How To Stop Water Coming In Under A Door Threshold

Anchoring Your Door Threshold

If the source of your leak seems to be your door threshold, it is essential to anchor it. You should anchor the door threshold to the door sill. If your door doesn’t have a sill, anchor the door threshold to the material below it.

To anchor your door threshold, you will need the following materials:

To re-anchor the door threshold, follow these steps:

Step 1: Clean the Area

Before you go about reattaching the door threshold, clean the area around it. If a storm has caused water and debris to trickle inside, take extra care to get rid of this.

The caulking and sealant will not stick to the threshold and ground if the area is dirty. For good measure, scrub the dirt from the door sill and threshold to remove any grime buildup.

Step 2: Drill Pilot Holes

Step 3: Apply Caulking

Add Leak Stopper Clear Patch between your threshold and what is below it. You can purchase this clear patch for less than $7 on Amazon. This product is a sealant, preventing leaks and cracks under your threshold.

It dries clear, so you don’t have to worry about the goopy white mess regular caulk leaves. It also doesn’t yellow so that it won’t affect the aesthetics of your door area.

Step 4: Insert Screws

Insert screws along the pre-drilled pilot holes. Use a cordless screw gun to screw these through the threshold and into the ground or door sill. Try to make the screws as flush with the threshold as possible.

Step 5: Remove Excess Caulk

After inserting the screws, some of the caulking will seep out from under the threshold. With a paper towel or rag, wipe away the excess caulk.

Step 6: Final Seal

Weatherproofing Your Door

If you’ve anchored your door threshold and are still experiencing leaks, this is a problem. The best way to fix your leak problem is to weatherproof your door. You can add weatherproofing strips or weatherproofing sweeps.

How to Add Weatherproofing Strips

Weatherproofing strips are a popular way to stop drafts and leaks from entering your home.

Step 1: Measure Gaps

To ensure your door can open and close, measure the gaps you wish to fill with weatherproofing strips.

Step 2: Purchase Weatherproofing Strips

There is a wide variety of options available, and many are relatively cheap. If you are unsure what will work best for your home, buy a variety to test effectiveness. Pay close attention to width and thickness and consult your measurements.

Step 3: Clean the Door

The adhesive on the weatherproofing strips won’t work if the surface is dirty or damp. Applying the weatherproof strips to a dirty surface will cause them to fall off prematurely. Wipe the surface down with soap and water and dry it thoroughly.

Step 4: Remove the Backing and Apply the Strips

Take the backing off the weatherproofing strips a little at a time. Apply the strips slowly, peeling away the backing as you press it down. These strips can be applied to both the bottom of the door and the sides to optimize weatherproofing.

Step 5: Nail the Strips Down

Tack a nail into each end of the weatherproofing strips. This will help to hold them down, should they start to peel back for any reason. Use brass weatherstrip nails. You can purchase these on Amazon for around $5.

Step 6: Check Your Door

Open and close your door after installing the weatherproofing strips. If the door cannot open or close properly, locate the strip causing the problem and remove it.

How to Add Weatherproofing Sweeps

A door sweep can help weatherproof your door by attaching to its bottom. A door sweep bridges the gap between the bottom of the door and the threshold.

Step 1: Measure Your Gaps

Before purchasing a door sweep, measure the gap between your door and threshold. You should also measure the width of your door. This precaution prevents you from buying an ill-fitting door sweep or one that stops you from opening the door.

Step 2: Purchase Your Door Sweep

There are two main types of door sweeps. One is a metal strip that can be screwed, nailed, or stapled to the bottom of a door. The other type is u-shaped sweeps that slide under aluminum or metal doors. Either option is suitable for an exterior door.

Step 3: Mark Holes

Place your door sweep against the edge of your door. Using a pencil, mark through the pre-drilled holes onto the door.

Step 4: Drill Pilot Holes

Drill holes where you previously marked on the door.

Step 5: Loosely Attach the Sweep

Screw the sweep to the door. Do not install the screws all the way; you want to make sure your door will work properly first.

Step 6: Check Your Door

Open and close your door to ensure the sweep doesn’t hinder movement. If it does, remove the sweep and move it up about 1/8 inch.

Step 7: Tighten Your Screws

Once you’re sure the door can open and close, tighten your screws. Make sure they are tight enough that the sweep doesn’t move around with the door.