The garage-to-house door is missing its threshold
What we found
The threshold — the fitted strip that runs along the bottom of a door and closes the gap between the door and the floor — was not present at the door between the garage and the living space.
Why it happens here
A door threshold works together with the door and its frame to create a continuous seal at the base of the door. When the threshold is absent, that seal has a gap in it, so air and anything carried by air can pass freely through the bottom of the doorway.
What it means for you
A door between an attached garage and the living space is meant to act as a barrier. A gap at the base of that door means conditioned air — air you have paid to heat or cool — can move out, and air from the garage side can move in. Garage air can carry vehicle exhaust, fuel vapors, and similar contaminants.
What to do
Have a qualified contractor evaluate the door and install an appropriate threshold and door seal to restore the full barrier between the garage and the living areas.
How common is this
Inspectors routinely check the garage-to-house door and its seals as part of a standard inspection, and installing or replacing a threshold is a well-understood, routine repair.
A complete seal at the garage-to-house door is a small fitting with a straightforward job, and restoring it is a reasonable early step after closing.
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