Garage door seals add a layer of protection to your home against outdoor elements. It keeps dust, grime, drafts, and pests from getting inside, which could compromise your door’s functionality. However, there are many types of garage door seals, and choosing the right one is crucial for optimal protection.
In this post, we discuss the different types of door seals, their pros and cons, and how you should pick the right one. But if you don’t want to deal with the hassle, you can leave the job to our garage door services in Los Angeles instead.
A properly maintained garage door provides smooth operation, has a longer life, and avoids high repair costs. Most homeowners take their garage door maintenance for granted until something goes wrong. This can result in costly repairs or even a total replacement.
By practicing a few basic steps regularly, you can keep your garage door in great condition and avoid unexpected breakdowns. Here’s what you need to know to keep your garage door as shipshape as possible.
If everything seems a bit too much for you, our team at Rock Garage can help you by doing routine maintenance, repairs, or even with a new garage door installation.
Why you need a garage door seal
Garage door seals are not only added accessories to your home. They play an important role in securing your garage, vehicle, and your entire home. Here’s the importance of proper garage door weatherstripping and sealing:
- It keeps your utility bills down. Poor sealing of garage doors will let cold air during winter and hot air during summer enter your home. This will force your HVAC system to compensate for the drafts, leading to higher energy bills.
- It keeps the critters away. Did you know that a rat only needs about an inch of entryway to pass through comfortably? Not only that, pests like termites, roaches, bugs, and other inspects only need a tiny gap to get into your garage. The good news? A good seal can block all of them.
- It blocks moisture. A functional garage door seal will block rainwater and slush from seeping under your garage door. Blocking these sources of moisture is crucial to avoid attracting pests and mold growth in your garage.
- It dampens noise. Garage door seals also block outside noise from getting into your home and vice versa. This gives you added comfort and privacy, especially if you’re using your garage as a functional space.
Garage door bottom seal types
Even though you have a durable garage door, there would still be tiny gaps and crevices where crawlies could creep in. To prevent this from happening, you should also invest in a functional garage door seal to match your door.
The following are the different types of garage door floor seals and when you should use them:
1. Bulb seals
Bulb seals are installed at the bottom part of your garage door panel to create a tight seal between the floor. This is effective in keeping pests, dirt, and moisture out.
Bottom bulb seals come in different types, such as the following:
- T-shaped seal. The T-shaped bottom seal slides into the door’s bottom for a snug fit.
- U-shaped seal. The U-shaped seal fits well into a retainer or groove at the bottom of your door.
- J-shaped seal. J-shaped seals have a flap that extends outward for a tight seal. This isn’t common in garage doors since it requires a single-channel retainer that can be tricky to install.
Overall, you can get bulb seals in rubber or vinyl materials. Both create a good seal and also act as weatherstripping. Above all, they are easy to find and available in most hardware stores that sell garage door supplies.
2. Threshold seals
Threshold garage door seals are installed on the garage floor right where the bottom of your door rests. Threshold seals create a seal to block outdoor elements and provide additional insulation since it’s often made of rubber or vinyl.
Moreover, threshold seals are easy to clean and replace since they are not attached to your door. It’s also ideal if you live in an area prone to heavy rainfall or flooding.
Aside from that, threshold seals are also the best garage door seals for uneven floors. It can fill the gap between your floor and door to ensure a tight fit.
3. Brush seals
Brush seals are made of bristle material and are installed at the top or sides of your garage door. Moreover, brush seals provide a good seal for doors with uneven surfaces and can be used in conjunction with a bottom seal.
Aside from that, brush seals effectively reduce noise. They also reduce your garage door’s wear and tear, extending its service life further.
Although brush seals are effective in keeping dust and dirt out of your garage door, they have very limited water protection. If your garage door gets a lot of rain spatter, this may not be the ideal seal to get.
4. Beaded seals
Beaded-type garage door bottom seals are ideal for doors with circular grooves or double-channel retainers.
Moreover, beaded seals have a ribbed outer surface and come in flat pieces made of rubber or vinyl. The ribbed surface of this seal prevents the material from freezing entirely on the floor during winter.
Although the ribbed structure of this seal creates a slight gap on the floor, it’s still efficient in blocking air and dirt from entering your garage.
Aside from that, beaded seals are only ideal for completely flat garage floors. Otherwise, mice might eat through the thin material and take advantage of the uneven concrete to get into your home.
5. Foam tape
Foam tapes are an affordable weatherstripping option for garage doors. It’s made of polyurethane or polyethylene, which gives an effective seal.
Moreover, foam tapes are easy to install or replace since the material is soft and flexible. It’s also highly compressible, which gives a tight seal against dust, dirt, draft, and even noise. Foam tapes are also a convenient solution if you want to plug small gaps around your garage door.
However, foam tapes tend to break down faster than rubber or vinyl seals. Also, foam tapes have very limited water resistance, and you’ll have to change them often.
Factors to consider when choosing the best garage door seal
Choosing the right seal is crucial to give your garage door ample protection from harsh outdoor elements. Aside from the types we discussed above, you should also factor in the following points first:
1. Purpose
First, consider what you’re trying to achieve by installing a garage door seal.
If you want to block dust and insects, a brush seal might be an ideal choice. However, if you want to keep water or moisture out, a garage door rubber seal like a bulb seal or beaded seal would be a better option.
Take note that each seal type offers varying levels of protection. If you’re unsure which seal fits your garage door best, you can contact us at Rock Garage Door Repair for a quick consultation. We can also install or replace your door seals on the same day for guaranteed convenience.
2. Local weather
The local weather will also impact the right choice of garage door seal. For example, those who live in Southern California often experience strong winds, which can produce more dust and dirt. At the same time, coastal areas like Venice Beach have to watch out for excessive moisture.
From there, you can decide what seal type and material you need for your garage door.
3. Floor condition
As we’ve mentioned earlier, certain garage door seals only work for certain flooring conditions. For example, if you have an uneven floor, you should use a threshold seal instead of a beaded seal.
At the same time, you have to consider the slope of your floor. Garage floors that slope toward the door may require seals with excellent water resistance.
Also, you should check for cracks or gaps on your floor where dirt and pests may creep in. Make sure you fix these gaps before installing a seal for maximum protection.
4. Material
Garage door seals come in different materials with equally varying levels of protection. Here’s a quick rundown of the widely used seal materials and how they work in protecting your garage:
- Rubber. Rubber is the most common seal material and provides top-notch weather resistance. It’s also suitable for most climates and can last long before replacements are needed.
- Vinyl. Vinyl door seals are lightweight and offer good insulating and sealing. It’s also ideal for garage doors exposed to sunlight and moisture.
- Nylon. Nylon materials are often used for brush seals since they are flexible and adaptable to uneven surfaces. However, nylon offers minimal moisture and temperature resistance.
- Foam. Foam seals are soft, pliable, and compressible. They are easy to install and replace, but foam seals are more suitable for milder climates since they have poor weather resistance.
5. Installation
If you prefer to perform DIY installation, foam tape seals are the easiest option. However, this is at the expense of weather resistance.
If you prefer a more durable and effective door seal, you can always opt for a professional installation. You can call a garage door service company like Rock Garage to do the job. This way, you’ll have a properly sealed door without the hard work on your part.
6. Budget
Garage door seals are available at different price points. In general, the more durable the material, the more expensive it gets.
Although durable door seals will cost more upfront, they also last long and won’t require repetitive maintenance. This will help you save money and effort in the long run.
But if you’re looking for affordable garage door seal replacements, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Rock Garage Door Repair. We carry a variety of door seals that will suit your budget.
Common questions about garage door seals
How often should I replace my garage door seal?
The frequency of replacements for your garage door seal depends on how fast the material breaks down. For example, doors exposed to more sunlight and moisture will likely need replacements faster than those that don’t sustain too much wear and tear.
To know if your seal requires replacing, you should check for signs of damage, such as cracks, gaps, or warping. Also, if your garage door seal has been in use for more than 10 years, it would be smart to consider a replacement.
What should I do if my garage door seal is letting in water?
A leaky garage door seal is a sign that you have the wrong type installed. Incorrect installation or wear and tear can also be a culprit if you have an older seal.
First, check for gaps or damages on your old seal to see if it needs to be replaced. However, if your garage door seal is new, you should check if it’s installed correctly or if you have the right type.
In general, you’d want a rubber seal or threshold seal if you want to avoid moisture from creeping under your garage door.
Will a new seal affect the operation of my garage door opener?
A properly installed seal will not have a negative impact on your garage door opener. Also, door seals are relatively lightweight and unlikely to put unnecessary strain on your door’s operation.
However, if your opener starts having problems after installing a new seal, you should check if any parts are causing resistance. You may need to trim or adjust the seal to ensure a smooth operation.
How do I prevent my garage door seal from sticking to the floor?
Tacky door seals may strain the operation of your garage door. To prevent this from happening, always keep the seals clean and apply a small amount of silicone-based lubricant to reduce friction.
Also, if your old seal is starting to stick, it might be time to get a replacement.
Need a garage door seal replacement? We can help!
If you need a new garage door seal in Los Angeles, all you have to do is contact us at Rock Garage Door Repair. We provide same-day and 24/7 service in LA and surrounding areas for all your garage door needs.
We can install door seals for all garage door brands, types, and models. Our licensed and insured technicians can help you choose the best seal, depending on your needs. Aside from seals, we also provide all types of garage door repairs for your convenience.
When it comes to garage door repair, Rock Garage is the trusted provider in Los Angeles. Contact us today for a free quote and same-day service!
