How to Install a Saddle Threshold in Concrete

Remove Existing Threshold

• 1

  Turn each threshold screw counterclockwise with a Phillips screwdriver until they pull from the subflooring. Dispose of the screws. Loose screws lying on the floor create a slip hazard and can damage the installed flooring.

• 2

  Drag a razor knife blade along the seams where the threshold meets the floor. Ensure all seams are scored.

• 3

  Push the flat end of a pry bar between the threshold and the concrete subfloor. Pull up on the pry bar handle to lift and spread the seam. Slide the bar two to three inches down the seam. Pull the pry bar up a second time to loosen the seam. Repeat the process until the entire seam is free. Loosen the other seam of the threshold using the described method. Slide the threshold from the door opening.

• 4

  Hold the blade of a metal putty knife at a 30-degree to the concrete subfloor. Slide the blade across the surface until all caulk is removed.

• 5

  Clean the area with a dust brush. Ensure the area if free of large debris and loose caulk.

Install the Saddle Threshold

• 6

  Set the saddle threshold on the floor – finished side up. Slide it into the door opening until it contacts the sides of the door frame. Mark the door frame contact points on the exposed face with a pencil. Measure the distance from the point of contact between the two materials and the far edge of the door frame with a tape measure. Mark the measured distance on face of the threshold.

• 7

  Remove the threshold from the door opening. Cut along the pencil lines with a hack saw. Slide a flat file across the notched areas to remove the burrs left by the hacksaw.

• 8

  Slide the threshold into position. Align its edges with the front edges of the door frame. Hold a transfer punch inside one of the mounting holes – located on the top of the threshold. Hit the back of the punch with a hammer to mark the mounting hole on the concrete. Repeat the process at each mounting hole. Remove the threshold.

• 9

  Measure the diameter and length of a lead anchor. Secure a masonry drill bit – matching the anchor dimension -- in a hammer drill. Drill a hole at each location – marked with the transfer punch – to the depth of the anchor.

• 10

  Drop one lead anchor into each hole. Tap the top of the anchors until they sit flush with the top of the concrete. Place the threshold in the doorway. Align its mounting holes with the installed anchors.

• 11

  Set a Phillips screw – supplied with the threshold – into each mounting screw. Turn the screw clockwise with the Phillips screwdriver until tight.

• 12

  Apply silicone caulk to the contact points between the threshold and the concrete subfloor with a caulk gun. Wipe the excess caulk from the area with the tip of a rag. Allow the caulk to dry for 24 hours before cleaning the area.