6 Signs It’s Time for a Garage Door Seal Replacement
Your garage door needs a seal replacement whenever the rubber shows cracks or tears, drafts sneak under the closed door, water and debris collect inside after storms, or pests find their way in. The garage door seal is a small part with a big job, and when it fails, you’ll know. Here’s what you need to know to identify the warning signs that it’s time to repair or replace.
“Replacing a garage door bottom seal is one of the more DIY-friendly garage door jobs, since it doesn’t involve springs or cables.”
Source: Pexels.com
What Does Your Garage Door Seal Do?
A garage door seal, also known as weatherstripping or an astragal, is the flexible rubber or vinyl barrier that closes the gaps and seals the edges of the garage door. The bottom seal compresses against the concrete when the door closes, while the side and top seals seal off the rest of the frame.
Seals keep out rainwater, wind, dust, insects, and pests, and they can sometimes compensate for small dips and slopes in the garage floor. But it doesn’t just keep things out, and sealing air leaks around the home pays off when the bills come around.
The EPA estimates homeowners save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs through air sealing and insulation.[1] A solid garage door seal contributes to those savings, especially if your garage is attached and temperature-controlled.
6 Signs It’s Time for a Garage Door Seal Replacement
You’ll rarely encounter a seal that failed overnight; it was always one that was ignored and needed regular maintenance. If you know what to look for, you can prevent small issues from becoming more expensive ones.
1. Visible Cracks, Tears, or Brittleness
Rubber seals dry out with age, sun exposure, and the familiar Central Texas heat of the Austin area. If the seal is cracking, missing chunks, or feels stiff, it may be ineffective. These are all signs that a replacement seal for garage doors is overdue.
2. Daylight Under or Around the Closed Door
To check for gaps, close the garage door on a sunny day and inspect it from the inside. Look closely at the bottom and sides for any streaming light. These beams reveal spaces where air, water, and pests can infiltrate your garage, posing a risk of damage to your belongings.
3. Water, Dirt, or Leaves Inside After Storms
Are there any puddles near the door after rain or a storm? Or have you found a line of dirt and leaves blowing in? These issues may indicate a bottom seal that’s not making adequate contact with the floor. If ignored, moisture can build up, leading to rusty hardware, damaged belongings, and even mold.
4. Pests in the Garage (Or Signs of Pests)
Mice and other rodents can squeeze through unexpectedly small openings, and insects need even less. If you spot bugs, droppings, or nesting material, a failed weather seal replacement could be the cause.
5. A Flat, Warped, or Loose Seal
Seals don’t always crack but may compress and never recover. They can get stuck together, warp out of shape, or pull loose from the retainer track. If the seal sags, slides, or doesn’t spring back after the door closes, it’s time to replace it.
6. Drafts and Temperature Swings in the Garage
If it feels like you’ve lost temperature control in the garage (more drafty, hotter, colder, etc.) and your HVAC system in adjacent rooms seems to be working overtime, it could be due to worn seals. A fresh garage door replacement seal can restore that buffer and save money on heating and cooling.
How to Replace a Garage Door Seal
Wondering how to replace garage door seal material yourself? Replacing a garage door bottom seal is one of the more DIY-friendly garage door jobs, since it doesn’t involve springs or cables.
- Disconnect the opener
- Measure the door width and the type of old seal (style and retainer size)
- Remove the old seal by sliding it out of the retainer track
- Clean the track of dirt, rust, and any debris
- Feed the new seal in and trim it a bit longer than needed so the ends can be tucked in (you can use soap and water as a lubricant if needed)
- Test the door, checking for light seeping in
- Also, check to make sure it reverses with the new seal
When to Call the Professionals
Replacing garage door seal components yourself makes sense when there are no other known issues. When in doubt, call a pro. A technician can identify any issues and perform any needed garage door repairs. For help with garage door repairs, replacements, installation, and honest advice, contact Austin’s Greater Garage Doors today.
