How to Seal Garage Door Gaps: A Step-By-Step Guide

Garage door gaps are not only unsightly, but they can also let in dangerous pests. However, sealing these gaps is a quick and easy way to improve the look of your garage and keep your home and car safe. If you’re wondering how to seal garage door gaps, rest assured that it is a quick and painless process.

The easiest way to seal a garage door is to install weather stripping. You’ll need the top, side, and bottom strips, plus their recommended fasteners. All of these supplies are available at your local hardware store, and there’s also a chance that you will need a ladder.

This article will walk you through the process of sealing gaps on the top, sides, and bottom of your garage door. Let’s get started!

1. Measure the Garage Door

You want to start by measuring the garage door. This will help you determine how much weather stripping you’ll need to purchase. Measure the length of the garage door’s top, middle, and bottom, then find the door’s perimeter by adding up all sides.

I like to use a laser measuring tool because you don’t need help holding it in place, and it’s more accurate than a tape measure. But a tape measure will work just fine.

The idea here is to get an estimate of the door’s dimensions so that you can buy enough sealer. You don’t want to run out in the middle of the job!

2. Purchase Weather Stripping and Supplies

Once you have the door measurements, it’s time to purchase the strips and supplies. You can find all of these items at your local hardware store.

Let’s say the door is 10 feet wide and 8 feet tall. This means that the perimeter of the door is 36 feet. You will need 10 ft of the bottom strip, 10 ft of the top strip, and 16 ft of the side strip. You’ll also need a nail gun or hammer.

If you need to add concrete where the garage door meets the ground, you’ll also need to purchase concrete. And that’s where things get a little tricky. Estimating the right amount of concrete for the job is incredibly hard, but it is always better to have more than you need.

3. Prep the Area

Now it’s time to prep the area. This is a crucial step because you want to make sure the surface is clean and free of debris. Otherwise, your seals might not sit properly on the garage door.

Start by sweeping the floor and removing any cobwebs. Then, use a hose to spray down the door. Remember to let the door dry completely before moving on to the next step.

If you are in a hurry, you can use a leaf blower to dry the door quickly. Just make sure you don’t blow any dirt or debris onto the door.

4. Apply the Bottom Seal

Now it’s time to apply the bottom seal. This is a very important step because the bottom seal will help prevent water and rodents from getting into your garage.

  1. Start by removing the old weather strip at the bottom of the door. If there is none, you can skip this step.
  2. Next, unroll the new seal and cut it to size. You want the seal slightly longer than the door, so it can overlap on both sides.
  3. To install the seal, start at one end of the door and press the seal into place. Most strips slide onto the plastic railing at the bottom of the door.

However, you may need to use two screws or staples to secure the seal at the ends. I prefer screws because they create a firmer grip on the weather stripping. Screws are also easier to remove when you need to replace the stripping.

5. Apply the Side Seals

The next step is to apply the side seals. This will help prevent airflow and insects from entering your garage.

However, do not mistake the side seals for the door jamb weather stripping. The side seals should be installed on the outside of the door, while the door jamb weather stripping is installed on the inside.

To install the side seal, start at the top corner of the garage door and nail the seal into place. Continue attaching the seal until you reach the bottom corner of the door. Then use a caulk gun to apply a bead of sealant along the outside length of the seal.

6. Apply the Top Seal

The top seal is similar to the side seal. You want to install it outside the door to prevent airflow and insects from entering.

  1. First, remove the old weather strip at the top of the door to install the top seal. If there is no weather strip, you can skip this step.
  2. Now cut the weather stripping to size by measuring the door. Make it slightly longer than the door so you can cut it to size when you are done installing.
  3. To install the seal, start at one end of the door and nail the seal into place. Remember to seal the outside length of the weather stripping with a bead of sealant.

7. Test the Door

Now it’s time to test the door. This is a very important step because you want to make sure that the door is properly sealed before you close it.

Start by opening the door and then closing it. You should hear a whoosh sound as the door closes. This means that the door is airtight.

You need to check the seals if you don’t hear the whooshing sound. Make sure that they are properly attached and that there are no gaps. Once you’ve verified that the door is sealed, you are done with the installation part.

8. Clean Up the Mess

This is where most DIYers fall short. They don’t take the time to clean up the mess. However, it’s important to clean up any sealant or caulk that falls on the door. This will help prevent the unsightly mess from ruining the look of your garage.

Use a wet rag to clean up any sealant or caulk that falls on the door. You can also use a putty knife to scrape off any excess material. Just make sure you don’t damage the door in the process.

9. Check the Seals Regularly

It’s important to check the seals regularly to ensure they are still in good condition. You should check them at least once a year. But you may need to check them more often if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions.

If you notice any gaps or cracks in the seals, you need to replace them as soon as possible. This is usually an easy and inexpensive task. However, if you wait too long, the damage could run into the thousands.

The Benefits of Having a Sealed Garage Door

Maybe you are wondering why you should even bother sealing your garage door. After all, it’s just a door, right?

Wrong! There are many benefits to having a sealed garage door, and I will list the top four benefits below.

A Sealed Garage Door Keeps the Elements Out

One of the main benefits of having a sealed garage door is that it keeps the elements out. If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, you know how important this can be.

A sealed garage door will keep the wind, rain, snow, and ice out. This will protect your car and any other belongings in the garage.

A Sealed Garage Keeps the Bugs Out

Another benefit of having a sealed garage door is that it keeps the bugs out. Nobody likes dealing with insects, especially in their own home.

A sealed garage door will prevent bugs from finding their way into your home. This is especially important if you have food in the kitchen that you don’t want to share with insects.

Garage Door Weather Stripping Keeps the Animals Out

If you live in an area with many snakes, you know how important it is to keep them out of your garage. A sealed garage door will do just that.

It will also keep other small living things like rodents out of the home. This is important if you live in an area where these small living things are a problem.

Energy Savings

A sealed garage door can help you save money on your energy bill. This is because a sealed door will keep the cool air inside during summer and help you trap warm air inside during winter.

For example, if you have an attic fan, the sealed door will keep the cool air from escaping through the garage. This will help you save money on your energy bill.

How Long Will Weather Stripping Last?

The lifespan of weather stripping will depend on the quality of the product and the traffic going through the door. In general, though, weather stripping can last for several years.

Mine lasted about five years before I had to replace it. And that was with kids and a dog going in and out of the garage all the time!

If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, you might need to replace your weather stripping more often. This is because the seal will be exposed to more wear and tear.

For example, if you live in a place with frigid winters, the snow can accumulate on the weather stripping and cause it to wear down faster. I have seen this first-hand, as my weather stripping lasted much shorter in my previous home (which was in a snowy area).

How Much Does It Cost to Weather Strip a Garage Door?

The weather stripping cost will depend on your door size and the type of product you use. You can expect to spend between $50 and $100.

If you have an oversized door or need to use a high-quality product, you might need to spend more. But you can probably get away with spending less if you have a small door or use a budget-friendly product.

Weather-stripping your garage door is a relatively inexpensive way to improve your home’s energy efficiency. It’s also an easy project that most people can do themselves.

If you’re thinking about weather-stripping your garage door, I would say go for it! It’s a great way to keep your home sealed up and save money on your energy bill.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are many benefits to having a sealed garage door. It’s important to regularly check the seals to make sure that they are still in good condition. If you notice any gaps or cracks, you should take care of them right away.

Weather-stripping your garage door is a relatively easy and inexpensive way to improve your home’s energy efficiency. It’s also a great way to keep insects and animals out of your garage. So if you’re looking for a way to make your home more comfortable and save money on your energy bill, this is it.

See also: How to Redirect Water From the Driveway

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