Your garage door isn’t simply an entry point, it’s a barrier that helps protect your home from the elements. Weather stripping that seals gaps against drafts, wind, water, dirt and pests is another essential feature of a full-featured and well-maintained garage door. In this guide, we will go over the most common mistakes people make when installing garage door weather stripping and how to avoid them.
A poorly installed weather stripping can be counterproductive and even more harmful to your vehicle. Whether you’re sealing the garage door weather stripping top and sides or replacing the weather stripping for the bottom of the garage door, these tips will help you achieve long-lasting results.
1. Choosing the Wrong Type of Weather Stripping
It’s easy to think that all garage door weather stripping is the same, but the reality is that various types and materials work better on different types of doors. Choosing the wrong material can result in ineffective sealing, severe gaps between the garage door and threshold, or even damage to your door.
Here’s a quick guide to help you pick the right material:
- Foam or rubber bottom seals – Ideal for most steel or aluminum doors due to their flexibility and durability.
- Vinyl weather stripping – A good option for doors exposed to moisture, as it resists water damage.
- Metal or rigid plastic weather stripping – Best for wood garage doors, providing a sturdy seal that complements the traditional structure.
- Single-channel weather stripping – Works well for sealing smaller gaps along the sides of the door.
- Threshold seals – A great addition for added protection against water and pests at the bottom of the door.
Before installing garage door weather stripping, identify the material and style of your garage door. If you’re unsure, it’s best to speak with a professional like Rock Garage to ensure you get the right type of weather stripping for your specific door.
2. Skipping Accurate Measurements
Installing garage door weather stripping without measuring the door’s dimensions can result in strips that are too short or too long, creating gaps that allow in drafts and moisture. Prior to getting started, precisely measure the door’s top, sides, and bottom, along with the garage door frame weather stripping locations.
Accurate measurements prevent gaps and ensure a tight fit of the weather stripping garage door sides and other areas.
3. Ignoring Proper Cleaning of the Door Frame
Dirt, dust and grime covering the door frame can inhibit the weather stripping from properly adhering or attaching. Before installation, clean the garage door weather stripping track and frame with a brush or mild cleaner. Be sure to let the surface dry fully before continuing.
By doing this, you make sure that the weather stripping sticks properly, improving its durability and effectiveness.
4. Incorrect Installation
One of the biggest mistakes is installing garage door weather stripping improperly. Misaligned or poorly fastened weather stripping can create gaps and effectively fail. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions and apply for the top and sides or bottom of the garage door.
For example, when applying weather stripping to the bottom of the garage door, it must attach tightly but not interfere with the door’s operation. Do the strips properly and evenly so you get a good seal.
5. Overlooking the Bottom Seal
The bottom of your garage door is particularly susceptible to water, debris, and pests. Without weather stripping for the bottom of your garage door, your garage is exposed to the elements.
Options like rubber or vinyl bottom seals or threshold seals provide effective protection. Ensure the bottom weather stripping is properly aligned and securely attached for maximum efficiency.
6. Failing to Account for Temperature Fluctuations
Materials used in weather stripping, like rubber or vinyl, contract and expand with temp changes. Not leaving the space for this natural movement can cause tears or a loose fit in the long run.
When measuring for your garage door weather stripping installation, leave a little bit of wiggle room so it can expand and contract along with potential temperature changes and to extend the lifespan of material itself.
7. Skipping a Final Inspection
After installation, it’s still important to check the weather stripping for any gaps or loose areas. Shut the garage door and ensure that the strips touch the door frame and the floor fully.
Small tweaks can go a long way in getting a tight seal. If gaps still remain, then re-trim or reattach the strips.
8. Neglecting Maintenance
Not even the best-installed weather stripping will last forever. Over time, wear and tear definitely takes its toll, especially with constant exposure to the elements. If you find that the garage door weather stripping strips have become brittle, cracked, or worn down, a repair will be needed.
Routine maintenance is essential to maintaining the integrity of weather stripping in your favor.
Inspect the strips at a minimum once a year for any damage, and replace as needed. By watching your weather stripping, you can nip a larger problem in the bud down the line, like more expensive energy bills or water damage.
So when you need garage door repair in Los Angeles, call the professional like Rock Garage. We have everything needed to create a quick fix so that your weather stripping protects your garage door for years to come.
Ensure Your Garage Door is Fully Protected Today With Rock Garage!
Applying garage door weather stripping sounds easy, but several common mistakes can significantly affect performance. Following the tips above and avoiding these common mistakes will help ensure your garage door is energy-efficient, secure and protects your home from all elements!
Whether you’re caulking the top and sides of the garage door weather stripping, replacing the bottom seal or upgrading to a sturdier material, spending the time to do the job well when installing garage door weather stripping will pay dividends in the long run.
And don’t forget, if you’re still confused about any step in the process, or simply need a helping hand with a new garage door installation in Los Angeles, reach out to Rock Garage. When your garage door is a soak in need of T L C, our team is here with guidance and service to weatherproof it, so your garage door can weather any storm.
