Are you curious about how to weather seal a garage door? Well, you're in luck because we're about to show you just that. Garage doors are big, and they come with a seal at the bottom to keep out all that bad stuff like water, wind, dirt, and unwelcome guests. But sometimes, those seals wear out over time. In some cases, the ground under the door can get all wonky, creating big gaps that regular seals can't fix.
Weather-sealing a garage door is basically about fixing or changing the seal at the bottom and the strips on the sides and top of the door. You can even add some extra stuff between the door panels if you want to make it super airtight.
Keep reading for some straightforward guidance on the ways to weather-seal a garage door.
Five Steps on How to Weather Seal Garage Door
Here are five steps on how to install garage door weather stripping.
Fixing Garage Door Bottom Seal
The thing at the bottom of your garage door is called the "garage door bottom seal" or sometimes the "door sweep." It's like a long rubber or vinyl strip that sticks to the bottom of your garage door. When you close the door, it squishes down and seals the gap so that stuff like water, dirt, chilly drafts, and little critters can't sneak in.
How do you know it's time to change it? If you can see sunlight under the closed door, feel a draft, or even notice water coming in when it rains, that's a sign it needs replacing.
Wooden garage doors usually have a simple strip-style seal with slanted edges that fit against the door and the floor. You usually attach these with galvanized or aluminum roofing nails.
Metal garage doors, on the other hand, often have an aluminum channel at the bottom that holds a U-shaped rubber piece. You just slide this rubber piece into the channel, and it's installed. You can even add this channel to a wooden door if you want to use the same type of seal.
The cool thing about U-shaped rubber garage door seals is that they come in different sizes, so you can use them to seal big gaps if your garage floor is a bit wonky.
Garage Door Threshold Seal
There's another thing called the "garage door threshold seal," and it does a similar job, but it sticks to the garage floor instead of the door itself.
Why would you want this threshold seal? It's great if your driveway slopes down towards your garage because it helps stop rainwater from getting inside. It can also fill up a big gap under the door.
A good-quality vinyl threshold seal can be tougher than a door seal. You just stick it down with some adhesive that usually comes with it.
However, this threshold seal doesn't let water flow out of your garage, just like it keeps it from coming in. If you like hosing out your garage, it might be a bit inconvenient. Sweeping dirt and stuff out of the garage can also be tricky with this in the way. If you don't want to deal with these tasks, just get a pro to help you out.
Knowing about all the types of garage door seals and what they do is really important. Take a look at our blog to learn about different garage door seal types in detail.
Garage Door Stop Weatherstripping
Sometimes, wind and rain sneak into the garage through the sides and top of the garage door. To stop that from happening, garage doors have rubber or vinyl weatherstripping. It's like a seal that goes on the wood part around the door, close to the front.
If your garage door doesn't have this weatherstripping, or if the old one is worn out and not sealing properly, you can add some new stuff. It usually comes in rolls, and you can easily cut it to the right length with a utility knife. To attach it, you just use some galvanized nails or screws.
Make sure the part of the weatherstripping that's on the door side presses against the door itself to make a nice, tight seal. Get pro help if you want to lessen the hassle of all the above tasks.
So, how do you weather-seal a garage door in Aurora? You can trust us as your local garage door service expert therein.
Vinyl Door Stop With Integrated Weatherstrip
If the wood part around your door, called the door stop, is old, rotted, or damaged, you need to replace it. A cool option is "door stop molding with weatherstripping."
This special molding is usually made of vinyl, and it has a wood-like strip and a flexible weather seal all in one. You can easily cut it with a saw and attach it with galvanized or stainless steel nails.
To put it on, you line up each piece next to the door and push it towards the door so that the weatherstrip part squishes slightly against the door. Then, you nail it to the frame around the door.
It's best to start with the top part and then put the side pieces on so they overlap with the top part.
Garage Door Panel Weatherstripping
If you have a garage door with different sections, there's something called "V-shaped garage door panel weatherstripping," which seals the gaps between those sections. It's handy, especially for older wooden doors with flat sections.
This weatherstripping comes in rolls and sticks by itself. You just apply it to the top or bottom edge of each section. When you close the door, these sections push against the weatherstripping, creating a nice seal, similar to what weatherstripping does on regular house doors.
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Final Thoughts
Now you know how to weather-seal garage doors like a pro. With simple steps and handy tips, you can keep your garage cozy and protect it from the elements.
FAQs
- How to Keep Your Garage Warm in Winter? Insulate your garage walls and door, use a space heater if needed, and seal any drafts to keep it warm in winter.
- Are Garage Door Weather Seals effective in preventing drafts and moisture from entering your garage? Yes, garage door weather seals are effective at keeping drafts and moisture out of your garage.
- Can I use a Garage Door Bottom Weather Seal Strip with other weather sealing methods? Sure! Many people use it along with other ways to seal their garage door for extra warmth and protection.
- How do you weather seal a garage door on your own? You can weather seal a garage door on your own by installing weather stripping, adding bottom seals, and using threshold seals and door-stop weatherstripping.