Your garage door is more than just an entry point; it’s also a crucial barrier that helps protect your home from the elements and keeps your energy bills in check. However, most people tend to overlook an essential component of garage doors that can significantly impact their home’s energy efficiency: the weather seal.
In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about maintaining your garage door weather seal, including common issues, simple fixes, and DIY tips to help you save energy and money all year round.
Why does garage door weather stripping matter?
Your garage door is exposed to a range of harsh conditions, from the scorching summer heat to the freezing winter temperatures. Without a good garage door weather stripping system, you could be letting hot or cold air seep in through gaps around the door panels, door frame, or along the garage floor. This creates drafts that force your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to work harder.
A quality garage door weather seal creates a tight seal along the garage door sides, bottom edge, and sometimes the top of the door, keeping your space well-insulated and safeguarded. Effective weather stripping not only protects your garage from the extreme temperatures and moisture but also prevents pests, dust, and debris from entering.
Proper garage door weather stripping maintenance is therefore essential to keep a tight seal that:
- Reduces strain on your HVAC and lowers your utility bills
- Prevents damage from water and ice, especially during the winter months
- Keeps your floor dry and free from slip hazards and dirt
- Improves the overall comfort of your home
What are common types of garage door weather seals?
Understanding the type of weather stripping your garage door has enables you to maintain and replace it correctly. Here are a few common types:
- Rubber strip seals: Flexible and durable, these bottom seals run along the door’s bottom or sides to block drafts. However, they can dry out, crack, or tear over time, requiring replacement.
- Brush seals: Often found along the sides of garage doors, these use bristles to block drafts while allowing door movement.
- Vinyl or PVC seals: These seals are often self-adhesive and fit snugly against the door panels and door frame, making them easy to install and replace.
- Threshold seals: Installed on the garage floor at the base of the door, these create a barrier that seals gaps between the door and the garage floor.
- Storm shields: These are heavy-duty seals designed for extreme weather conditions.
Regularly inspecting these components can help you spot early signs of wear and tear before they impact your home’s energy efficiency.
How to inspect your garage door weather seal
Routine inspection is key to effective garage door weather stripping maintenance. Look for these clear signs that your seal needs attention:
- Cracks, tears, or holes in the rubber or vinyl strips
- Gaps where the seal has pulled away from the door or frame
- Loose or missing pieces of weather stripping
- Water seepage or puddles inside the garage after rain
- Drafts or cold air felt around the door edges
- Signs of black ice or moisture buildup near the seal during winter
A simple water rinse and cleaning with an all-purpose vinyl cleanser can also remove dirt or debris buildup that may be compromising the seal.
DIY garage door weather seal maintenance: A step-by-step guide
Maintaining your garage door’s seal yourself is as simple as following these steps:
1. Clean the weather stripping
Dirt, dust, and grime can wear down your weather stripping. Spray down the seal with water and wipe it dry with a clean cloth. Use a mild cleaner, such as a silicone-based spray or an all-purpose vinyl cleanser, to remove stubborn residue.
2. Check for damage and small holes
Inspect your seals closely. If you find small holes or tears, you can usually fix them using weatherproof sealants or patch kits. If you see larger sections of damage, it’s best and cheaper in the long run to replace the seal entirely.
3. Reconnect loose or detached weather stripping
If the weather stripping is peeling or coming loose, remove the old adhesive carefully and apply new self-adhesive weather stripping. Make sure to press firmly to ensure a secure fit.
4. Replace the bottom seal if necessary
The bottom weather stripping takes the brunt of the wear and tear. Replace it if you see cracking or flattening, or if it no longer seals the gap between the door and the garage floor.
5. Inspect and replace threshold seals if needed
Check the threshold seal on your floor. If it’s cracked, torn, or has missing sections, replace it with a new one to prevent water and cold air from entering.
Tips for choosing the right materials
When replacing seals, choosing the right materials is essential to guarantee durability and effective insulation. Opt for a wider rubber strip for the bottom seal for better protection, and select materials with a good R-value for insulation, such as polyurethane insulation seals.
If you have wooden doors, make sure to get weather stripping that’s designed specifically for wood applications. Try to buy one that has PVC supports for added strength and flexibility.
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these common errors when maintaining or replacing your garage door seal:
- Installing weather stripping that’s too narrow to create an effective seal
- Using old or worn-out adhesive that fails to hold the seal firmly in place
- Overlooking early signs that indicate the seal needs attentionÂ
Neglecting regular cleaning and maintenance can significantly reduce the lifespan of your weather stripping. Similarly, inaccurate measurements of your door panels and frame before purchasing new seals can lead to poorly fitting replacements, undermining both insulation and protection.
How does weather sealing save you money?
Proper garage door sealing keeps your garage insulated, which can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs. A well-sealed garage door addresses unwanted drafts, which force your HVAC system to work harder to maintain comfortable temperatures indoors. Investing time in regular maintenance extends the life of your seals and garage door system, reduces strain on your HVAC, and prevents costly repairs in the future.
Guarantee correct installation and maintenance with garage door experts
While many garage door seal maintenance tasks are DIY-friendly, situations like the following may require expert assistance from professionals such as Rainbow Garage Door Service:
- Your garage door has multiple worn components beyond the seal.
- You need garage door installation or professional-grade seal replacement.
- You want a professional inspection as part of routine garage door maintenance.
Maintaining your garage door weather seal is one of the easiest ways to lower your energy bills while keeping your home protected from outside conditions. Regular upkeep ensures your garage stays insulated against drafts, moisture, and debris, so your heating and cooling systems work more efficiently year-round.
If you’re ready to give your garage door the care it deserves or need a professional hand with weather seal replacement, Rainbow Garage Door Service is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a maintenance check or learn more about our expert garage door services. Start saving energy with a well-sealed garage door today!