Design Your Door
Where To BuyDemystifying Garage Door Seals: Types and Benefits Explained
If you’re asking, “What is a garage door seal?” you’re not alone. A garage door seal is a type of weather stripping installed around a garage door to create a tight seal with the floor, ceiling, and walls when the door is closed. Garage door seals are an often overlooked but important piece of a well-functioning garage. They play a key role in energy efficiency, protecting against the elements, and maintaining a secure space. Here we’ll explain the different types of garage door seals, their benefits, and how to install and maintain them.
When it comes to sealing your garage door, there are several types of seals to consider, each serving a specific purpose. Understanding the different options can help you choose the right ones for your needs.
Bottom Seals: These are attached to the bottom of the garage door and create a seal with the floor when the door is closed. They come in various materials like vinyl, rubber, and even automatic rising seals that lift and lower with the door. Bottom seals are essential for blocking cold air, moisture, and pests from entering the garage. They're available in different shapes and sizes to accommodate various door and floor types.
Threshold Seals: Unlike bottom seals, threshold seals are installed directly to the garage floor. They create a raised barrier that the garage door closes onto, forming a tight seal. Threshold seals are particularly useful for uneven floors where a traditional bottom seal might not make good contact. They're also a good option for garages with high-traffic doors.
Perimeter Seals: These seals are applied to the gaps between the garage door and the surrounding frame, both on the sides and top. They come in various forms like vinyl strips, felt, and even brush-style seals. Perimeter seals help prevent air leaks and keep out dust, debris, and pests. They're easy to install and replace as needed.
Jamb Seals: Some garage doors have a gap between the door panels and the frame's jamb. Jamb seals are specifically designed to fill this void, ensuring a complete seal when the door is closed. They're often overlooked but play a big role in maintaining the overall seal of the door.
Hinge Seals: For doors with multiple panels, hinge seals can be used to fill the gaps between the sections. These seals ensure the door acts as one solid piece when closed, preventing air leaks and openings for pests.
One of the most significant advantages of properly sealing your garage door is temperature control. By sealing the gaps around your garage door, you can better maintain a consistent temperature inside the garage. This means less heat escapes in the winter and less heat enters in the summer. As a result, you'll use less energy to heat or cool the garage, leading to lower utility bills.
Seals also offer protection from the elements. They block cold and hot air, reducing damage from extreme temperatures. By keeping moisture out, seals decrease the risk of mold and mildew growth. Plus, they protect your belongings from rain, snow, and wind.
In addition to the elements, seals keep pests and debris out. Mice, rats, and insects can squeeze through tiny openings, but seals close off these entry points. This is especially important if you store food in your garage or have a garage that connects to your home. Seals also prevent leaves, dirt, and dust from blowing in, reducing the amount of sweeping and cleaning you'll need to do.
Seals help improve the security of your garage. While they shouldn't replace a secure door and opener, they do make it harder for intruders to pry the door open. Seals also block the gap an intruder might use to release the door's emergency latch.
Installing new seals for your garage door is a relatively DIY-friendly task. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get the job done:
Bottom Seals:
- Measure the width of your garage door to ensure you have a bottom seal long enough. Consider a seal slightly longer than the door width for trimming.
- Clean the bottom of the garage door where the seal will be attached. Remove any old adhesive, dirt, or debris.
- Peel back the adhesive backing on the new bottom seal, starting from the center. Press the seal firmly onto the door, working your way outward. Use a rubber mallet if necessary.
- Trim the excess seal at the ends with a utility knife.
Threshold Seals:
- Measure the width of your garage door and the distance you want the threshold seal to extend past the door. Threshold seals come in various widths.
- Clean the garage floor where the threshold seal will be installed. Ensure the surface is level, dry, and free of old adhesive or debris.
- Peel back the adhesive backing on the threshold seal, starting from the center. Press the seal firmly onto the floor, working your way outward. Use a heavy object or drive a vehicle over the seal to ensure good adhesion.
- Trim the excess seal at the ends with a utility knife.
Perimeter, Jamb, and Hinge Seals:
- Measure the gaps between the garage door and frame on both sides and top. Purchase appropriate seals accordingly.
- Clean the garage door and frame where the seals will be applied. Remove any old seals, dirt, or debris.
- Peel back the adhesive backing on the new perimeter seal, starting from the center. Press the seal firmly onto the door or frame, working your way outward. Use a rubber mallet if necessary.
- Trim the excess seal at the ends with a utility knife.
Tips and Considerations:
- Always follow the manufacturer's specific instructions for the seals you're using. Some may have unique installation requirements.
- Apply pressure to the seals, especially those with adhesive backing, to ensure a strong bond.
- Inspect and clean the seals regularly to maintain their effectiveness. Replace seals as needed when they show signs of wear.
While garage door seals are designed to be durable, they still require regular upkeep to function their best. Proper maintenance helps extend the life of your seals, ensures they continue to provide a good seal, and prevents more costly repairs down the line. To keep your seals in top condition, inspect them every few months for signs of wear and damage, paying particular attention to the points of contact with the floor or frame.
Gently clean the seals with mild soap and water to remove dirt and debris that can affect performance, avoiding harsh chemicals that could cause damage. Apply a silicone-based lubricant every 6-12 months to maintain flexibility and prevent drying and cracking. If you notice the seals starting to lift or bulge, trim the excess material to ensure good contact. For seals with adhesive backing, inspect the bond and clean the area and reapply if the seal is lifting, using additional adhesive if necessary.
When to Replace Garage Door Seals
Even with proper maintenance, garage door seals have a lifespan and will eventually need replacement. Here are signs it's time for new seals:
- Visible Damage: Cracks, tears, holes, and severe wear are obvious signs of needing replacement.
- Gaps and Openings: If the seals no longer make good contact with the floor or frame, leaving gaps.
- Loss of Flexibility: If the seals are brittle, stiff, or no longer compress as they should, they need to be replaced.
- Failed Tests: Try the incense test - hold a stick of incense near the seals with the door closed. If the smoke is drawn to the gaps, the seals are no longer effective. You can also shine a flashlight on the seals from the inside at night and look for light escaping from the outside.
By regularly inspecting and maintaining your garage door seals, you can extend their life and ensure they continue to provide a good seal. Catching signs of wear early allows you to replace the seals before they fail completely.
Garage door seals are a simple but impactful upgrade for any garage. By understanding the different types, their benefits, and how to properly install and maintain them, homeowners can create a more energy-efficient, protected, and secure space. Don't overlook the importance of good seals in your garage setup.
If you’re in the market for a new garage door, consider Clopay for a wide range of durable, low-maintenance garage doors that pair perfectly with the right seals for optimal performance.
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