Replacing Your Garage Door’s Bottom Seal Is More Important Than You Think
Oftentimes, people don’t think about replacing the bottom seal on their garage door until they notice water seeping into the garage or, worse, a rent-free visitor—aka mice. Who really looks at the seal located at the bottom of their garage door? At Delaware Express Garage Door Service, we know the bottom seal is rarely given any thought. We also know that overlooking it can have unfortunate impacts on your home’s garage.
We’re here to help you understand the importance of your garage door’s bottom seal and know when to replace it. Staying on top of replacement will help protect your home, increase energy efficiency and give you peace of mind.
What Is A Garage Door Bottom Seal & Why Is It Important?
The bottom seal of your garage door, often referred to as the garage door weatherstripping, is a flexible strip made of rubber, vinyl or other durable materials that runs along the bottom edge of your garage door. This component helps control the internal temperature and humidity. The flexible material compresses when the door closes, sealing the gap along the floor.
So, what exactly does the bottom seal do?
- Barrier Against the Elements: The bottom seal acts as a barrier between your garage and the outside world. It prevents water, dirt, debris, and even small pests from entering your garage. This is particularly important during heavy rains or when snow starts to melt, as the seal keeps unwanted moisture out, preventing potential water damage and mold growth.
- Energy Efficiency: A well-maintained bottom seal also contributes to the energy efficiency of your home. By sealing the gap at the bottom of the garage door, it helps to regulate the temperature inside your garage, keeping cold air out in the winter and warm air out in the summer.
- Prevents Damage: The bottom seal also helps to cushion the impact of the garage door closing, reducing wear and tear on both the door and the floor. This cushioning effect is particularly beneficial for older garage doors, which may have experienced some settling over time, creating uneven gaps at the bottom.
When To Replace The Bottom Seal
Since the bottom seal might not be at the top of your mind, when should you consider replacing it? The seal usually needs to be replaced about every 2+ years, depending on the quality. You will also want to replace it if you notice cracking, drying out, droops, water, light, debris and rodents entering the garage.
When can you install the seal? You can install it at any point, but the best time of the year is before or after summer. It’s during this season when high temperatures can cause the garage to become a very uncomfortable place. Installing a seal before the extreme weather happens can make the garage a more functional space where you can more easily get work done.
Replacing The Bottom Seal
The bottom seal is unique for your model of garage door and, in our experience, we have found that some universal seals do not work. When this happens, we will gather the door manufacturer’s information and start the process of ordering the seal. If the manufacturer’s information cannot be found on the door, we will measure the panel’s thickness and take a look at the retainer that the seal is sitting on. Retainers vary by door too! If you don’t have the correct seal, it will not slide into the retainer. If you don’t measure the panels and the seal isn’t the proper width, it will not cover your panel and the seal will be ineffective.
Trust Delaware Express Garage Door Service For Professional Bottom Seal Replacement
If you haven’t had your seal replaced by a professional this summer, give Delaware Express Garage Door Service a call at 302-303-9866 for a free safety inspection and estimate. You can also contact us online for questions and scheduling in the Wilmington, DE, area.
We look forward to working with you!
