the look of a gap
underneath it, and the fact that water will get underneath it when I
hose off my deck.

He was super nice, and will be out on Monday to put some concrete, or
some type of product underneath it to seal it.

Thanks everyone for your help.

Much appreciated.

On 6/22/2012 1:02 PM, TomR wrote:
Kate wrote:
On 6/22/2012 11:24 AM, TomR wrote:

One thing that the OP (Kate) may want to consider trying, if it is
possible in her situation, is the following:

Place a block of wood next to the metal threshold and tap on the wood
lightly with a hammer to see if you can cause the metal threshold to
slide out from under the door jamb/frame. If so, you will be able
to slide it out, see what is under it, and maybe add a filler piece
or some filler material while it is out, and then put it back.

I am not sure how the threshold is attached to the door jamb/frame,
but I had one that I did that to and it slid right out without any
problem. Of course, you would have to be careful when trying this
to make sure that no damage to the jamb/frame occurs while tapping
on the wood to move the threshold.

It appears to be screwed down on one edge. I will have my friend
check it out tomorrow. Thanks.

Okay, that may make it easier. I read your other posts and maybe the
installer put the door in, poured the concrete underneath, and put some
screws in along one edge (maybe while the concrete was setting) so the
threshold wouldn't slide back and forth. If that's the case, you may be
able to have your friend just take out the screws, slide the threshold out,
put filler in underneath to support the threshold, and replace the
threshold.



What happened is I used to have a redwood deck. I had it removed and
concrete was poured. The old door perfectly against the concrete.
I can see why there is now a gap .

I did call the co. today, and the owner was great. He will be out
Monday to fill the gap in. He said it would probably be a concrete mix,
but that he needed to look at it first. His installer put it in.

Thanks.

On 6/22/2012 1:15 PM, TomR wrote:
wrote:
On Fri, 22 Jun 2012 14:24:55 -0400, wrote:


One thing that the OP (Kate) may want to consider trying, if it is
possible in her situation, is the following:

Place a block of wood next to the metal threshold and tap on the wood
lightly with a hammer to see if you can cause the metal threshold to
slide out from under the door jamb/frame. If so, you will be able
to slide it out, see what is under it, and maybe add a filler piece
or some filler material while it is out, and then put it back.

I am not sure how the threshold is attached to the door jamb/frame,
but I had one that I did that to and it slid right out without any
problem. Of course, you would have to be careful when trying this
to make sure that no damage to the jamb/frame occurs while tapping
on the wood to move the threshold.

I do not believe there is a manufactured door frame made where the
aluminum threshold, step, or whatever you want to call it is not
fastened to the wood frame in some way which would cause damage if you
tried to knock it out. DO NOT TRY IT!!!!
I've handled HUNDREDS of entry systems - NONE of which had a "loose"
step-plate, threshold, step, or whatever you want to call it.

I would have thought the same thing, and when I have bought prehung entry
doors the aluminum threshold was attached to the frame. But, I once had a
prehung entry door installed in a basement between the basement and a back
patio area and it was installed over the existing concrete basement floor
and patio area which were all one flat surface. Later, when I was doing a
bunch of demo work of a chimney etc. that resulted in lots of bricks and
debris in the basement, I wanted an easy way to get all of the debris out
onto the patio. The threshold created a barrier that would have kept me
from being able to just slide/shovel the debris from the basement to the
patio. I wondered if the was a way to get the threshold out of the way and
I tried tapping on it and it just slid right out. I don't remember the exact
details of how it was attached, but there was no damage etc. Maybe it was
just tack-glued to the frame or maybe a staple or two -- I don't know. All
I remember is that to my surprise the threshold just slid out with a little
tapping. So, that's the only reason that I thought to suggest that as one
option for the OP. But, since the OP's threshold is screwed down along one
edge (mine wasn't), my idea wouldn't work unless at least the screws are
taken out first.

I'll have to look at the threshold on a prehung entry door the next time I
get a chance and see how the threshold is attached.


I am curious too. I now find myself checking out other's thresholds.
LOL This is what is so great about these newsgroups. We all learn
from them.

Many thanks.

On 6/22/2012 2:45 PM, Oren wrote:
On Thu, 21 Jun 2012 19:58:47 -0700, wrote:

On 6/21/2012 7:21 AM, Oren wrote:
On Wed, 20 Jun 2012 21:21:23 -0400, wrote:

are they noramlly shimmed underneath?

If necessary. Especially on sliding glass doors. Using a level to
check for level.

I put two beads of silicone caulk under the threshold and a bead under
each end at the jamb.

Prevents drafts and water seepage under the threshold. YMMV
I never thought about the water seepage. Thanks.

Looking at a top view, the silicone caulk would look like this before
the threshold is seated on the concrete or wood floor substrates.

|-------------|
|-------------|

Under the threshold (TH) .... not the outside edges.

Looking from top after the surface is cleaned of dirt, etc.

It protects water infiltration (and wind drafts& bug entry) and also
helps protect the door jamb (wood) from absorbing water.

Ask the installer if he sealed under the threshold.

Trying to add a cement mix (or even caulk on outside edges), after the
fact is (IMO) a waste of time and money. Okay for a final edge along
the TH.

I'm just saying this from experience given buy a _real_ contractor and
experience.

The installer can say what he did.

Yes, the installer did seal underneath the threshold. He is just going
to apply a concrete mix, or something similar, to apply on the outside
edge. At least it will look better.

Thanks.

On Fri, 22 Jun 2012 22:29:15 -0700, Kate wrote:

On 6/22/2012 1:02 PM, TomR wrote:
Kate wrote:
On 6/22/2012 11:24 AM, TomR wrote:

One thing that the OP (Kate) may want to consider trying, if it is
possible in her situation, is the following:

Place a block of wood next to the metal threshold and tap on the wood
lightly with a hammer to see if you can cause the metal threshold to
slide out from under the door jamb/frame. If so, you will be able
to slide it out, see what is under it, and maybe add a filler piece
or some filler material while it is out, and then put it back.

I am not sure how the threshold is attached to the door jamb/frame,
but I had one that I did that to and it slid right out without any
problem. Of course, you would have to be careful when trying this
to make sure that no damage to the jamb/frame occurs while tapping
on the wood to move the threshold.

It appears to be screwed down on one edge. I will have my friend
check it out tomorrow. Thanks.

Okay, that may make it easier. I read your other posts and maybe the
installer put the door in, poured the concrete underneath, and put some
screws in along one edge (maybe while the concrete was setting) so the
threshold wouldn't slide back and forth. If that's the case, you may be
able to have your friend just take out the screws, slide the threshold out,
put filler in underneath to support the threshold, and replace the
threshold.



What happened is I used to have a redwood deck. I had it removed and
concrete was poured. The old door perfectly against the concrete.
I can see why there is now a gap .

I did call the co. today, and the owner was great. He will be out
Monday to fill the gap in. He said it would probably be a concrete mix,
but that he needed to look at it first. His installer put it in.

Thanks.
In so many cases the"installer crew" is a subcontractor, not an
employee of the window/door company. My advice is to always ask if the
installers are employees, or better yet, partners in the business.

The one company I worked for used one employee/partner as one crew
cheif, and several subcontractor crews. The employee/partner was out
of the picture most of the time, but did MUCH better work when he was
there. The second company, all crew cheifs were partners, and all
installers were employees - and the work done by those guys was
absolutely incredible. Virtually NO complaints, call-backs, or
do-overs.

Kate wrote:

I called the co. that I bought my new door from. They also installed
it. He said a caulk was applied underneath it and there is no chance
of the sill warping. I told him I did not like the look of a gap
underneath it, and the fact that water will get underneath it when I
hose off my deck.

He was super nice, and will be out on Monday to put some concrete, or
some type of product underneath it to seal it.

Thanks everyone for your help.

Much appreciated.

Sounds like they will figure it out and make it right.

When you first posted about this, I thought the main concern was about
whether there was enough support under the threshold and whether it might
bend down with people standing on the threshold. Now it seems like that may
have been part of the concern and the other part has to do with a gap that
is next to the threshold.

I think that the fact that the contractor/owner said that he will "...put
some concrete, or some type of product underneath it to seal it" is a good
sign. By that I mean that he will look at it first and decide what it needs
to correct the problem rather than telling you (without seeing it) that he
will put in concrete. Depending on what is there and exactly what needs to
be done, either something rigid like concrete will work or some flexible
filler material will work.