Q: Hi Richard, Would like to replace my entry door threshold and door bottom with a system that will seal out the scorpions and spiders. The gap was an issue on my recent energy audit. I temporarily installed some tape-on weather stripping??, but now that the weather is cooler, I'm in search of a more permanent solution. I've attached photos of existing door threshold. (If you look really close you can see the squished spider in the Velcro pad I glued to the hood jamb! ) The entry door is covered so not sure if the drip guard is needed. Threshold is 42" wide and about 4 1/2 " deep. Door is solid maple and swings inward. Thanks for your help with my Project. Photos are here:
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Eva
A: Eva is the entire issue the distance from the bottom of the door to the top of the existing threshold? Is this what you are referring to as the "gap" ?
Q: Yes. The door has a U shaped shoe with a rain cap. There's a rubber like weatherstrip that slides into the door shoe. The weatherstripping is old and brittle... but the weatherstrip is not long enough to touch the threshold. I looked at the Pemko and Zero International catalogs. Maybe a threshold stop or a longer door bottom sweep? Thanks for looking at my problem. Look forward to your advice. Eva
A: Would it be the least complex to replace the door bottom and install it do that it makes proper contact with your threshold?
Our initial conversation was to replace the threshold, but replacing the door bottom seems necessary and easier
Q: After looking at the catalogs on your site, i agree it makes more sense to start with the door sweep or bottom. I like the idea of the zero international automatic door bottom (http://www.zerointernational.com/content.aspx?p=10) I don't know if the pemko door shoe will be able to close the gap. What do you advise? Eva
A: What is the gap under the door?
Q: The gap is 5/16" (0.3125) on the hinge side and 10/16" (0.625") on the handle side of the door. It's an inswing door solid painted maple. Door dimensions: 95"H x 41 7/8"W x 1 3/4"D I haven't been able to find a gasket for the existing door bottom. So I originally thought an adjustable threshold would close a door gap that increases from one side of the threshold to the other. Eva
A: An automatic door bottom is your best choice moving forward given the existing door factors.
What drew you to the Zero unit in lieu of the Pemko ?
Q: The zero catalog was easier to navigate. It includes a demonstration titled "typical gasketing for residential". What do you think of the semi mortises vs mortised ADB? Am considering the ZI 350. I will need to find a carpenter to remove and carefully mortise the bottom of my door.
A: Everything from Zero is fantastic quality. Zero's lead time is currently likely 6 - weeks to ship however (this is a temporary condition)
I prefer the semi or surface as you want the line of defense to be on the face of the door rather than under it
Mortise when you want concealed as a paramount consideration.
For your application where water is less a concern, go with mortised but but but - what will the gap be when you remove the current door bottom?
Q: Richard, Good to know the quality is that good. Zero International's lead lime is doable. But why does it take so long? Also, I put down some peel and stick weatherstripping on the threshold and that should hold until summer.
A: Zero moved from NY to IN and they are backed up
What specifically can I do at this time?
Q: Hi Richard, I appreciate your recommendation and advise. I'll take it from here and order the parts I need from your website. Thank you for this very helpful exchange.
A: Please coordinate with me prior to ordering. I want to escort you through the process so that you order the correct net size.
Thank you for your feedback and response on this job and I stand ready to assist on this or future potential projects.
I will check back with you in about two weeks if that is acceptable to you and I respectfully thank you for the opportunity to quote this job and stand ready to assist on this and all future needs.