Weatherproofing custom old door

We have a turn-of-the-century custom Mission style wood door that is 2 1/2 inches thick and with the half round top. It fits reasonabley tightly in the entrance way except at the bottom where it is pretty rough. The problem is air movement at the bottom in winter. Who nowadays can do this type of door repair? Are there special finish carpenters that can do this type of rebuilding? I had even priced out over the Internet storm doors with a fine wood frame, half round top, almost all glass that would properly display the main door. These start at $1000 and go up. I had also looked at these spring mounted door sweeps that will pop up when the door is opened and then pop back down when it is closed to maintain a reasonable seal at the bottom. What do you suggest?

 

There are off the shelf door sweep components available at big box, but most will not fit this door. And a door like this needs special attention, anyhow. Try a local lumberyard that carries custom or semi custom doors. They can probably find the hardware you need.

 

Just a couple of additional comments to what JB said. Take pictures of the door with you (closed, partially open [showing jamb and weatherstripping], and a very clear picture of the bottom gap and weathered areas [stand a tape measure vertically from the threshold and against the door face].

A concealed automatic door bottom (your spring mounted door sweep) is one possible solution, but the final choice will be an evaluation of the current installation and what you're willing to give up. Expect questions. The pictures will help answer some of them.

Irregardless of title, you want someone with proven and exceptional skill working on this door. A custom shop is a good place to find that person.

 

Good comments. Sounds like a *very* nice door. As 2000 said, you might be looking for something like this, that would be completely concealed and adjustable.



image credit: Pemko