To install a garage door weather seal, you will have to first measure the door and cut the seal to fit. After removing the old seal, slide the new one into the guide until it is all the way across, but leave a bit extra to allow for shrinkage.
Having a good weather seal on your garage door is essential to prevent water, insects, and other unwanted pests getting into the garage. Unfortunately, the garage door weather seal is the last thing on most homeowners’ minds. That is until something goes wrong with it. Now it’s a problem that must be dealt with and the sooner the better. If you read on, you will find out what the weather seal is, how to replace it, and the answers to many more questions you may have.
Purpose of a Garage Door Weather Seal.
The purpose of a garage door weather seal is to keep insects, animals, moisture, and colder air from entering the garage.
Benefits of Proper Weather Sealing.
Here are a few of the benefits of proper weather sealing:
• Gives a modicum of protection from flooding and heavy rain.
• During the winter, chilly air is kept outside, and in the summer hot air isn’t going to come inside the garage, leading to better energy bills.
• Insects, bugs, rodents and other pests are prevented from entering the garage.
• The weather seal on the bottom of the garage door acts not only as a seal, but also as a buffer between the door and the concrete floor leading to less damage.
Tools and Materials Needed.
Essential Tools.
When installing garage door weather sealing here is a list of the essential tools you’ll need.
1. Utility knife.
2. Pry bar.
3. Hammer.
4. Saw (power or hacksaw).
5. Tape measure.
6. Cordless screwdriver (if you are using screws to fix the weather seals)
Required Materials.
• The correct type of bottom weather seal that matches the existing one.
• Side and top weather seals.
• Galvanized screws and nails.
• Caulk for the finishing touches and to seal any naturally occurring gaps.
Safety Equipment.
1. Leather gloves.
2. Plastic gloves.
3. Safety glasses.
Choosing the Right Weather Seal.
Types of Weather Seals.
There are several types of garage door weather seals, depending on the type of garage door. A few of the available styles are, in no particular order:
1. Self-adhesive.
2. U-shaped beaded.
3. Bulb-shaped.
4. T-style.
5. J-style.
6. Threshold.
Considerations for Your Specific Garage Door.
You should look very carefully at the existing weather seal and buy a replacement that matches exactly. An incorrect type of seal will not be able to be installed as intended and will not give the protection you are looking for.
Preparing the Area.
Remove the old garage door bottom seal.
Using the garage door opener, raise the door just enough so you can access the existing seal. Remove any screws that are securing the seal in place and slide it out of the track. The ends may have been crimped so you may have to use a pry bar to release them. If the pry bar doesn’t work, then use a utility knife to cut the seal and pull the pieces out.
Clean the Track.
If your garage door has a metal track that keeps the rubber seal in place, then clean any debris or dirt out of the rack using a screwdriver and a wire brush.
Measuring the Area.
Taking Accurate Measurements.
Measure the bottom of the garage door taking note of the measurements for both the width and the thickness. The measurements are critical to ensure you buy the correct seal for the door.
Installing the Bottom Seal.
Ensuring a Secure Fit.
The process for installing the new seal is quite easy. Feed the new seal into the retaining track until you reach the end of the track. If there were any screws holding the old seal in place, re-install them in the new seal. Make sure that the seal is in the track all the way along the length to ensure a secure fit.
Installing the Side Seals.
• Measure the existing perimeter seals to determine the length needed.
• Cut the new vinyl side seals to match.
Aligning and Securing Side Seals Properly.
The side seals are installed with nails spaced evenly apart approximately eight to eighteen inches apart. Make sure these seals overlap the top seal to ensure a good seal. Any excess should be trimmed off for a professional look.
Installing the Top Seal.
The top seal should be the first one to be installed using galvanized nails spaced roughly ten inches apart.
Overlooking Gaps or Unevenness.
If there are any gaps or uneven pieces in the seals you run the risk of allowing moisture, rain, or pests to penetrate the seals.
Incorrect Installation Techniques.
Using the Wrong Type of Seal.
Installing the wrong type of seal may damage the integrity of the seal and potentially the safety of your home.
Testing the Seal.
Checking for Drafts or Gaps.
With the door closed, check the outside seals for any gaps or distortion particularly at the top corners. From the inside of the garage run your hand along the top and sides to see if you feel any drafts.
Ensuring Proper Functionality.
The seals should not impede the operation of the garage door. If there are any signs of snagging when the door is opened or closed, you should take steps to rectify the problem areas.
Maintenance Tips.
Regular Inspection.
Every month or two inspect the door seals for any signs of deterioration.
Cleaning and Lubrication.
When you have inspected the seals, spray them with general purpose cleaner, wipe them clean, then apply silicone-based lubricant to keep them as good as new.
Frequently Asked Questions.
How do you install weather seal on garage doors?
Attach the top seal first with screws or nails, making sure it is firmly against the door. Next install the side seals by tucking the side seals under the top one and secure with nails.
How do you seal the outside of a garage door?
The best way is to install garage door weatherstripping, available in kits from most home improvement stores.
How do I weather proof my garage door?
To weatherproof your garage door, replace all the existing seals. Also consider installing a threshold seal to the garage floor for added protection.
What is the best way to seal the bottom of a garage door?
Replace the weather seal that sits in the track along the bottom of the door.
How do you install garage sealer?
Remove the existing seal, measure and cut the replacement seal to match and install as per manufacturer’s instructions.
What goes around a garage door to seal it?
The top and sides of the garage door are sealed with vinyl weather seals, and a rubber seal on the bottom.
How do you seal the bottom of a garage door from water?
By installing a rubber threshold seal to the floor of the garage and a rubber weather seal to the bottom of the garage door.
How do you seal the outside of a door?
To seal the outside of a door you need weatherstripping that covers the top and the sides of the door, and a threshold seal at the bottom.
How do you install weather stripping?
Position one piece of weatherstripping ensuring the entire length seals the door and loosely nail it in place. Repeat with the other two pieces and when all three are in position securely nail them to the frame.
Should garage door seal on the bottom?
Without a doubt, yes. It is designed to create an almost airtight seal between the bottom of the door and the concrete floor.
Can you weather seal a garage door?
According to The Spruce.com you can weather seal a garage door by simply replacing or adding the bottom seal and renewing the weatherstripping on the top and sides of the door.
Can you waterproof a garage door?
Not 100%, but to a certain extent you can. Weather stripping on the top and sides plus a bottom seal and threshold go a long way to making the door waterproof. You can also install “V” shaped seals between each door panel for extra waterproofing.
How do I winterize my garage door?
Follow these steps to winterize the garage door.
• Any cracks or gaps should be sealed.
• Lubricate all the moving parts.
• Add some insulation to the door.
• Examine the cables and rollers.
• Check the garage door opener.
How do you install a bottom seal on a door?
Remove the existing bottom seal by sliding it out of the channel. If the seal is held in place by screws, remove them and lay them aside. Cut a new seal to length and slide it back into the channel, securing it in place with the screws you saved.
How to seal garage door sides and top?
Install vinyl weatherstripping across the top of the door and on both sides making sure the seal is tight against the door.
Types of garage door bottom seals.
The familyhandyman.com shows there are six types of bottom seals.
1. Self-adhesive.
2. U-shaped beaded.
3. Bulb-shaped.
4. T-style.
5. J-style.
6. Threshold.
