Regardless of the season, you do not want inclement weather getting into your house via your home’s garage. It is too easy for the cool or hot air to be wasted when winter gets in or the summer heat creeps under the door. If you have felt as if uncomfortable temperatures or lousy weather have gotten into your home, it may be time to weather-seal your home’s garage door.
There is a range of types of weather-sealing that work well for garage doors to keep inclement weather out of your garage and home. Garage door bottom sealing, also known as a door sweep, is a long strip of rubber or vinyl that attaches to the bottom edge of the garage door. This flexible material compresses when the door closes, and it seals the gap along the floor of the garage. Garage door bottom sealing keeps water, dirt, and cold breezes out of your home, and if you have a pest problem, garage door sealing works to keep them out, too.
The garage door threshold seal is a threshold seal that offers the same benefits as garage door bottom sealing. The difference between these types of garage door weatherproofing is that the garage door threshold seal is attached to the floor rather than the garage door. It is sometimes used alongside garage door bottom sealing for double protection against water, pests, and weather. Garage door threshold seals are more durable than bottom sealing, and it is installed with an adhesive to ensure that no weather gets in. However, when cleaning the garage, it can be challenging to get water out via cleaning.
Garage door weatherstripping protects your home from the weather, attaching around the sides and top of your garage door. Whenever weatherstripping begins to wear down, it is critical to replace it immediately. Garage door weatherstripping typically comes in a roll, and it can be cut to any length to fit the needs of your garage door. It is installed with galvanized nails or screws and press firmly against the door to ensure it seals properly. Weatherstripping can be integrated with a vinyl doorstop, which is often the best option for old or damaged door stops. This specialty door stop is made of vinyl, is flexible weather-sealing, and even has a wood-like look for aesthetic.
You may also choose garage door panel weatherstripping, designed to seal gaps between garage door panels. It is recommended for older wood garage doors because the panels have flat edges. If you have a metal or fiberglass door, this type of sealing isn’t necessary because they are made with interlocking edges. Door panel weatherstripping is self-adhesive and sticks to the edge of the panel easily. The panels will compress when the door closes, which creates an effective seal from weather and pests.
If you are concerned that your home’s garage door is not ready to protect your home from any weather, contact local, professional garage door services to get started. These experts can understand which weatherproofing methods are suitable for your home in your local environment.