As a homeowner, weatherstripping for your garage door is probably not top of mind. While it may not be part of your daily thoughts, that unassuming little strip at the top, bottom, or sides of your garage door plays a major role in keeping your home comfortable and energy efficient. 

From the materials used to maintenance tips, this is your guide to the true importance of garage door weatherstripping. 

What is Garage Door Weatherstripping?

The weatherstripping refers to the rubber, vinyl, or brush-style seal that encases your door’s perimeter. Made primarily to provide protection against the elements, these seals also help block out drafts and moisture, make it harder for pests to enter your garage, and make it easier to maintain a consistent temperature indoor. 

When it comes to weatherstripping for your garage door, there are a few materials to choose from. Your final decision should depend on factors such as your climate and your specific door. The materials available include:

• Rubber: Rubber is a classic choice for weatherstripping. It’s durable and provides a reliable seal. Available in a range of densities, rubber allows you to customize your choice to your climate. If you live in a place with extremely cold winters, a thick rubber seal that remains pliable and doesn’t crack in freezing temperatures. 
   
• Vinyl: Vinyl is another popular choice for weatherstripping. It can be more affordable than rubber while still offering excellent protection against drafts and moisture. Vinyl is also more resistant to problems such as mould or mildew, making it ideal for garage doors that see a lot of rain in the year.
   
• Metal: If you live in areas with heavy snowfall, such as Calgary or Edmonton, metal weatherstripping is a durable option that can withstand heavy use. Make sure you look for metal weatherstripping that has a rust-resistant coating to ensure long-lasting durability. 
   
• Brush Seal: Brush seals are the perfection solution if you’re looking for extra protection and want to seal the space between the bottom of your door and the garage door floor. The robust bristles, typically made from nylon, brush against the floor, helping in keeping air infiltration to a minimum. Their ability to adapt to different heights also makes them a good solution for uneven garage floors. 

If you’re considering a weatherstripping upgrade, Creative Door Services can guide you through your options. Talk to us about your requirements and we will find the right solution for you.

Why Good Garage Door Weatherstripping Matters

Your garage door weatherstripping is a barrier against a variety of small problems. From improving energy efficiency to keeping out pests, there are a wide range of benefits that come from having weatherstripping you can count on. 

Regulate the Temperature Inside Your Garage

Weatherstripping that’s high-quality and well-maintained can improve your home’s energy efficiency. By minimizing air infiltration, it’s easier to keep indoor temperatures more consistent, reducing the strain on your HVAC system and lowering your energy bill all at once.

Prevent Moisture and Water Damage

Rain and melting snow and ice can seep into your garage, causing flooding and damage. The weatherstripping helps to prevent that by creating a reliable seal. By keeping undesirable water out, you not only avoid structural damage but also mitigate the growth of fungi and mould that can be hazardous to your health.

Protect Your Garage Door and Floor

With proper weatherstripping that you check regularly, you can help defend against premature wear and tear of your garage door and the floor. The weatherstripping provides a line of defence between your door and the elements, preventing warping, rust, and corrosion of your door while also protecting both your door and your garage floor from the impact of a closing door. 

Provide a Barrier Against Pests

Pests such as insects or even rodents can invade your garage, causing untold damage. A sturdy barrier in the form of weatherstripping will save you many headaches down the line by making it harder for them to breach the perimeter and get inside. 

To gain these benefits, your weatherstripping should be in a good, undamaged condition. Keep an eye on your weatherstripping for signs of damage and you’ll be in the clear for years to come. 

How Often Should You Inspect Your Weatherstripping?

Given how crucial a role weatherstripping plays in protecting your garage, you should inspect it regularly to ensure it isn’t disintegrating and losing effectiveness. 

For the best results, you should check the condition of your garage door weatherstripping every few months, especially after harsher weather seasons. Perform a thorough inspection in the spring to check for any damage that may have been caused by the freezing, the thawing, the torrential rain, or whatever else the winter threw at your door, and in the fall to check for signs of heat, UV, or animal damage. 

Signs to Look For

As you check each section of your garage door’s weatherstripping, answer the following questions:

• Do you see any light coming through breaks in the weatherstripping?
• Do you feel a breeze from outside or any air moving out or in due to gaps or tears?
• Are there any pieces that are cracking, flaking, missing, or that seem brittle in texture?

If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, that means it’s time to replace your weatherstripping. Calling a professional for weatherstripping maintenance will help ensure your garage door is ready for the seasons ahead. 

Call Creative Door Services for All Your Garage Door Weatherstripping Needs

Creative Door Services is your go-to source for all your weatherstripping maintenance and replacement needs. Our professional team has over five decades of experience working with garage doors just like yours and we have the parts and solutions in stock to replace your weatherstripping. 

When you call us for maintenance or replacement of your garage door weatherstripping, you can feel confident knowing that we’ve got your back and that you’re saving money in the long run by improving your energy efficiency and protecting your property. 

We have convenient locations throughout Western Canada to better serve you in Kelowna, British Columbia; Vancouver, British Columbia; Calgary, Alberta; Edmonton, Alberta; Fort McMurray, Alberta; Regina, Saskatchewan; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; and Winnipeg, Manitoba. Contact your nearest location today for garage door weatherstripping assistance.