Worn seals let in drafts, water, and pests. Replacing weatherstripping is one of the simplest ways to keep a garage more comfortable and dry.
The rubber seals along the bottom and sides of a garage door take a lot of abuse over the years, from sun exposure that dries and cracks the material, to repeated contact with the driveway surface at the bottom edge. Once these seals fail, drafts, water, dust, and even small pests can find their way into the garage.
The bottom seal, often called the astragal, wears fastest since it makes contact with the ground or driveway on every cycle and is directly exposed to weather. Side and top seals fail more slowly but eventually crack or shrink, particularly in doors that get direct sun exposure for much of the day.
We check the full seal system, not just the most obviously damaged section, since a bottom seal that is replaced while the side seals are also cracked will still leave the garage drafty. Matching the correct seal profile to your door's track type also matters, since bottom seals come in a few different shapes depending on the door manufacturer.
For garages used as more than storage, whether as a workspace or simply to keep a vehicle protected from the elements, properly sealed weatherstripping makes a noticeable difference in comfort and can reduce the amount of water and debris that ends up on the garage floor after storms.
It varies with sun exposure and use, but visible cracking, gaps under the door, or noticeable drafts are reliable signs that it is time, regardless of how long it has been since the last replacement.
Yes. Gaps along the bottom seal in particular are a common entry point for insects and small rodents, especially once the rubber has cracked or shrunk away from the ground.
It can help reduce drafts and moisture, which makes a noticeable difference in a garage used as a workspace, though it is not a substitute for full insulation if that is the underlying goal.
Call Gulliver Garage Door Services in Adirondack, NY and speak with a technician about your garage door weatherstripping & seal replacement needs.
Call 1 (833) 652-7571