48" threshold insert replacement

I live in a 100-year-old house in New Orleans, and we've managed to keep our utility bills from going up by replacing the central AC/heat, weatherstripping doors & windows, and insulating the attic. One sore spot is the front door threshold. It's a 48" aluminum threshold (double doors) with vinyl insert, installed in the early '70's, and the insert is so squashed that light shines under the door in the morning! The aluminum part seems fine. NOBODY seems to make or sell 48" replacement inserts. Splicing two 36" pieces seems clumsy.

One vendor's (E-Building Source) only response to an inquiry was "Install a new threshold." They only sell 36" or 72" lengths by PEMKO, in the type of threshold we have. The latter could be cut down, but is more expensive.

Anybody know where we could get a 48" insert, or are we stuck with replacing the whole thing? In that case, who makes a 48" threshold?

 

It is doubtful you will find a 48 inch threshold insert. We have to cut them down from 72" ones all the time. You may want to consider attaching a "feather or brush" type sweep to the bottom of your doors. Once the doors are closed the sweeps rest against the threshold and keep the cold and heat out.

 

Are you talking about 72" inserts, or a new 72" threshold? If you are able to obtain 72" inserts, where do you get them?

I'm guessing that a sweep on the bottom of the door would still require a new threshold of different design. What type would be best?

 

Inserts are readily available at the big box stores, coiled up in bags. Due to the age, you may be in need of a new threshold altogether. You will have to be the judge on that one. The sweep will generally lay against the raised threshold edge, so no modification should be necessary.