Seal Replacement for a Garage Door
The seal, an integral garage door component, is a soft, flexible, and thin rubber or vinyl strip running along the edges and bottom of the garage door. Bottom seals, side seals, and threshold seals are the different garage door seals. The bottom garage door seal is the primary seal that provides a soft cushion when the garage door closes, keeps the elements, insects, and pests out, and insulates the garage.
A bottom garage door seal does not last forever and is the one that experiences the most wear and tear. Over time, snow, heat, rain, ice, and age cause the rubber seal to deteriorate. A worn-out seal is one of the most common problems a garage door experiences. A damaged or failing seal fails to provide airtight closure and prevent undesirable weather and vermin from entering.
Replacing a garage door seal
Homeowners should check the bottom seal and weatherstripping once or twice a year for issues and may consider replacing the bottom garage door seal if it leaks or shows signs of damage. They are inexpensive, widely available, and easy to replace.
Here is how to replace a garage door seal:
Tools required
Replacement seal
Utility knife
Measuring tape
Screwdriver
Pliers
Lubricating spray
Warm, soapy water
Nails or screws
Hammer
Identify the correct door seal type
The first step in seal replacement for a garage door is determining the type of seal needed. Primarily there are four types of bottom garage door seals: T-type, J-type, bulb, and beaded. The garage door type determines the type of seal and single or double channel retainer.
Different manufacturers use different sizes and thicknesses for their bottom seals, and the width and thickness of the garage door affects the type of seal needed. It may be helpful to review the information in the manufacturer’s guide to determine the correct type.
Before heading to the hardware store for the seal, measure the length of the garage door to determine the length needed.
Remove the old seal
Disable the opener and raise the garage door to eye level to replace the seal. Remove the existing bottom seal with the utility knife and a flat-head screwdriver. Remove any nails or screws along the track or at the edge that nail the gasket in place. After removing the existing seal, clean the line and the retainer and spray some lubricant. You can get a replacement aluminum channel if it is in a rough shape.
Cut new seal
Measure the garage door again, then cut the rubber gasket accordingly.
Install new seal
Fold the rubber into a U shape and slide it into the bottom track. Fold the excess rubber into the retainer to ensure a tight seal. Reinstall the nails and screws to keep the bottom seal intact.
Inspect for proper installation
Reconnect the garage door opener and check the door for proper functioning. Perform a visual inspection to ensure no gap between the door and the ground.
A poorly installed garage seal can cause several issues down the line. For best results, call a garage door repair company for seal replacement.
Phoenician Garage Door & Repair offers full-service garage installation, repair and maintenance in Maricopa County. Emergency service available. We are licensed, bonded, and insured. Call (602) 610-0112
