Garages are your home for the car, and it is important to keep them in top shape. One thing that is often overlooked when it comes to garage maintenance is the garage door seal. This simple part can help keep out the elements and rodents, but only if it is well-maintained. Here are our tips on how to maintain your garage door seal so you can ensure it keeps everything nice and cozy.
What Is a Garage Door Seal?
Garage doors are sealed with weatherstripping around the sides and top as well as with a rubber gasket that attaches to the door along the bottom edge. Some garage doors also have a special threshold that attaches to the ground beneath the door.
Garage door seals and weatherstripping are critical to maintaining a comfortable environment in your garage, regardless of the season.
The Importance of Garage Door Seals & Weatherstripping
The purpose of any garage door seal is to keep out the harsh outdoor weather and precipitation. Garage door seals make it easier to maintain a comfortable temperature inside your garage throughout the year. Seals also help protect your garage door from damage, especially if the door is made of wood. By protecting the edges of the door from moisture, garage door seals can prevent the door’s paint or finish from cracking.
When cleaning your garage door, be sure to also clean the garage door seal to keep it functioning as long as possible.
Make Sure it is Clean
If your garage door seal is dirty, it’s less likely to prevent water from getting into your garage. Cleaning the seal will help ensure that you have a properly functions and waterproof door. Make sure that the seal is not just damp but actually clean before applying new caulk or treating it with a water repellant. To do so, first use soap of detergent in warm water to wash down any dirt on both sides of the vinyl (or rubber). Then wipe dry with a soft bristle brush and allow to air dry completely before using again.
Inspect the Seals and Replace if Necessary
Inspecting your garage door seal is easy: simply lift up the bottom of your garage door and look at how much space there is between it and your floor. This will give you an idea of how worn out or damaged your seal is – if there’s much space between them, then it’s time for a new one!
Prevent Pests With Spray Foam
As the weather warms up, you’ll want to make sure your garage door seals are in good shape. If they aren’t, it could result in some serious issues. To get started, clean the seal of your garage door to remove any dust and dirt that has accumulated, making it easier for you to apply spray foam later on. Apply a generous amount of spray foam around all sides of your garage door seal. Make sure that there are no gaps between where the seal meets your walls – this is where pests like mice or rates will enter if left unchecked!
How Long Does Your Garage Door Seal Last?
Your garage door seal may last just one winter, or it may last for several years. Garage door seals can be made from different materials and some will last longer than others. Check the seal on your garage door periodically. Look for cracks in the rubber, or gaps around the door. When cracks and gaps start to develop, the seal needs to be replaced.
If You Need to Replace Your Seal, What Can You Do?
Some homeowners replace their own seal and weatherstripping. However, especially in the case of a seal that must be nailed to the siding around the door, it’s easy to do damage to the house. If you notice that your garage door seal is not in good condition, or if it has been damaged by an object (such as a car), then you should have it replaced as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
While the aforementioned tips are great for quick and easy DIY maintenance, the best way to ensure that your garage door is properly protected is to have the work done professionally. Ask your repair specialist to replace the seal, whether it’s the weatherstripping around the door or the gasket along the bottom edge. Have this done when he or she comes to give your automatic garage door opener a tuneup at the end of the year.
Contact Your Garage Door Repair Specialist
Protect your garage door with a properly installed, good quality seal. To make this happen, contact Overhead Door of Oklahoma City. We’ll be happy to install proper weatherstripping and sealing along your garage door, to ensure that your garage door is kept in good condition.
