Sealing a garage door involves applying weatherstripping along the door frame, bottom, and edges. First, clean the area, then measure and cut your weatherstripping. Apply adhesive if necessary, then install the weatherstrip. This simple task will improve energy efficiency and protect your garage from external elements.
Your garage door can be a significant source of air leaks and energy loss. Problems arise when many homeowners overlook the importance of proper garage door sealing. Fortunately, sealing your garage door is a straightforward DIY project that significantly enhances energy efficiency and comfort in your home. Let’s explore the process of how to seal a garage door.
How to Seal a Garage Door
Sealing a garage door involves adding weatherstripping to various parts of the door to minimize drafts and prevent moisture and pests from entering. The process is pretty straightforward, and with the right materials, you can get it done in a day.
- Gather Materials: You will need a garage door seal kit, which usually includes top and side seal (weatherstripping), a door bottom seal, and a threshold seal. You’ll also need a measure tape, utility knife, and nails or screws for installation.
- Clean the Door: Clean the garage door and its frame thoroughly. Dirt or grease can prevent the seals from adhering properly.
- Measure and Cut the Seals: Measure the length of the garage door, then cut your seals to fit.
- Install the Seals: Start with the top and side seals. Nail or screw them into the frame, making sure they are flush against the door. Then install the bottom seal according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Finally, apply the threshold seal on the floor.
- Test the Seals: Close the garage door and check for gaps. Adjust the seals as needed.
Sealing a Garage Door at the Bottom
The bottom of your garage door is the most susceptible to weather elements and pests. Sealing it involves attaching a bottom seal — typically a long piece of rubber that runs across the width of the door. This seal helps prevent wind, rain, and pests from getting into your garage.
Consider a scenario where you live in a region that experiences frequent rainstorms. Without a bottom seal, water can seep into your garage, potentially damaging items stored there or even causing foundational issues. By installing a bottom seal, you provide a barrier against water, protecting your property and reducing maintenance costs.
Pros:
- Protects the garage from water damage.
- Helps to keep pests and rodents out.
- Reduces drafts and heat loss, improving energy efficiency.
Garage Floor Seals
In addition to sealing the bottom of the door, a garage floor seal is vital. These are typically rubber strips that adhere to the floor directly under the door, creating a waterproof barrier and ensuring a snug fit between the door and the ground.
If you use your garage as a workshop, small particles like sawdust can get under the door and spread across the garage, making cleaning difficult. A garage floor seal effectively closes this gap, keeping your workspace tidy and reducing cleaning time.
Pros:
- Prevents dust, debris, and pests from entering the garage.
- Enhances the seal between the door and the floor, improving insulation.
- Helps to keep the garage floor dry, reducing the risk of slip and fall accidents.
Garage Door Bottom Seals
There are various types of garage door bottom seals — bulb, bead, and T-end. The choice depends on the design of your door. These seals attach to the bottom edge of the door and provide an effective barrier against weather and pests.
If you live in a colder climate, you may notice an increased heating bill during winter months. This can be due to drafts entering through the garage door, making your heating system work harder. By installing a bottom seal, you can drastically reduce these drafts, lowering your heating costs.
Pros:
- Enhances energy efficiency by reducing drafts.
- Keeps out pests, debris, and water.
- Provides a better fit between the garage door and the floor.
Sealing the Sides of a Garage Door
The sides of the garage door should also be sealed. For this, use vinyl or rubber weatherstripping attached to the door frame. This material is flexible enough to create a tight seal when the door is closed and sturdy enough to withstand the elements.
Imagine you’re using your garage for a quiet activity like painting or reading. Without side seals, outdoor noise can easily infiltrate your space, disrupting your peace. Side seals can dampen this noise, allowing you to enjoy your activities in a quieter environment.
Pros:
- Reduces noise infiltration.
- Prevents drafts and improves insulation.
- Shields the interior of the garage from dust and debris.
- Sealing the Top of a Garage Door:
Sealing the Top of a Garage Door
While the top of the garage door may not be exposed to as many elements as the sides and bottom, it’s still important to seal it. Here, too, you can use weatherstripping, similar to that used on the sides, to prevent drafts and heat loss.
Example: For homes in windy areas, gusts can push through the top gap of a garage door, carrying in dust, debris, and potentially causing drafts. A top seal can prevent this issue, keeping your garage clean and draft-free.
Pros:
Protects against dust, debris, and pests.
Reduces drafts and heat loss, enhancing energy efficiency.
Shields the interior of the garage from weather elements.
Why It’s Important To Seal Your Garage Doors
A well-sealed garage door enhances your home’s energy efficiency, prevents pest invasion, and reduces noise infiltration. Additionally, it shields your garage and stored items from the damaging effects of harsh weather conditions.
FAQs About Sealing Garage Doors
To help you navigate the process of sealing your garage door, we’ve addressed some of the most commonly asked questions.
How do you seal a garage door?
To seal a garage door, clean the area first. Then, measure and cut the seals to the appropriate length. Attach the top and side seals to the frame, install the bottom seal on the door, and apply the threshold seal on the floor.
What can I use to seal a garage door?
You can use a garage door seal kit, which includes top and side seal (weatherstripping), a door bottom seal, and a threshold seal. The kit should also include installation hardware.
How do you seal a gap around a garage door?
Seal gaps around a garage door by attaching weatherstripping to the top and sides of the door frame. Apply a threshold seal on the floor to cover any gap at the bottom.
Should a garage door be completely sealed?
Yes, a garage door should ideally be completely sealed to prevent air leaks and the entry of pests. However, this should not hinder the door’s operation.
How do you seal a garage door that is rolling?
To seal a rolling garage door, install a brush seal or rubber seal on the guides. A door bottom seal attached to the door itself and a threshold seal on the floor can seal the bottom.
Need Help?
Taking on DIY projects can be rewarding, but we understand if you’d rather leave it to the professionals.
At Your Garage Door Guys, we have decades of experience and a commitment to excellence in service. Call us at (805) 955-0340 for professional garage door sealing and ensure perfect fit and maximum energy efficiency.
Conclusion
Sealing your garage door is a practical, relatively easy DIY project that pays dividends in energy savings and comfort. It keeps your garage dry and draft-free, protecting your possessions and making the space more useful. However, if you need help, remember that Your Garage Door Guys are just a call away. Reach out to us today at (805) 955-0340 to secure and seal your garage door expertly.