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Author Exterior door for Bilco entrance....
charry@gmail.com

2006-12-28, 9:25 am

Was thinking about installing a pre-hung exterior door where our Bilco
steps enter our basement. Currently have an old-style tongue and
groove Z-brace door that leaks like a sieve! The rough opening is
perfect for a stock size door (36x80). I was thinking a steel
insulated door, but maybe wood might be the way to go (I assume the
Bilco traps a fair amount of heat in the summer, enough to buckle the
thin steel lining on the door), if I can find a decent wood door at a
decent price (I assume solid wood doors dont come cheap!)

My question is about the threshold. Since it will be a metal threshold
resting on concrete, I assume it will transfer an awful lot of cold
thru the metal. The cold in itself isnt a huge issue, but I also
assume it will start condensing on the warm side. What would be a good
way to try and isolate the threshold from the concrete? Can I just use
the foam strips that go between the wall sill plates and the
foundation?

I also wanted to see the threshold to the concrete for air infiltration
reasons........I was going to use an epoxy caulk, does that sound
correct?

Thanks in advance!
-Chris

Edwin Pawlowski

2006-12-28, 9:25 am


<charry@gmail.com> wrote in message >
> My question is about the threshold. Since it will be a metal threshold
> resting on concrete, I assume it will transfer an awful lot of cold
> thru the metal.


No, it won't. It is physically impossible to transmit cold. You cannot
make cold either.

> The cold in itself isnt a huge issue, but I also
> assume it will start condensing on the warm side. What would be a good
> way to try and isolate the threshold from the concrete? Can I just use
> the foam strips that go between the wall sill plates and the
> foundation?


Yes.
>
> I also wanted to see the threshold to the concrete for air infiltration
> reasons........I was going to use an epoxy caulk, does that sound
> correct?


Or you can use a urethane adhesive.


Willshak

2006-12-28, 9:25 am

charry@gmail.com wrote:
> Was thinking about installing a pre-hung exterior door where our Bilco
> steps enter our basement. Currently have an old-style tongue and
> groove Z-brace door that leaks like a sieve! The rough opening is
> perfect for a stock size door (36x80). I was thinking a steel
> insulated door, but maybe wood might be the way to go (I assume the
> Bilco traps a fair amount of heat in the summer, enough to buckle the
> thin steel lining on the door), if I can find a decent wood door at a
> decent price (I assume solid wood doors dont come cheap!)
>
> My question is about the threshold. Since it will be a metal threshold
> resting on concrete, I assume it will transfer an awful lot of cold
> thru the metal. The cold in itself isnt a huge issue, but I also
> assume it will start condensing on the warm side. What would be a good
> way to try and isolate the threshold from the concrete? Can I just use
> the foam strips that go between the wall sill plates and the
> foundation?
>
> I also wanted to see the threshold to the concrete for air infiltration
> reasons........I was going to use an epoxy caulk, does that sound
> correct?
>
> Thanks in advance!
> -Chris
>
>


I have an exterior steel door at the bottom of my Bilco steps. I just
stuffed fiberglass insulation under the aluminum threshhold. I never
noticed any condensation on the aluminum or steel, but I rarely use that
door.

--
Bill
in Hamptonburgh, NY
To email, delete the double zeroes after @
LinkBot





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