Sealing a garage door can help you save energy, keep pests out and protect your belongings from weather-related damage.
The good news is:
This is a fairly straightforward DIY task that you can do yourself in just a few hours. And at Good Builds, we’re here to help!
In this guide, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to seal your garage door.
Read on.
Table of contents:
Why seal your garage door?
Before we dive into the various methods of sealing a garage door, it’s essential to understand why this process is necessary.
There are several reasons to seal your garage door, including:
Improved energy efficiency
An unsealed garage door can allow cold air to enter your home, leading to increased heating costs. Sealing the door can help maintain a more consistent temperature inside the garage, reducing energy consumption and lowering your utility bills.
Enhanced security
A properly sealed garage door can help prevent unauthorized access to your home. Intruders will have a harder time entering your home through the garage door, making it a less attractive target.
Protection against the elements
A sealed garage door can protect your belongings from the elements, including rain, snow and wind. This can help prolong the lifespan of your vehicles, tools, and other items stored in the garage.
How to seal a garage door like a pro
Now that we know why it’s a good idea to seal our garage door, it’s time to gather our tools and materials.
Materials needed
- Weatherstripping kit
- Sealant (silicone or polyurethane)
- Tape measure
- Scissors
- Clean cloth or rag
- Caulk gun
- Utility knife
- Screwdriver
- Drill (optional)
Once you’ve got everything handy, simply follow these steps.
Step 1: Measure the garage door
The first step in sealing your garage door is to measure it. Measure the width and height of the door and note down the measurements. This will help you determine how much weatherstripping you will need.
Step 2: Clean the garage door
Before applying any sealant or weatherstripping, clean the garage door thoroughly. Use a clean cloth or rag to wipe down the door, removing any dirt or debris. This will ensure that the sealant and weatherstripping adhere properly.
Step 3: Apply sealant to the gaps
Using a caulk gun, apply sealant to any gaps or cracks around the edges of the garage door. Silicone or polyurethane sealant works well for this purpose. Apply a thin and consistent layer of sealant, making sure to cover any gaps or cracks completely. Smooth out the sealant using a clean finger or a caulk smoothing tool.
Step 4: Install weatherstripping
Weatherstripping is a type of material that seals gaps between the garage door and the frame. It’s usually made of rubber or vinyl and comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. Install weatherstripping along the sides and top of the garage door. You can use a staple gun or adhesive to attach it to the door frame.
Step 5: Install door seals
Door seals, also known as door sweeps, are strips of material that attach to the bottom of the garage door. They create a seal between the door and the floor to prevent air and moisture from getting in. You can purchase door seals in different lengths and widths to fit your garage door. Cut the door seal to size and attach it to the bottom of the garage door using screws or adhesive.
Step 6: Install foam insulation
This is something of an optional step, but you might as well go all the way.
The thing is:
Foam insulation can be used to seal gaps between the garage door panels. It’s a great option if your garage door has panels that aren’t tightly sealed. Foam insulation can also help reduce noise coming from outside the garage. To install foam insulation, measure the gaps between the panels and cut the foam to size. Press the foam into the gaps and trim any excess material.
And that’s it – your garage door is securely sealed!
Final thoughts
Your garage door is an essential component of your home. It not only adds to the aesthetic appeal of the property but also provides protection against the elements, theft and other security threats.
However, as time passes, your garage door can become less effective at keeping out unwanted guests and drafts.
The good news is:
Now that you know how to seal a garage door, you can make sure that yours will continue to serve you well for many years to come.