Have you started to notice that the temperature in your garage is a bit colder than it should be, even when the door is closed? Often, the problem comes from the garage door weatherstripping. It might need to be replaced.
One of the most important things to consider when getting a garage door is the R-value. This is the insulation level of the door.
However, as important as the R-value might be, if there is a gap around the door, it will mean that air can still get inside of the garage, negating some of that insulation.
A great door will also have great weatherstripping.
Save on your energy costs when you install new weatherstrippings.
Garage doors have 4 different types of weatherstripping, each with its own role.
Below, we'll learn more about these different types and some of the things that can go wrong with them.
1st Weatherstripping: Bottom of the Door
Most of the time, this is the weatherstripping that will need to be changed out. It sees a lot of work and tends to be more prone to problems. The weatherstripping at the bottom of the door is typically made from a support and a rubber strip. The support could be aluminum or PVC.
It's often the rubber that has problems. In some cases, it could be damaged, or it might have become inflexible. Take the time to check this area of the door to see if there is a problem with the color, if it's dry, or has cracks in it.
Check out some of the different types of weather seals for the garage door bottom by clicking here.
If your garage's entrance does not have a proper slope, it could mean that water is gathering under the weather seal. This can cause problems with the durability of the seal, especially in cold weather when that water freezes. It could cause the door to get stuck and could even damage your electric garage door opener.
You have 2 relatively simple ways to deal with this problem.
Putting some sand beneath the door before the water freezes will ensure that it doesn't stick. Keep in mind that this is only a short-term fix. Once that sand gets wet, ice will still form.
Do not make the mistake of putting salt under the door to melt the ice. This can damage not only the rubber on the weatherstripping but also the concrete. If you need to deglaze concrete, calcium is a good substitute.
You never want to damage the rubber strip. Therefore, when you are cleaning it, you should be sure to use a silicone-based lubricant once it's clean. It can provide some protection and ensure that ice doesn't form as readily.
Another option is to use a Storm Shield threshold seal that you place under the garage door. This will make a slope, so the water doesn't get into the garage and remain trapped under the door.
Older garage door floors that might not have a proper slope will also benefit from this. It's a simple but effective solution, and it can help the door to close nice and tight.
2nd Weatherstripping: Perimeter
If the garage door is even slightly wider than it should be for your space, it will mean that the rubber on the sides of the door rubs against the sides of the garage when the door opens and closes.
This will wear it down relatively quickly and could create tears in the weatherstripping, rendering it useless.
The purpose of this weatherstripping is to fill the small gap between the door and the walls. The supports for this type of seal will usually be made from PVC or aluminum.
The PVC or aluminium support is used to fill the gap between the wall and the door, making a complete isolation
PVC tends to be the more popular choice because people feel that it looks better since the screws aren't hidden with aluminum supports.
Most of the time, you will find that aluminum is used on darker doors because they deal with heat better.
The PVC is only available in light colours, so they don't attract too much heat. If they were dark, they would end up getting too hot and they could deform. Aluminum is used with darker doors because it will not have this problem.
Oxidation is not typically a problem with aluminum brackets, so you shouldn't have to worry.
Sun exposure can cause cracks due to damaging UV rays. With enough exposure to the sun, the rubber can start to crack as it dries out. Even if it doesn't crack, it will become more rigid and less effective.
3rd Weatherstripping: Top
Most of the time, weatherstripping that goes along the top of the door will only be used for commercial spaces. This is because the doors are larger than what is found with residential garages.
The top seal is made of a flexible rubber to fill the extra space between the wall and the top of the door.
However, in cases where the homeowner needs the garage to maintain a warm temperature during the winter, top weatherstripping could be added.
The polyurethane insulation creates a thermal break. The inside of the door is warmer, and the outside is colder. The temperature discrepancies could mean that the door bends if there is not enough insulation. With proper insulation, though, it will help to prevent the door from bending.
Still, some doors may start to bend inward somewhat over time or when it's very cold outside.
If that happens, having top weatherstripping can be a benefit. It can provide some added stability to the door so that it doesn't bend. Of course, it will also ensure that no cold air is getting inside from the top.
If you feel that you might want weatherstripping on the top of your residential door, or if you have other weatherstripping needs, be sure to get in touch with a nearby garage door pro.
Would you like to add a Modern touch to your house curb appeal? This garage door is a Moderno SSG design, 12'x8', Black Ice, window layout named Left-side Harmony.
What about replacing the weatherstripping as a DIY project? This is a possibility if you have the tools and the right material. Of course, even though it might not seem difficult, there's a chance that you could install it incorrectly. This is where a lot of weatherstripping problems start.
It's often a better idea to contact the pros, so they can handle things instead. They can do it right and in less time. When it's installed correctly, the weatherstripping has the potential to last for decades. If it's not done right, it may not last a season.
4th Weatherstripping: Seals Between Sections
Here's the fourth type of weather seal found on garage doors. This refers to the material found between the panels on your garage door. With quality options like InterlokTM joints from Garaga, you will find that it has three points of contact. This means that air, light, and even water are not going to find their way through the panels.
Keep in mind that if one of these seals is broken, you will need a new garage door. If you have a great garage door, such as one offered from Garaga, you will not have to worry about this.
The Interlock joint, located between the panels, use triple contact points to stop water and wind from going through the door.
Great Tips for Maintaining Weatherstripping
You should clean your entire garage door twice a year at a minimum.
Checking the door and cleaning it will help you see any potential problems that are present before they get out of hand. Great maintenance will lead to a longer life for the garage door. This includes maintaining the weatherstripping.
Even dust can cause problems. With enough built-up dust, it becomes abrasive and can cause damage. Mold or mildew might start to grow if the door's weatherstripping is not cleaned regularly.
Your garage door should be cleaned regularly to avoid future troubles.
Cleaning the weatherstripping with some all-purpose vinyl cleaner about once a season can work well. Dusting can help to keep it in good shape, too.
Once you have cleaned the weatherstripping, though, you should be sure that you add some type of silicone-based oil to keep it protected.
Here an article to learn more about weatherstrip lubricants. The one thing you don't want to use is petroleum-based oil. Remember, this will damage the polymers in the rubber and can reduce the flexibility of the weatherstripping.
Taking care of your weatherstripping is not hard, and a little work can go a long way in its longevity. If you do have troubles with the weather seals, though, make sure that you contact us so we can help.
You’d rather have certified installers repairing or maintaining your garage door?
Call us at 1-888-754-0357.
Our certified installers will be there promptly and will fix any broken parts of your garage door.
But, sometimes, it's not the weatherstripping that's the problem. You might need a new garage door. If that's the case, our experts are ready to help you figure out which option is right for your needs and budget.
When you work with us at Seacoast Overhead Door, we make things easy.
Find the garage door of your dreams already?
We’d more than happy to send you a quotation via email.
Need to get inspired first?
Use our 3 styles to help you in choosing the garage door that really suits your taste, then try our Design Centre app and try your favorite designs and colors on a picture of your house.
Add new comment