Keeping your garage sealed from the elements is a game changer, especially in a state like Utah where the weather can swing from dry heat to snowy cold in a single week. That’s where garage door weather stripping, or weather seal, comes in. If you’re noticing drafts, dust, or even little critters and pests sneaking into your garage, it might be time to check your garage door seal. Let’s break down how weather stripping works, why it matters, and how A Plus Garage Doors can leverage garage door weather stripping to keep your home more comfortable and energy efficient.
What Is Garage Door Weather Stripping?
Garage door weather stripping is the sealing material installed around the edges of your garage door (on the bottom, sides, and top) to close any gaps that might let in air, water, pests, debris, or light. It’s essentially your garage’s first line of defense against the outdoors, and when it’s working right, you’ll notice fewer temperature changes in your garage and lower energy bills inside your home.
Why It Matters for Utah Homeowners
Utah’s climate can be extreme with hot and dry summers, snowy winters, and dusty winds in between. If your garage isn’t sealed properly, it can act like a sieve, letting all that weather right into your home (and letting your ideal HVAC-cooled or heated air out).
Adding or replacing garage door weather stripping helps with:
- Keeping your garage warmer in winter and cooler in summer
- Reducing dust and allergens
- Keeping rodents and bugs out
- Lowering your heating and cooling costs
- Protecting tools, vehicles, and stored items from the elements
Different Types of Garage Door Seals
Not all seals are the same, and depending on your garage and door style, you might need one or multiple of the following types or garage door weather stripping:
Garage Door Bottom Seal
This is the rubber or vinyl strip attached to the bottom of the door. It compresses against the floor when the door closes. It’s the most commonly worn-out piece, so a garage door bottom seal replacement is one of the most common garage door weather stripping repairs we make.
Types of Garage Door Bottom Seals:
- Bulb Seals: These have a rounded shape and are ideal for uneven floors. They compress well to form a tight seal.
- T-Seals: Shaped like an inverted ‘T’, these slide into a double-channel retainer at the bottom of the garage door. They’re easy to replace and offer excellent coverage.
- Beaded Seals: Designed for single-channel retainers, these have small round edges (beads) that snap into place. They’re secure and commonly used in residential garages.
- J-Type Seals: These form a “J” shape on both ends and are effective in keeping out wind and water.
- Brush Seals: Less common on residential doors but useful for garages with uneven thresholds or industrial spaces where airflow and light control are priorities. These seals feature bristles that block dust and debris from entry.
Choosing the right type of garage door weather stripping depends on your floor surface, weather exposure, and garage door configuration. Our team at A Plus can help you pick the best one for your setup.
Garage Door Side Seal
These weather strips run vertically along the sides of your garage door. They block wind and debris from sneaking in the sides and can help reduce noise too.
Garage Door Brush Seal
Usually found in commercial garage applications, garage door brush seals use thick bristles to sweep along uneven surfaces. They’re perfect for sealing gaps while allowing movement.
Garage Door Threshold Seal
This is installed directly on the garage floor to create a raised barrier. When used with a bottom seal, garage door threshold seals can help keep out rainwater and even melting snow, which can be super helpful during Utah winters.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Garage Door Seals
Like anything else, weather stripping certainly doesn’t last forever. Here are a few ways to tell your garage door seals need a refresh:
- You can see light coming in around the door edges
- You feel a draft or temperature shift near the door
- There’s visible cracking or wear on the rubber
- Bugs or rodents are finding their way in
- Water pools inside your garage after rain
If any of these sound familiar, a quick inspection and garage door bottom seal replacement might be all you need.
How to Replace Garage Door Weather Stripping
You can do it yourself with a few tools and the right materials, or you can let a local expert like A Plus Garage Doors handle it. Here’s a basic rundown:
- Remove old weather stripping using a flathead screwdriver or utility knife
- Clean the area to remove dirt or adhesive residue
- Cut new strips to size
- Attach the new seals using nails, screws, or adhesive, depending on the type
If that sounds like more work than you bargained for, don’t worry, we’re here to help. Plus, we actually recommend working with a professional for garage door bottom seal replacement to ensure you get an effective seal and keep your garage door operating safely.
Pro Tips to Maximize Your Seal’s Life
Want to keep your garage door weather stripping working longer? Here are a few quick tips:
- Inspect seals twice a year. Spring and fall are best
- Clean them with mild soap and water to remove dirt buildup
- Avoid slamming the garage door shut, which can wear seals faster
- Don’t use harsh chemicals near seals; they can cause cracking
Why A Plus Garage Doors Is the Go-To for Seal Replacements
At A Plus Garage Doors, we’re all about keeping your garage working like it should. Whether it’s routine maintenance, a quick garage door bottom seal replacement, or upgrading to more durable garage door brush seals, we’ve got your back.
We serve homeowners across Utah and parts of Nevada with full-service garage door care:
- Garage door repair and tune-ups
- Garage door installation and replacement
- Commercial garage door services
- Custom garage doors
- Emergency service when you need it most
Our team knows the ins and outs of Utah’s unique weather and how it impacts your garage. When we install weather stripping, we make sure it’s done right so you don’t have to think about it again for years.
Ready to Seal the Deal?
Whether you’ve got an old, worn-out bottom seal or just want better protection for your garage, upgrading your garage door weather stripping is a small job that pays off big.
If you live in Utah or nearby Nevada, A Plus Garage Doors is here to help. With decades of experience, friendly local technicians, and a commitment to top-notch service, we’ll make sure your garage is sealed, secure, and energy-efficient.
Feel free to reach out to schedule an inspection or ask us anything!
