Has recent rain or snow made its way into your garage? If so, it might be time to look at your garage door’s seal, as well as what waterproofing measures you have in place. Here, we’ll guide you through how to check your garage door’s weatherstrip and go about waterproofing a garage if needed.
Why weather stripping is important
A garage weatherstrip is a vinyl trim or a strip that lines your garage door’s side and bottom jams. It protects the door while also serving as a seal to keep things out of the garage. The weatherstrip can also help keep your utility costs low while improving the overall insulation of your home. In the summer, it can keep cool air in and rain out. In the winter, a garage door’s weatherstrip helps keep the heat in and any snow/sleet out. Over time, however, any good weatherstrip can dry and wear out.
That’s why it’s important to check your weather strip before seasonal changes — and especially if you’re expecting extreme weather, like a big rainstorm or a blizzard.
Checking your garage door’s weatherstrip
We recommend checking the weatherstrip one or two times a year. Close your garage door and then examine the edges of the door, paying close attention to the areas between the door, side jambs, and concrete.
As you are looking at the door, check to see:
- Is there any light coming through?
- Can you feel air coming in or out?
- Do you see sections or pieces cracking or flaking?
If you answer no, then your weatherstrip is likely good to go for another season. If you do find any of these things, we recommend replacing the weatherstrip seal. When you do seal your garage properly, you can save upwards of 15% on your utility bill!
Pro tip: Check for cracks and gaps around your garage and garage door windows and door frames. You can fill them in with caulking to keep even more moisture out.
Of course, if you’ve got rain or snow making it into your garage, that’s a sign that your weatherstrip needs to be replaced ASAP. If you notice your weather strip needs replacing, you can typically find new materials at a local hardware store and quickly install new weatherstripping. You’ll need to:
- Open your garage door and unplug the automatic motor
- Measure the door for the length of the seal needed
- Remove the old seal and scrape off any glue/caulk
- Clean the track where the old seal was located and let it dry thoroughly
- Push your new seal through the track (this may take two people)
- Plugin your door opener and close the door
- Check to see if you see any light/feel any air coming through the bottom of your garage door. If so, check your seal and make sure it’s fixed securely
If you have trouble replacing your garage door weatherstripping, we’d recommend calling professionals before any damage is done!
Upgrade to an insulated garage
If you’ve fixed your leaky garage door issue but notice you’re still having trouble with maintaining temperature or humidity levels inside your garage, it might be time to upgrade to an insulated garage door. Did you know that on average, a garage with an insulated door will lose approximately 70% less heat than a garage with an uninsulated door, regardless of whether or not it is heated?
It also helps with noise reduction of the door opening and closing, and the insulation will help absorb the shock of blows made by balls, frisbees, and other objects that may be thrown around especially if you have children. Weatherstripping can do a lot to protect your garage and its stored items from moisture and temperature fluctuations, but a solidly insulated garage door can do even more.
Keep your garage waterproof all year-round
Whether it’s summer rain or winter snow you’re trying to keep out of your garage, American Garage Door is here to help. Contact us today to get started, whether you need new weatherstripping or you want a new insulated garage door.
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