I’m not sure if you are aware, but caulking is a really important part of your home’s exterior. It helps keep moisture from getting into the walls and causing mold or rot to grow.
Caulking also prevents water from seeping in through the door threshold, which can result in leakage around your doors.
But how do you caulk under the door threshold? I will walk you through it below!
Step 1 – Measure the Door Threshold
The door threshold is the part of your door that sits on the ground and helps to keep water and air from entering your home. This is where the door meets with the floor.
There should be a little ledge that looks like it sticks out (just below your feet when you enter your house).
To caulk under it, you first need to measure it! This can be tricky because thresholds can be different shapes and sizes. Measurement can be done using a simple ruler or measuring tape.
Step 2 – Get the Supplies
This is my favorite part! Go out and buy some caulk. As far as which type to choose, it depends on the material of your threshold.
You can buy the caulk from the store, or if you’re feeling ambitious and have some time on your hands, you can make your own.
If you’re not sure, ask a sales rep at the hardware store for some help deciding which one to use!
Step 3 – Clean the Door Threshold and Surrounding Area Using a Wet Rag
Make sure to use water and soap to clean the area where you will be caulking. This will help the caulk adhere better to the surface and create a stronger seal.
Do not use abrasive cleaners or chemicals. Cleaning the door threshold is important because it will make the caulking stick and prevent mold or other dirt from getting stuck in your caulk and ruining the seal.
Step 4 – Mark for Placement
Mark off where you want to caulk on both sides of this section. When I say “on both sides,” I mean on the side of the door that meets with the floor as well as the side of the threshold that meets with the door.
Make sure to use a level when you are marking these lines! It will ensure your caulking is straight and looks neat.
Step 5 – Get Your Caulk Gun Ready
The caulking gun is one of the most important tools you will need for this project. It comes with a tube of caulk that you will use to apply the adhesive to your door threshold.
Place a line of caulk on one side, and then press it gently into place with the tip of the caulking gun (don’t apply too much pressure because you don’t want to push out all of your hard-earned caulk!)
Step 6 – Apply the Caulk
This is pretty self-explanatory, but make sure to smooth it out as you go, so there are no bumps or lumps in the caulk.
If you have a helper, they can help you do this by using their finger or a piece of cloth.
Applying the caulk is the most important part of this process because it will create a watertight seal between your door threshold and the floor.
Step 7 – Let it Dry
Once you have applied the caulk and smoothed it out, let it sit for a few hours so it can harden.
Drying time will vary depending on the type of caulk you used and how thick of a bead it has. If it is thicker, let it sit for longer to ensure there isn’t any residue left over after removing your finger from the tube.
If you try to walk on it too soon, you could ruin the caulk or leave footprints on your door threshold!
Step 8 – Clean Up With A Wet Paper Towel Once Dry.
Cleaning up is probably the easiest step of them all! Just use a wet paper towel to wipe away any excess caulking that may have gotten on your door threshold or floor.
This will help remove any excess caulking that may have gotten onto the ledge of your door threshold (which is very easy to do). You can also use a razor blade to get any stubborn caulking off.
How To Caulk Under Door Threshold
There you go, now you know how to caulk under your door threshold like a pro!
Follow these eight simple steps, and in no time, you will have a watertight seal keeping the cold (or the bugs) out.
It’s not too difficult, but make sure to take your time and do it correctly, so you don’t have to redo it later.
Remember to always use a level when marking your lines and apply even pressure when caulking.
And most importantly, let it dry completely before walking on it! Happy caulking! 🙂
