Sealing your up-and-over garage door is an essential part of maintaining a well-insulated, energy-efficient home. Sealing around a garage door can prevent draughts, reduce heating costs and keep out unwanted pests and debris. In this guide, we’ll show you how to seal an up-and-over garage door effectively and answer some common questions about sealing this type of garage door.
How Do You Draught Proof an Up-And-Over Garage Door?
Draught-proofing an up-and-over garage door involves sealing all the gaps where cold air, dust and water can enter. This can be achieved by using different types of up-and-over garage door seals that each serve a specific purpose.
Types of Up and Over Garage Door Seals You’ll Need
- Garage Door Multi Seals - Ideal for sealing the sides and top of the garage door. These versatile, flexible seals can be used to cover a variety of gaps.
- Rubber Blade Garage Door Seals - Designed to fit along the bottom edge of the door, these seals create a tight barrier that blocks out draughts and debris.
- Threshold Garage Door Seals - This type of seal is a durable option that is installed on the floor. It helps to seal the gap at the bottom of the door and prevents both water ingress and draughts.
How To Seal An Up And Over Garage Door From The Inside
Sealing an up and over garage door from the inside can help to create an additional layer of protection against draughts, leaves, rainwater and pests. One of the most effective ways to do this is by installing an up and over garage door bottom seal. This can be done using a rubber blade seal designed to create a tight barrier along the bottom edge of the garage door. Here’s how to seal an up and over garage door from the inside:
- Prepare your up and over garage door - Close the garage door and inspect the interior edges, especially the bottom, for gaps. Next, clean the door and frame edges to prepare for the rubber blade seals.
- Measure the bottom edge - Measure the length of the garage door’s bottom edge for a precise fit.
- Attach the seal - Affix the seal to the bottom edge by screwing the aluminium carrier, ensuring the blade is angled correctly to press against the floor.
- Test the Seal - Close the door and check that the seal is pressed firmly against the floor. Adjust if needed to eliminate gaps.
You can find detailed, step-by-step instructions in this garage door bottom seal fitting guide.
How Do I Cover The Gap At The Top Of My Garage Door?
The gap at the top of the garage door can be a prime source of draughts and water leakage. To cover this gap effectively, you’ll need to install an up and over garage door top seal. Garage door multi seals can be fitted along the top edge of the door to create an effective seal.
If you’re wondering “How can I seal the sides of my garage door?”, a multi seal also makes an ideal up and over garage door side seal. These instructions will allow you to seal the sides of the doors against cold air and leaks as well as the top.
- Measure and prep the door - Take a measurement of the door's width. Next, clean the door to ensure the seal adheres effectively.
- Cut and apply the multi seal - Cut the seal to the correct length and peel off the backing from the adhesive tape. Affix it along the top (or sides) of the door and use self-tapping screws to add extra security.
- Test the seal- Close the door and check for any remaining gaps where light or air might pass through. Adjust the multi seal if needed.
You can use this illustrated fitting guide with detailed instructions for fitting your garage door multi seal.
How Do I Close The Gap Between my Garage Door and Floor?
Closing the gap between your garage door and the floor not only keeps out draughts, but also prevents water, dirt, and pests from entering. Installing a garage door floor seal is a perfect solution that creates a durable barrier along the floor beneath the garage door. Follow these steps to close the gap:
- Choose the right threshold seal - Look for a rubber or vinyl threshold seal that is high enough to seal the gap. Choose between 15mm, 20mm and 30mm depending on the size of the gap between the floor and the door.
- Prepare the surface then measure - Clean the floor where the seal will be placed to ensure proper adhesion. Measure the width of the garage door opening and the space between the door frame and the brickwork to ensure an accurate fit.
- Mark, cut and position the floor seal - Hold the seal against the door frame where it closes, and mark where recesses need to be cut at each end. Use a pencil to make these marks. Next, close the garage door and place the seal inside the opening. Mark where the seal meets the floor, then open the door and mark the outside edge for accurate placement.
- Apply adhesive - Following the marks on the floor, apply a straight line of polyurethane adhesive. Next, apply a zig-zag line of adhesive inside the marked area to create a stronger hold.
- Attach the seal - Starting at one end, press the threshold seal firmly into the adhesive along the entire length of the garage door opening. Clean off any excess glue and allow the seal to cure for 24 hours before using the door.
For more information and detailed illustrations, use our step-by-step garage door threshold seal fitting guide.
How Do You Maintain an Up-And-Over Garage Door?
Maintaining your up-and-over garage door is key to ensuring the seals remain effective over time. Regular maintenance helps you to spot worn seals and other issues early.
- Inspect the seals - Check the multi seals, garage door bottom seals and threshold seals every few months for signs of wear and tear. Replace any damaged seals to ensure your garage stays properly insulated.
- Lubricate moving parts - Apply lubricant to the hinges, rollers, and other moving parts to keep the door operating smoothly. A poorly maintained door can lead to gaps forming at the edges.
- Clean the garage door regularly - Dirt and debris can accumulate along the edges of the door, affecting the effectiveness of your seals. Clean the door and surrounding areas regularly to maintain a proper seal.
- Check the alignment - If the door is not closing flush with the frame, consider adjusting the door alignment to prevent gaps from forming. This may involve calling in the professionals to adjust the tracks.
Choose Stormstop Up And Over Garage Door Seals
Stormstop manufactures a range of up-and-over garage door seals designed to fit perfectly and provide long-lasting protection. Whether you’re looking to draught-proof, seal gaps or enhance energy efficiency, Stormstop seals are a reliable choice. Browse our range of up and over garage door seals or contact us for more information.
