Doors and Windows - Aluminum Threshold replacement

I am replacing an aluminum threshold in a door which is handicap accessible. There was a considerable gap between the bottom of the door and the threshold, and the threshold was installed backwards according to the instructions on the new threshold. The new one is 1 3/4" high, and I put it in per the instructions and have had a problem drilling holes in the concrete using standard masonry drills, and have about an inch of space between the bottom of the threshold and the screw head, which means I need to use a very long screw. I purchased another new threshold and still have a problem attaching it to the concrete exactly where the old one was. It seems as if there was a short wooden dowel at each location for the screws, which is rotted out. I removed these and have filled the area with concrete and am waiting for it to set up. The outside floor is about 1/2" higher than the inside floor, which adds to the problem. This is one of those simple jobs that turns out to be not so simple. Bear in mind that I am tryng to get as smooth a transition as possible for whel chair access, and still fill in the gap below the door.

What is the best product/procedure to anchor this threshold to the concrete. I am trying to anchor it with "Tapcon" screws by drilling the proper size hole into the cement I have used to fill in the old holes. If this were to be successful, I still do not believe the threshold will fit flat on the floor as it should.

boregard

I may not be able to solve you whole problem, but first of all drill your holes in the concrete using a hammer drill. A piece of cake. Go rent one. As for the floor difference, you will probably have to install it on a slight slope and use shims under the threshhold to fill the gap. Now, I am not sure what your aluminum threshhold looks like as there are several styles, but look into the possibility of after it is installed, grinding the top down a little to help with the height difference. remember to do this at an angle also. Yes, you are right. This is one of those $50.00 jobs that a door pro can do, and a $100 job by a DIYer. Keep at it, you will get it, and don't be afraid to experiment. Look at this project as a learning experience. After your done, you can help someone else with your knowledge. Good Luck

I just got back from estimating and layout a handicap bath. It will have almost the same problem you have with two different levels of floors. This is how I am going to do it, so thought I might share it with you. I am going to take out the old threshold. Then I an going to put in a wedge on a short slope.
Measure your width. 36" plus or minus. Then buy a piece of oak probably a 1x6. Cut to lenght. Then take a piece of scrap wood, and lay it where the threshold was. On one side mark where the top of the highest floor is.
If you wall thickness is 4" then made you wedge 5" wide. Now cut on the bias with a table saw the length of the board. Now you should have a 36" wedge. If you do not have a saw to do it, any lumber yard will cut it for you. Now just screw it to your concrete and you have it. Just a thought.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Jack the Contractor:
I just got back from estimating and layout a handicap bath. It will have almost the same problem you have with two different levels of floors. This is how I am going to do it, so thought I might share it with you. I am going to take out the old threshold. Then I an going to put in a wedge on a short slope.

Measure your width. 36" plus or minus. Then buy a piece of oak probably a 1x6. Cut to lenght. Then take a piece of scrap wood, and lay it where the threshold was. On one side mark where the top of the highest floor is.
If you wall thickness is 4" then made you wedge 5" wide. Now cut on the bias with a table saw the length of the board. Now you should have a 36" wedge. If you do not have a saw to do it, any lumber yard will cut it for you. Now just screw it to your concrete and you have it. Just a thought.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


Thanks for your reply. I am limited in tools I have available. The home I am working on is 75 miles away, and my boss schedules me to go there about once a month to take care of other problems as they arise. By the time I get there and decide what should be done first, go get the material, and reurn to the job, it is almost time to quit. This adds to the problem when there is considerable "engineering" to be done as in the case of the threshold. I have done other thresholds which were just a matter of replacement, but this one has been a challenge. Your advice is very good, but I only have general hand tools.

The threshold I am installing is a standard aluminum one purchased at home depot. It has a rubber seal at the crown to seal below the door.

If you come up with any additional advice or ideas, please don't hesitate to write.

Good luck on your project in the bathroom.
I work for the United Cerebral Palsy of NW Florida and all of the homes I maintain are handicap accessible and have all handicap features. There is a wide flat aluminum threshold in most of our baths which provide a smooth transition.

boregard

Why does this threshold have to be 1-3/4" high? That sounds pretty tall for a door opening that is going to be handicapped accessible, unless the finished floor will fill most of that 1-3/4". Would it be possible to use a shorter threshhold (an inch, or 1-1/4") and just add a sweep to the bottom of the door on the inside that will seal against the threshold?

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by lefty:
Why does this threshold have to be 1-3/4" high? That sounds pretty tall for a door opening that is going to be handicapped accessible, unless the finished floor will fill most of that 1-3/4". Would it be possible to use a shorter threshhold (an inch, or 1-1/4") and just add a sweep to the bottom of the door on the inside that will seal against the threshold?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thanks for your suggestion. I have given considerable thought to adding a 2x2 strip to the bottom of the door and using a lower threshold, and possbly a door sweep. I appreciate all the advice and assistance. I do not know when I will be able to return to this particular job, but I will take all of the advice and ideas I have received with me and get this job done.

boregard