On windy days, have you noticed cold air seeping into your garage around the perimeter of the door? Drafts signal an air leak that is allowing insulation to escape. This wastes energy and makes the garage uncomfortable. While a full Garage Door Replacement in Short Pump can seal the door permanently, weatherstripping offers a simple, inexpensive solution to blocking drafts quickly.
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Where is the Air Coming From?
Take a closer look at where you feel the drafts entering. Common culprits are the joints between the door sections, around the perimeter where the door meets the door jamb, and beneath the door where it contacts the garage floor. Cold air sneaks in through even tiny cracks and crevices around the door. Proper weatherstripping will create an impermeable barrier to drafts.
Preparing for Weatherstripping
Before applying any weatherstripping, inspect and clean the areas where it will adhere. Remove any old, damaged or loose weatherstripping still present. Use a wire brush to scrape away dirt, dust or rust build-up on surfaces. This ensures a clean, contaminant-free application area for strong adhesion. You can also use a heat gun on older weatherstripping to soften adhesive residue left behind.
What Materials to Use
Foam tubular seals and door bottom seals are good general purpose options that expand slightly to fill gaps. For door joints,back any new weatherstripping with self-adhesive felt. Use draft-proofing tape or liquid self-leveling sealant around the door perimeter where it meets the door jamb. Choose a weatherstripping compatible with both bare metal and varied door material surfaces.
Applying the Weatherstripping
For door joints, carefully place a bead of sealant if needed before pushing the weatherstripping into place. Secure any sections with metal or plastic clips. Seal around the perimeter by applying tape or sealant in a continuous bead. Smoothen with a putty knife. Finish by pressing a door bottom seal against the garage floor edge all around.
Adhesion may take 24 hours, so avoid operating the door immediately. Inspect for draft-free contact all along the edges. Reapply weatherstripping as needed every few years to maintain an indoor-outdoor barrier and draft-free comfort. A small investment in weatherstripping pays off by keeping cold air out year-round.
Gary is a home improvement blogger who strives to improve his life and the lives of others. He provides homeowners with helpful tips on how to renovate their homes. His goal is not only to provide easy-to-follow instructions, but also share his own personal experiences for those seeking guidance.
