Weatherstripping is a small but mighty feature that helps your garage door function optimally. Weatherstripping comes in various forms, but its job is the same regardless of exact placement or material. It creates a seal around the edges of your garage door.
Proper installation and maintenance will extend the life of garage door weatherstripping, but you will eventually need to replace it. Here’s a breakdown of how weatherstripping works, how to care for it, and when to replace it with new material.
What Does Weatherstripping Do?
Your garage door is an essential barrier to the outside environment. It keeps the contents of your garage safe, dry, and (to various degrees) temperature-controlled.
Depending on your situation, though, that barrier may not be complete. It’s common to find small gaps around the edges of a garage door where the door doesn’t completely meet the frame.
Gaps can be caused by:
- Uneven ground
- Garage door installation issues
- Changes in your door or garage over time
Weatherstripping bridges these gaps to create a solid barrier between your garage and the outside world. Having a complete barrier is critical to keep out:
- Pests
- Dust, dirt, and debris
- Moisture
- Drafts
Weatherstripping also improves energy efficiency for attached or climate-controlled garages, lowering energy costs and making it more comfortable to pass through or work in the space.
Weatherstripping Categories
There are many iterations of garage door weatherstripping. Typically, weatherstripping is made from a durable, flexible material like rubber, vinyl, or silicone.
While all weatherstripping functions to create a barrier around your garage door, different doors and garages require different types of protection. It’s important to consult a garage door expert to install the correct type or advise on DIY installation.
Side and Top Weatherstripping
As the name suggests, side and top weatherstripping seal the vertical sides and horizontal top of your garage door. Sometimes called perimeter weatherstripping, this type offers general protection against pests, drafts, and dust.
Bottom Seals
In some situations, it’s critical to have a strong barrier at the bottom of your garage door. If the floor is uneven or if you have issues with rain getting into your garage, you may need this specialized weatherstripping attached to the bottom edge of your door. When the door is closed, bottom seal weatherstripping will compress, filling in gaps and keeping out moisture, drafts, and other unwanted elements.
Threshold Seals
For properties prone to heavy rain or flooding, you may want to go beyond a bottom seal and consider a threshold seal. Instead of a strip of material attached to the bottom of the door, this barrier is installed on the floor. When the garage door comes down, it meets the threshold seal, compresses it, and seals out the external environment.
You may want one or a combination of these weatherstripping options. Your garage door contractor can help you decide which weatherstripping path is right for your door.
When to Replace Weatherstripping
While weatherstripping is tough and durable, it will degrade over time. You can extend its lifespan by cleaning it regularly with mild soap and water, but even the toughest seals will wear out eventually.
If you notice that your weatherstripping looks or feels dry or brittle, you may need to replace it. The same holds if you see any cracks or tears.
Even if you can’t see any issues with the weatherstripping itself, there are other signs to look out for. These include:
- Light leaks
- New drafts
- Evidence of bugs, rodents, or other pests
- Unusual moisture or water damage
- An increase in your energy bill (for attached garages)
The good news is that replacing old weatherstripping will usually fix these issues without needing to replace the door itself. Good-quality weatherstripping will also help protect the door and extend its lifespan.
When you need garage door weatherstripping guidance in Heathsville or the area, call Easy Open Garage Doors, LLC. We are here to help with all of your garage door installation, maintenance, and repair needs. You can count on Easy Open Garage Doors, LLC, for outstanding customer service and exceptional workmanship when you need it most. With over 32 years of experience to call upon, our team is here to help with all your garage door needs. Easy Open Garage Doors, LLC—because life is hard enough!
