Have you noticed that your garage has a lot of drafts? Perhaps it’s hard to keep the temperature at a comfortable level. If there aren’t open windows that are causing the problem, it could be an issue with the weatherstripping.
Although the R-value of the door is important when it comes to calculating how insulated the door will be, you also need to think about other issues, such as weatherstripping. Even a great, insulated door will not keep the garage at the right temperature if the weatherstripping is in poor condition.
Save money and have a more comfortable garage with weatherstripping.
A garage door features four types of weatherstripping. It’s important that you know a bit more about each of these, so you can determine what areas have a problem.
Your Garage Door Bottom Weatherstripping
The weatherstripping that goes along the bottom of the door is often the culprit. Typically, this will be made of two pieces—a rubber strip and an aluminum or PVC support. The problems often arise with the rubber, as it could be damaged, or it might become rigid.
If there are cracks in the bottom weatherstripping, or if it has dried out, it will need to be replaced. Check for signs of discoloration and droopiness, as well.
Check out some of the different options you have available here.
If a lot of water starts to accumulate under the garage door, it could also cause issues with the seal. If the floor of your garage's entrance doesn’t have a proper slope, or it is damaged, this could occur. It might also happen if the temperature is below freezing. In cases where the temperatures dip below freezing, it might mean that the door sticks and could damage the electric opener.
Fortunately, there are things you can do. One option is to take some sand and spread it out under the door before the water gets to the point where it freezes. This will ensure that the door doesn’t stick. Using salt would be a bad idea, as it could damage the concrete and the rubber. Keep in mind that sand is a short-term fix. You will need to fix the floor.
When cleaning the rubber strip, make sure you are using a special weatherstripping lubricant that is silicone-based. The lubricant can help water to bead so it flows off the weatherstripping and doesn’t freeze.
Another option is to use a Storm Shield threshold seal. This is a rubber band that can create a faux slope. This will prevent water from getting into the garage and getting under the door.
Using the Storm Shield can be helpful for older garage floors, as it can often work better than using a wider rubber strip that could end up damaging the weatherstripping. It can also help to ensure the door closes tightly so nothing can get in.
Your Garage Door Perimeter Weatherstripping
This type of weather stripping helps to fill the gap between the sides of the door and the wall. The supports are often PVC or aluminum.
In some cases, particularly with older doors, the sides of the garage door will not fit properly. There could be too much or too little room on one or both sides, and this is where the wind can get through. If the perimeter weatherstripping is in poor condition from opening and closing, it will need to be replaced.
PVC tends to be a popular option because it looks nice and can keep the screws hidden. That’s not the case with the aluminum supports. The aluminum brackets can look good on darker doors, though. PVC supports are only available in lighter colours. If they were black, they could take on too much heat and shrink or twist.
The aluminum shouldn’t oxidize. This only happens on rare occasions.
However, there could be cracks and damage because of sun exposure. The UV rays can damage the polymers in the rubber. This will cause them to dry and crack over time. This often happens with the rubber jambs, as they get a lot of exposure to the sun.
Your Garage Door Top Weatherstripping
In some cases, weatherstripping will be added to the top of the door. This tends to be rare, though. They will most often be found on commercial doors because they are larger than a residential door.
The only times that top weatherstripping might be useful in a residential garage would be if it needs to be kept warm in the winter for one reason or another. This could be because it’s being used as an extension of the house or as a workshop.
The outside of the door is cold, and the inside is warm. The polyurethane insulation will serve as a thermal break. Hot metal expands and cold metal shrinks, although the change tends to be minimal. When properly insulated, there will be no transference of heat or cold, and the door will not bend.
However, when it is extremely cold, and over time, doors will start to bend slightly inward when there are major temperature differences.
In cases like that, using a header can be a good idea. It can provide the door with more stability, so it doesn’t bend. It also helps to ensure that there is no cold air getting inside in the event the door does bend.
If you do not have any top weatherstripping on your garage door, whether it’s residential or commercial, and you would like some, it’s usually possible to have it installed. Just get in touch with a local garage door specialist to get more info. They can also help with other weatherstripping needs.
What do you think of this look? This garage door is a Moderno SSG design, 12' x 8', Black Ice, window layout: Left-side Harmony.
If you are handy and you would like to replace the weatherstripping, it is possible to handle it on your own. However, you need to make sure you have the right materials, the right tools, and a little bit of knowledge. Typically, it’s better to get in touch with the professionals. This way, you can be sure it is done correctly and that it will last. Many problems with weatherstripping tend to come from shoddy installation.
When the weatherstripping is installed properly, it should last for as long as the door. However, it might only last a few months if it’s not done correctly.
Your Garage Door Section Weather Seals
There is another seal on the door that’s found between the panels. The InterlokTM joints from Garaga are a good example of these. They will help to ensure that nothing gets through the door, including air, light, and even water. If there is a problem with the weather seals in the sections, it will mean that the entire door needs to be replaced.
If you can slip a single sheet of paper between the panels, it’s a sign that the weather seal has a problem. This type of problem doesn’t tend to occur with Garaga doors.
Make Your Garage Door Weatherstripping Last Longer
What can you do to keep your weatherstripping in good shape, so it lasts for as long as your door? First, you will want to make sure you clean it at least two times each year. You should also check the door regularly to see if there are any potential issues that you need to fix. Regular maintenance is easy, and it can help to increase the life of your door and the weatherstripping.
Dust that builds up can be damaging to the weather seals. It can start to become abrasive, which could cause cracking and other issues. Cleaning also ensures that mildew, mold, and other issues do not take hold.
Once everything is properly cleaned, you will then use a silicone-based spray on the weatherstripping to provide it with some extra protection. Then, some simple dusting from time to time is all that’s needed.
The PVC portion of weatherstripping can be cleaned every 3 months with an all-purpose cleaner for vinyl. Again, you will want to use a silicone-based lubricant. The reason you want to avoid petroleum-based lubricant and oil is that they can damage the rubber and make it more rigid.
Good maintenance can help to keep your weatherstripping in good working order for years to come. However, if there is a problem because of a break, wear and tear, or other issues, make sure you contact us. We can help to get the door back in shape.
Really Need to Repair or Replace Your Garage Door?
Contact us at 802-524-7595 to talk with our experts. Getting a new garage door is a big decision, but we can help you find what’s right for you.
Here at Champlain Door Systems, you can find what you need. We can offer a quotation via email to make things easier. Check out the 3 styles to ensure you get the right door for your home. Visit our Design Centre to try your favorite designs and colors on a picture of your house.
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