With the garage door closed, are you having issues keeping the temperature where you want it? Are there drafts? If this continues with the window closed, the next place to look is the garage door weatherstripping.
R-value is an integral part of the garage door insulation, but it isn't the only thing to think about. Even a door with top insulation is going to be useless if there's space around it. The airtightness of the door is also essential and relates to the weatherstripping.
New weatherstrippings will help you save energy and money!
Four different weatherstripping types can be found on a garage door and each has its own distinct features. Therefore, the first step you should take is determining which is causing the issues.
Garage Door Bottom Weatherstripping
The most common weatherstripping to replace is on the bottom of the door. This part is made up of an aluminum or PVC support that connects to a piece of rubber. Often the rubber is where the issue is found. It can be overly rigid or damaged.
The bottom weatherstripping should be replaced if it is dried out, cracked, droopy, or discolored.
Different weatherstripping types can be used on the door's bottom. You can learn more about them here.
If water accumulates beneath the door, it can cause the bottom seal to break. It can also occur when your garage's entrance is damaged or has an insufficient slope. When temperatures are chilly, ice can also create sticking issues or even cause damage to the electric opener.
All of these things can damage the garage, even if the issue is a small amount of water.
There are two ways to deal with this. First, sand can be spread underneath the door before the water has a chance to freeze. This prevents door sticking issues without damaging concrete and rubber as salt might do. The problem is that sand only acts temporarily. Once it becomes wet, ice will again stick to your door.
What you want to avoid is placing salt under the garage door. Salt damages both the cement floor and the weatherstripping rubber. When the cement needs to be deglazed, calcium will do that.
When cleaning the rubber strip, make sure to use only weatherstripping lubricant with a silicone base. In cold months, lubricant causes water to bead and keeps ice from forming on the garage door.
Another option is adding a Storm Shield threshold underneath your door. This is a band of rubber that creates a slope. It helps keep water from getting under the door and reaching the garage itself.
A Storm Shield is also helpful for older garage doors with patchy areas. Rather than placing a wide strip of rubber under the door, potentially leading to wear and tear, consider adding a Storm Shield. This will make it easier to close the door tightly.
Garage Door Perimeter Weatherstripping
When the side dimensions aren't calculated accurately when the door is installed, the rubber may rub on the door and eventually become worn. As a result, it could be incapable of keeping its shape or may be torn.
Garage doors aren't recessed into the wall. They sit parallel to it instead. Weatherstripping is what fills the gap between the door and wall. Supports are made of either aluminum or PVC.
PVC is typically used for the visual effect since aluminum supports will make the screws visible. An aluminum bracket is generally used on dark colors of doors. On the other hand, PVC supports come in only lighter hues since it doesn't do well with heat. As an example, a black support that is exposed to the sun may shrink and twist.
On rare occasions, an aluminum frame can also be oxidized.
Weatherstripping can crack when exposed to the sun. This is because the ultraviolet rays will fight against the rubber polymers. Therefore, as time goes on, the rubber will likely crack. This is most important to know with rubber jambs since these experiences the most contact with sun rays.
Top weatherstripping of your garage door
While weatherstripping can be placed on the top of a garage door, it isn't common with home garages. Most of the time, top weatherstripping is only used on large commercial doors.
Most people don't need top weatherstripping for home doors. However, if you use the space as a workspace, that is an exception. The same applies if the space needs to be overly warm during winter.
Outside of the door can be very cold, while the inside area can be very warm. This can cause a thermal break between the two areas because of the use of polyurethane insulation. Cold metal can shrink to some degree, while hot metal will expand slightly. With insulation, the two areas cannot transfer heat, so the door won't bend.
As time goes on, doors will slightly bend in. The same occurs when there is serious cold, and the temperatures inside and out are very different.
Top weatherstripping is useful in this case since it helps keep the door from bending. It also cuts down on cold air coming in if a bend is present.
The garage door is constructed so that components can be changed out or repaired individually. However, if there is no weatherstripping at the top and you want to have it installed, work with a garage door professional to learn more about your options.
You like this look? This garage door is a Moderno SSG design, 12' x 8', Black Ice, window layout: Left-side Harmony.
In addition, if you need assistance with the other types of weatherstripping, a garage door professional can help you get the necessary parts.
It's possible to place new weatherstripping on your own when you have the appropriate materials. But it's recommended to bring a professional like you would for other garage door repairs. When an expert does the job, you know the components will be installed properly. If the installation is poor, it can cause serious weatherstripping issues.
Remember that improperly installed weatherstripping might last only two or three months, while well-installed weatherstripping can age with the garage door and last as much as 30 years.
Weather seal between sections of the garage door
The last seal for the door is between the two panels. The Interlok™ joints that Garaga offers are a good example. These make sure that light, air, and even water have no way to get through the garage door. When this seal is damaged, the door itself must be replaced. When using Garaga doors, this is not likely to occur.
There are three different points of contact with Interlok™ joints to keep out cold air and prevent heat and cold transfer. If the panels can have a sheet of paper slipped between them, this indicates the seal isn't correctly working.
How to increase the longevity of the garage door weatherstripping
The basic rule of thumb is that you should be cleaning the weatherstripping two or more times each year for the best results. Frequently checking on the door will also let you resolve problems before they get worse. Finally, make sure to maintain the door to keep it in good shape.
A build-up of dust over a long period can damage all the parts of the weatherstripping and the garage door. However, simple cleaning can prevent mildew and mold from darkening the weatherstrip.
The maintenance process is simple. First, rinse things off to get rid of dirt, dust, and debris. You can also add a silicone-based spray to the weatherstrip for protection. Then, dust it regularly. Consider doing these things at the same time as you wash your car to ensure it's handled regularly.
On average, clean the weatherstripping about once every three months. With weatherstripping made of quality PVC, you should use a top all-purpose cleanser for vinyl. Next, use a silicone-based lubricant. It's best to avoid petroleum-based oils since they can break down the rubber and decrease its flexibility.
If you want weatherstripping that lasts for years, cleaning it is crucial. If wear and tear or other things damage the component, contact us so we can get your garage back in perfect shape.
Need help with weatherstripping or other garage door issues?
Reach out to us at 605-332-5188 for advice you can trust. We understand that choosing a new garage door can be challenging. We'll help you make a decision that meets all your needs.
At ACS Door Services of Sioux Falls, we make the process quick and easy by offering an email quotation. Don't know what style of home you have? Check out 3 styles. To determine the right door for your home, you can also check out our Design Centre, where you can build your door in a few clicks AND try it on a picture of your house.
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