Cody Casey
Installing a garage door behind a recessed concrete pan sill can be a challenging task, but with careful planning and execution, it is certainly achievable. One of the key considerations when installing a garage door is to ensure proper waterproofing to prevent water damage. This can be achieved through the use of sill pans or other waterproofing techniques. Sill pans are designed to redirect water and prevent it from entering the garage, protecting the underlying framing from rot. In addition, it is important to create a sufficient outward slope for drainage, especially if the garage door is exposed to prevailing winds. Proper installation techniques, such as using the right tools and materials, can also help ensure a watertight seal. With the right knowledge and preparation, homeowners can successfully install a garage door behind a recessed concrete pan sill, creating a functional and durable entrance to their garage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose of sill pan | To prevent water from coming in under the door |
| Slab installation | Install a 2x at door openings to create a concrete recess |
| Slab finishing | Ensure mud is tight and sufficiently vibrated to fill recessed areas to prevent wind-driven rain from getting in |
| Slab forming | Install a 2 x recess by nailing 1 x cleats perpendicular to the recess form every 3 feet or so |
| Drainage | The interior slope of the garage should direct surplus water toward the floor drain |
| Waterproofing | Use butyl tape, caulk, and a 'wall flash' rubberized flashing |
| Materials | Copper, lead, grace vycor, plastic, wood, composite, aluminium |
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What You'll Learn
The purpose of a sill pan
Sill pans are also useful for preventing water damage to wood subfloors or finished floors inside. In the past, copper sill pans were commonly used for wood windows and doors, but nowadays, most people use Tyvek, a waterproof material, to wrap the opening and let the next owner worry about any potential problems.
When installing a door, it is important to set it in a heavy bead of sealant, whether or not a sill pan is used. This helps to block the sides of the rough opening and prevent water from getting past the sides of the door. Sill pans provide a more foolproof way to achieve this, as they expand to fill the entire rough opening, and you can caulk underneath them and between any seams.
When working with a concrete wall, the stone itself can become the pan, with a tiny slope to allow water to drain out. This method is demonstrated in a YouTube video by Matt Risinger from Austin, Texas, who also discusses the use of a DAP Quick Kit for exterior door installations.
Overall, sill pans are an effective way to protect against water damage, particularly for wood doors and floors, but they may not be necessary in all cases, especially if there is no risk of water accumulation near the door.
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Waterproofing the sill pan
Choose the Right Sill Pan Material:
Sill pans can be made from various materials, including stainless steel, PVC, copper, or plastic. Stainless steel and PVC pans are commonly recommended for their durability and water-resistance.
Prepare the Concrete Slab:
At the forming (slab) phase, create a concrete recess for the sill pan by installing a 2x recess with nails. Use duplex nails so they can be easily removed later. Ensure the mud is vibrated sufficiently during pouring to prevent voids and wind-driven rain ingress.
Install the Sill Pan:
Place the sill pan in the recess, ensuring it is level. If using a stainless steel pan, set it in roofing mastic for added adhesion and waterproofing. For PVC pans, a heavy bead of sealant is recommended.
Seal and Caulk:
Apply a generous amount of sealant or caulk to the underside of the sill pan and between any seams. This will ensure that no water can penetrate the joint between the sill pan and the concrete slab.
Install the Door:
Place the door in the sill pan, ensuring it sits firmly and levelly. Caulk the interior side of the door to complete the waterproofing process.
Additional Tips:
- If your door has an aluminium sill, ensure the sealant is applied where the hollow sill meets the solid part to prevent water ingress.
- Consider using flashing tape or butyl rubber for additional waterproofing.
- If your garage door has minimal overhang, a sill pan is highly recommended to protect against wind-driven rain.
By following these steps, you can effectively waterproof the sill pan for your garage door, creating a durable and water-resistant barrier that will protect your garage from moisture damage.
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Preparing the concrete door threshold
Firstly, decide on the type of sill pan you want to use. Traditionally, copper sill pans were used with wood windows and doors. However, modern alternatives include PVC, stainless steel, or even a custom-made pan. Sill pans are used to prevent water from entering and causing damage. If you don't anticipate any water issues, you may choose to forego a sill pan altogether.
Next, you'll want to create a concrete recess for the sill pan. This can be done by nailing cleats perpendicular to the recess form, using duplex nails that can be easily removed later. Ensure the cleats are nailed securely to the top side of your slab form. As you pour the concrete, let it build up against the underside of the form, and have someone stand on the recess until it looks level. Once the concrete is tight, carefully remove the recess and finish the area to your liking.
Additionally, when creating the concrete threshold, ensure there is a sufficient outward slope for drainage. This is especially important if your garage door faces the prevailing winds. The interior slope of your garage should also direct any surplus water towards a floor drain.
Finally, once your concrete threshold is in place, you can install the sill pan. If you choose to use a pre-made sill pan, follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation. Alternatively, you can make your own sill pan out of materials like copper, lead, or grace vycor. Ensure that the sill pan is secure and level before proceeding with the rest of your garage door installation.
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Creating a concrete recess
To create a concrete recess, you will first need to install a 2x recess by nailing 1x cleats perpendicular to the recess form. Use duplex nails so they can be easily removed later. Place the cleats every 3 feet or so, nailing them to the top side of your slab form. You may experience some drooping on the recess, but this can be remedied as you pour the mud, allowing it to build up against the underside. Have someone stand on the recess until it looks level. After a few minutes, the mud should be tight enough to hold.
Once the mud is tight, carefully remove the recess and finish the recessed area to your liking. Ensure that the mud is sufficiently vibrated to fill the recessed areas and prevent voids or honeycombing. This will help to prevent rainwater from getting in.
If you are working with an existing concrete slab, you can create a recess by using a concrete saw to cut the concrete often and shallow. Then, use a chisel and hammer to knock out the recess. If the finish is too rough, you can use epoxy or a similar material to smooth it out.
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Using a pre-made or custom sill pan
The purpose of a sill pan is to prevent water from coming in under the door. Sill pans are used to redirect any water that gets past the door seals. They are also used to protect a wood subfloor or finished floor inside. If you have a concrete floor, you may not need a sill pan.
If you do decide to install a sill pan, you can use a pre-made sill pan or create a custom one. Pre-made sill pans are available with a proper slope and drainage system and cost around $30. Sill pans can be purchased or made out of copper, lead, or grace vycor.
To install a pre-made sill pan, you will need to follow the manufacturer's instructions. You may need to use screws to attach the sill pan to the door sill. Make sure that the sill pan is properly sealed to prevent air and water infiltration.
If you choose to create a custom sill pan, you can make one out of copper, lead, or grace vycor. You can also use a composite material for the sill pan. When creating a custom sill pan, ensure that it has a proper slope to allow water to drain to the outside. You will also need to create a back dam to prevent air and water infiltration.
Whether you use a pre-made or custom sill pan, it is important to always set the garage door in a heavy bead of sealant to prevent water infiltration.
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Frequently asked questions
Sill pans are used to prevent water from entering and damaging the underlying framing. They are especially important if you have standing water outside the door or if the outside concrete is at the same height as the garage floor.
You can purchase a pre-made sill pan or make one out of copper, lead, or grace vycor. Alternatively, you can use plastic or sheet metal, but avoid using aluminium with PT.
During the forming phase, install a 2x4 recess by nailing cleats perpendicular to the recess form. After pouring the concrete, carefully remove the recess and finish the recessed area. Ensure that your mud is sufficiently vibrated to fill the recessed areas to prevent wind-driven rain from getting in.
