Now is the perfect time to give your garage space some TLC and ensure it is all in working order. We recently shared some general garage maintenance tips but we’re going to deep-dive into everything weatherstripping and talk you through how to weather seal your garage door.
Your garage is often an extension of your home and should be offered the same protection as any other entryway into your home. By weatherproofing your garage door, you’ll be preventing external elements such as draughts, rainwater and rodents from entering into your garage and as an extension, your home. Garages are often neglected insulation-wise as an outdoor space but could be costing you money on heating bills as well as suffering from mould and damage caused by damp conditions. Installing a waterproof garage door seal is an ideal way to avoid these issues.
Weatherstripping is the rubber seal that fits around your garage door in order to protect it from the elements. Weatherstripping can help to keep rainwater and draughts out of your garage space year-round. There are some key areas to focus on when weatherproofing your garage door. These include the bottom edge where a threshold seal can help seal up the gap, the sides where weatherstripping is perfect and the top where weatherstripping can also play a part in weatherproofing your garage door.
Before you get started, here is a list of the supplies you’ll need to effectively install your garage door weather seal.
There are a few key stages to waterproofing garage doors and it is important to follow the proper steps to ensure your garage door is protected from weather year-round.
No matter what age your garage door is, when weather sealing garage doors, the first step should always be to check existing seals on the door. Use a damp cloth to gently clean your garage door and existing garage door weatherproofing as this will help you to better evaluate their condition.
Once they are free from dirt and debris, inspect the weatherseals for cracks, tears or damage, if any damage is present, replacing your garage door weatherstripping is the best step.
Your new weatherstripping should match the size and style of your existing garage seal. Aim to choose a high-quality long-lasting garage weatherstripping such as Stormstop’s garage door multiseals to ensure your garage door weatherstripping lasts and won't need replacing again any time soon.
Whilst you might have given your garage doors a quick wipe in the first step, garage door weather stripping requires a completely clean and clear surface in order to be effective. Remove the old weather stripping and thoroughly clean the area you will be applying your new garage door seal to ensure it is completely dry before starting the application.
You’ll now need to cut your garage weather seal to size using the measurements from your garage door. You’ll be able to easily cut your new seal yourself but it’s important to cut it to the right size to avoid gaps around your garage door that could let in rainwater or draughts.
Installing weatherstripping on your garage door is simple. Once you’re ready, simply remove the backing from your new seal. Next, press the weatherstripping against the side of the garage door, starting with the bottom of the door, aligning the smaller edge with the outside as you go until you have covered the full edge and sides of the door.
If your weather seal looks like it needs some extra support, gently tap in the self-tapping screws that will be included with your Stormstop garage weather seal.
Once your garage door is fully weatherproofed and your new seal is fully adhered to your door, try using your garage door as usual to check that it isn’t obstructed by the new weatherstripping and functions as it should. Ensure there are no gaps where you have applied your new seal. You can check for gaps in your garage door seal by checking for light gaps or running your hand along the edges of the door to feel for draughts.
If you would like step-by-step illustrations to support these instructions, head over to our detailed fitting guide.
Stormstop manufactures and stocks a number of garage door seal options to help weatherproof your garage door and keep external elements such as debris, rainwater and draughts out. Take a look at our collection of UK-made garage seals now for a solution that will stand the test of time. Alternatively, contact our team to find out more.