Replacing Your Garage Door Weatherstripping

Of all the garage door maintenance tasks that homeowners can handle themselves, replacing the garage door weatherstripping is easy to forget about. However, this rubbery component along the edges of the door keeps your garage weatherproofed, reduces energy costs, and protects your belongings from pests. Learn all about garage door weatherstripping, including the benefits, types, how to replace it, and reasons to leave the job to a professional.

Benefits of Garage Door Weatherstripping

Adding or replacing the weatherstripping on your garage door is beneficial in several ways:

• Energy efficiency: Proper weatherstripping seals gaps around your garage door, preventing drafts for a more stable temperature inside. If it’s an attached garage, or you heat and cool the space separately, you can expect the upgrade to lower your energy bills.
• Pest control: Weatherstripping acts as a barrier against insects and small animals, preventing them from entering your garage or migrating to your living space.
• Moisture barrier: Effective weatherstripping prevents rain from seeping into your garage, reducing the risk of water damage, rust, and mold growth. This helps maintain the integrity of stored items and the structure of the garage itself.
• Noise reduction: Sealing gaps with weatherstripping reduces noise transfer from outside. This is worthwhile if you use your garage as a workshop or living space or simply want to minimize street noise entering your home.
• Enhanced comfort: Maintaining a consistent internal temperature and keeping out drafts makes your garage more comfortable to use year-round. Whether you’re working on projects, storing sensitive items, or using it as a living space, the improved comfort is a big reason to replace the old weatherstripping on your garage door.

Best Time to Replace Weatherstripping

The best time of year to replace your garage door weatherstripping is typically the spring or fall when weather conditions tend to be mild. These seasons provide optimal temperatures for you to work without being too hot or too cold. The temperature also affects the flexibility and adhesive properties of weatherstripping materials. Scheduling a spring or fall installation ensures your weatherstripping goes on properly and mitigates the elements before they become problematic.

Different Types of Garage Door Weatherstripping

There are several types of weatherstripping available for your garage weatherproofing project, each of which serves a specific purpose:

• Bottom seal: This is a rubber or vinyl strip attached to the bottom edge of the garage door. It compresses against the floor when the door is closed, sealing the gap and preventing water, debris, and pests from entering. You can find it in various sizes and profiles to match different garage door designs.
• Threshold seal: Installed on the garage floor, this seal creates a barrier that the door closes against. It’s particularly effective at keeping out rainwater and helps flatten out uneven floors where a bottom seal alone might not suffice. Threshold seals are durable and can withstand cars rolling over them.
• Doorstop weatherstripping: This type is installed along the sides and top of the garage door frame. It consists of a flexible vinyl or rubber flap that presses against the door when closed, sealing the edges. It’s essential for preventing drafts and water leaks around the door’s perimeter.
• Weatherstripping kits: You can buy kits with everything required to seal all sides of a garage door. Pre-cut strips and installation instructions make them convenient for DIY projects.

Guide to Replacing Garage Door Weatherstripping

If you decide to attempt this job as a DIY project, first, gather all the tools you’ll need. Then, follow the step-by-step instructions below.

Tools

• Flathead screwdriver or pry bar
• Warm water and mild detergent
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Box knife or hand saw
• Nails or screws
• Hammer

Steps

1. Remove the old weatherstripping: Insert a flathead screwdriver or pry bar under the edge of the old weatherstripping. Gently lift and pull the strip away from the door, removing any nails or screws as you go. Clean the surface with warm water and mild detergent to remove residual adhesive or debris.
2. Measure and cut the new weatherstripping: Determine the length of the area where the new weatherstripping will be installed using a tape measure. You can also lay the old weatherstripping on the new one as a template. Mark the length with a pencil. Then, cut the new weatherstripping to the correct size using a box knife or hand saw.
3. Install the top seal: With the garage door closed, align the new top seal so it’s flush against the door. Secure the seal with nails or screws, starting from one end and working across. Hammer in the nails halfway at first to allow for adjustments. Once properly aligned, fully secure the nails or screws.
4. Install the side seals: Align the side seals with the top seal at the corners, ensuring they aren’t touching the ground. Secure the side seals with nails or screws, again starting at one end and working your way up or down. Test the door’s operation to make sure the seals do not impede movement. Make any necessary adjustments, and then fully secure the nails or screws.

Leave the Job to a Professional

While replacing garage door weatherstripping can be a DIY task, you may still want to hire a professional. Garage door repair technicians have years of experience replacing weatherstripping, so you can trust them to ensure a proper fit and seal. If you have a busy schedule, aren’t handy with tools, or don’t have the physical capabilities required to replace garage door weatherstripping, a professional can complete the task for you. You’ll save time and effort while preventing mistakes that could lead to costly repairs and replacements in the future.

Choose A1A Overhead Door

If you’re looking for quality garage door repair in Jacksonville, FL, look no further than A1A Overhead Door. We have 27 years of experience providing top-notch services to homeowners and businesses alike. Our family- and community-oriented approach ensures a high level of integrity and trust. Contact us at 904-821-8463 for garage door weatherstripping replacement to weatherproof your garage against the Florida heat and humidity.