A properly installed exterior door threshold is an extremely important element that directly affects the amount of noise entering your home and the thermal insulation in the interior. Cutting off the flow of cold air will have a positive influence on heating bills and comfort of use. If you are wondering how to install an exterior door threshold and how to properly finish it, this article prepared by our specialists will dispel all your doubts.

Choosing the right threshold for your exterior door

The first issue to consider is deciding which threshold to install. There are both aluminium and wooden thresholds available on the market. The choice of model should depend on our needs. Thresholds made of metal are extremely durable, easy to clean and are guaranteed to last for many years. They are the most often chosen for exterior doors. Wooden thresholds, on the other hand, have a unique appearance, which is why they are the number one choice for traditional, stylised doors. They are also extremely good thermal insulators and stand out for their good value for money. Before making the final choice, it is worth checking the detailed characteristics of each of them and select the one with the parameters that will meet our needs and the design consistent with the style of the interior.

How to install an exterior door threshold?

The installation of an aluminium exterior door threshold should begin with the preparation of appropriate accessories that will speed up and facilitate the installation work. In addition to work gloves and a tape measure, you will need a drill or a drill/driver. First step is to make a channel in which the threshold will be installed. It will allow us to execute adequate thermal insulation and thus minimise heat loss in the interior. It is not allowed to install the threshold directly on the floor due to the risk of cold penetration. We should remember to carry out all installation work before laying tiles, parquet or panels. If the work extends over several days, we can fill the recess in the floor with polystyrene foam, which we will remove before starting the work. The next step is to execute adequate insulation using thermal breaks, which are filled with air. We place them in the channel directly under the exterior door. Many people are wondering what to put under the threshold. If we are installing a standard threshold, without thermal breaks, there should be always a material used directly under it that provides thermal insulation. This layer is placed below the floor insulation level, which is basically at the level of the concrete itself. On the outside of the door, it is also necessary to provide a waterproofing layer. The last stage of work involves attaching the threshold to the floor. If concrete has been poured in the channel, the threshold is installed with dowels directly in its surface. Afterwards, we can move on to the final stage, i.e. finishing the door threshold.

How to finish an exterior door threshold?

Finishing a door threshold is the last stage of its installation. Many people wonder how to do it in an aesthetical and permanent way. For this task, it is worth using a sealant that will not only cover all gaps and breaks, but will also ensure proper sealing. High-quality silicone will be ideal for it. There are also other types of sealants available in DIY shops that vary in price and parameters. It is worth checking the characteristics of the most recommended products for this type of work and choosing the one that best meets our expectations.

The proper installation and finishing of the exterior door threshold are extremely important elements of the works, which affect the comfort and safety of use. A properly protected interior will allow us to enjoy the peace and warmth of home.