A damaged bottom seal can allow cold air, dust, water, and pests to enter the garage. There are various types of bottom seals available in the market. The type you need depends on your garage door and its retainer system. Garage door seals, similar to weatherstripping for doors and windows, help maintain indoor temperatures, save energy, and protect against the elements.
Functions of Garage Door Seals
Seals are installed on the bottom, and PVC Stop Molding and Reverse Angle Jamb Seals help close gaps by pressing against the door and frame. Flap Top Seals installed on the top section further ensure a tight seal. Seal retainers around the door allow for easier replacement of seal inserts, such as Vinyl, Rubber, or Brush Seals, compared to one-piece designs. For the bottom, Bottom Astragal and more complex options like the Twin Contact Bottom Seal work to seal against the floor, with various shapes of Bottom Seal Retainers accommodating different inserts. Additionally, Dock Leveler Seals are used on loading docks to close gaps between the platform and the docksides.
Types of Garage Door Bottom Seals and Their Installation
Weatherstrip Seal
Similar to a door sweep, this weatherstrip attaches to the bottom of the door from the outside. When the door closes, the rubber seal presses against the ground and flattens out to form a seal. This type works well for wooden canopy and retractable doors and can also be used for sectional and rolling doors. Installation is straightforward: close the door, position the strip, peel off the backing, stick it in place, and secure it with screws.
Beaded Edges
This seal is a flat piece of rubber or vinyl with beaded edges that fits into tracks on a retainer at the bottom of the door. It’s wider than the door’s thickness, creating a U shape that compresses against the ground when the door is closed. It’s effective on uneven surfaces due to its flexibility. Available in widths from three to six inches, it can accommodate deeper depressions with wider strips. It requires a matching retainer, which is standard on some metal doors but may need to be installed on others.
Tube Seal
Also known as a tube seal, this seal is made of rubber or rubberized vinyl, formed into a closed loop with a circular or oval cross-section. A channel on the top fits into a track in a retainer on the door's bottom. It flattens against the ground to seal out elements. It’s ideal for doors with a single track but can be used with two-track retainers if you find a suitable bulb-shaped seal.
T-Shaped Channel
This seal has a T-shaped channel that fits into the track on the retainer. Its design ensures a watertight seal and prevents lateral movement that could interfere with door operation. Both bulb-shaped and U-shaped beaded seals are available with rounded and T-shaped channels, so check the shape of your existing tracks before purchasing a seal, as rounded and T-style tracks are not interchangeable.
J-Shaped Flap
This seal fits into a single-track retainer and features a flap that bends into a "J" shape when the door is closed. Some versions have two flaps: one bending outward and one inward. It offers good protection against rain and wind. Often coming with its retainer, it’s a good choice for wooden doors lacking one. Ensure the retainer width matches the door thickness for proper installation.
Garage Door Sweep
Known as a garage door sweep, these flexible seals are highly durable and suitable for both the sides and bottom of the door. They are a popular choice for doors with significant movement because they do not obstruct their operation. Brush seals are frequently used in commercial settings such as airport hangars or storage units. However, while the bristles effectively block debris, they are less effective at preventing water ingress.
Threshold Seal
If the garage floor is too uneven for a bottom seal alone, consider adding a garage door threshold seal. Usually made of rubber or vinyl, it elevates in the center and tapers on both sides, withstanding vehicle traffic and providing an effective seal when used with a bottom seal.
Reverse Angle Seal
Reverse angle seals are constructed from durable rubber and provide a sliding track for doors. Commonly used in commercial buildings with heavy steel doors, these seals don’t require a plastic or aluminum retainer. Instead, they are attached to the door track’s mounting bracket, forming a U-shaped seal that fits snugly on both sides of the door.
Maintaining and Replacing Garage Door Bottom Seal
If you notice the seals lifting or bulging, trim any excess material to ensure a proper seal. For seals with adhesive backing, check the bond and reapply the adhesive if necessary, especially if the seal is starting to lift. Despite proper maintenance, garage door seals have a finite lifespan and will eventually need replacing. Signs that replacement is needed include- Cracks, tears, holes, or significant wear. If the seals no longer make proper contact with the floor or frame. Alternatively, shine a flashlight on the seals from the inside at night and check for light escaping from the outside.
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