How To Replace Your Garage Door Weatherstrip
Have you noticed water, rodents, dirt, and other debris inside your garage? If so, you likely have a damaged or missing garage door weatherstrip. Your garage door comes with a bottom seal that protects the interior of your garage. But, over time, these seals wear out and malfunction.
Usually, garage door weatherstripping problems are an easy fix. However, it is often overlooked because it does not affect the mechanical function of a garage door. Yet, don’t be mistaken. They are definitely important.
In this article, we will give you some tips on how to replace a garage door weatherstrip and help you understand its importance to your garage door as well as your garage.
Signs of Damaged Garage Door Weatherstrip
Over time, the seals around your garage door wear out and will need to be replaced. If you see signs of damage, make sure to act fast. Ignoring the damage may lead to a more serious problem. Keep an eye on the following.
- Puddles of water near or around your garage door.
- A gust of air that comes through the garage door.
- Cracked, bent, or flattened seals.
Replacing Garage Door Weatherstrip
Replacing a garage door seal is a simple task. But before you begin, examine your current garage door seals. Check the type of seal that is already there. Remember that there is no universal garage door seal. So, the seal that you need is based on the type of garage door you have. Make sure to take your time in the preparation process. Failure to do it will result in the difficulty of installing it. After that, you can begin working;
Step 1: Measure the seal
The first step is to know how much weather-stripping you will need to cover all edges of the garage door. Raise the garage door and measure the current seal you have. Do not remove the old garage door weather seal until you already have one for replacement.
Step 2: Remove the old garage door seal
If there are gaskets screwed on the door, use a screwdriver removing both the screws and the gaskets. Do not put too much force on doing this to prevent damage to the garage door which can lead to a costly repair.
Once you have removed the old garage door seal, clean the area with a wet rag to remove any dirt and debris. After that, cut the new weatherstrip using a razor knife.
Step 3: Install the new seal
Carefully place the new seal to the bracket. It should fit tightly. Slide the gasket to the bracket and replace the seals. After that, cut the excess seal at each end of the panel. Be careful not to cut off too much length because you might not be able to get the required length.
Step 4: Test the garage door
Once you are done putting the screws back in place and trimming the seals, test the garage door to make sure that it opens and closes properly. Check if the new door seal is sitting flush with the floor and see if there is any damage along the bottom of the door.
How Important Is Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping is the process of sealing all the openings around a garage door to keep the weather out. It’s not only the wind that it keeps out but also rain and snow.
While your garage door does the main work of protecting the interior of your home against rainwater, snow, and wind, garage door seals do an important job as well. Your garage door cannot perfectly fit in that opening, leaving a small space around. This space can allow the weather to creep inside your garage, but the weatherstrip stops that. Leaving a small gap or crack unsealed around your garage door can lead to serious damage, especially in colder days. When it rains, and your garage door is unprotected with a seal, the water can seep inside and eventually turn into a layer of ice. You might end up having trouble driving your car out of your garage.
Furthermore, the weather seals around your garage door, when installed and working properly, can improve the entire insulation of your home, helping you to reduce the risk of lost energy.
A weather seal around your garage door, though small, does a tremendous work of protecting your garage from elements. Thus, it is important that it is in good condition.
Get Help From Professionals
When you need assistance with your garage door, contact professionals at Inland Overheaddoor. We have skilled and trusted technicians who can assist you with the replacement and installation of the new weatherstripping. We will properly measure and ensure that the right type of material is used. Our technicians can also provide you a full inspection of your garage door to ensure that your door is in the best working condition. Contact us today to get a free repair estimate.