Why Garage Door Weather Seals Matter
Temperature Control and Energy Efficiency
A primary reason to seal your garage door is to have a consistent temperature within your garage. An unsealed garage door allows cold air inside during winter which makes the space uncomfortable.
Protection from Water Damage
Water could cause great damage to content found in your garage as well as the structure itself. An unsealed garage door enables rainwater or melted snow enter, causing water damages onto the floor as well as anything stored in this place.
Pest Prevention
One of the reasons pests, such as rats, are attracted to garages is because they are filled with things like garden supplies and stored food. If your garage has gaps around it, insects like ants will use these openings and get into the house with other animals like mice.
Enhancing Home Insulation
A properly sealed garage door contributes greatly towards insulating an entire home. When not sealed correctly, cold or hot air may move through an attached-garage-door into surrounding living spaces thereby making it difficult for one’s heating and cooling systems to operate efficiently.
Noise Reduction
Airtight garage doors also act as sound barriers. If you reside within noisy residential places or close to highways, well-insulated garage doors can help minimize sound infiltration in your house. This is especially true when you use your garage as a workshop where silence is required during work hours or recreation areas that demand some peace fullness.
Improved Aesthetics and Functionality
Weather seals can also improve the overall appearance and functionality of your garage door. They provide a clean, finished look to the door edges and can help the door operate more smoothly by preventing debris from getting caught in the tracks. This can extend the life of your garage door and reduce the need for frequent repairs.
Long-Term Cost Savings
Long term financial benefits come hand in hand with investing on good quality weatherstripping materials coupled with their correct application. The small initial cost associated with weatherstripping cannot be compared against high electricity charges bills over time, water restoration costs following leakages, pest elimination expenses among many others that may arise due to damaged goods necessitating replacement.
Materials You Need For Weather Sealing
- Weather Stripping Kit: Contains garage door bottom sealant stripping, side strips as well top ones if necessary too.
- Tape Measure: Essential tool needed for taking measurements of your overhead door so as to know which size fits best.
- Utility Blade or Scissors: Will be used during trimming process, so they should be sharp enough. This is because dull ones may end up spoiling entire material being cut, causing wastage besides consuming more time than required.
- Screwdriver/Drill Driver Set: For fastening screws onto their corresponding holes after attaching stripping materials accordingly onto respective sections of your door frame structure.
- Cleaning Agents: Use them alongside brushes when cleaning surfaces where weatherstrip will adhere to before applying it.
Preparing the Garage Door
Cleaning the Garage Door
Inspecting the Garage Door for Damage
How to Seal Around Your Garage Door
- Measure the Width: Use a measuring tape to measure the width of the garage door.
- Cut the Seal: Use a utility knife or scissors to cut the bottom seal to match the width of the door.
- Place the Seal: Position the seal at the bottom of the door.
- Attach the Seal: Use a screwdriver or drill to secure the seal. Ensure it fits snugly against the floor to prevent air and water from seeping in.
Checking for Gaps and Adjusting the Seals
- Look for Gaps: Carefully inspect the edges of the garage door to identify any gaps between the seals and the door or floor.
- Adjust the Seals: If you find any gaps, adjust the seals by tightening or repositioning them.
- Ensure a Snug Fit: Make sure the seals fit snugly against the door and the floor to keep out cold air, water, and pests.
Maintaining the Weather Seals
Regular Maintenance Tips
- Clean the Seals Regularly: Remove dirt and debris to maintain their effectiveness.
- Check for Damage: Inspect the seals every few months to ensure they are still attached properly and show no signs of wear.
When to Replace the Weather Seals
- Look for Damage: If you notice any cracks, tears, or if the seals are not fitting tightly anymore, it’s time to replace them.
- Replace Damaged Seals: Replacing damaged seals will help keep your garage well-protected.
DIY vs. Professional Installation of Weather Seals
Expertise and Experience
Being knowledgeable and experienced in different types and conditions of garage doors allows professional technicians from companies like California Garage Door Repair provide high-quality service. They know how to seal properly as well as what problems may remain hidden when doing things yourself.
