What Kinds of Side Weather Stripping Are Available for Garage Doors?

Identification

• Weatherstripping is material installed around garage doors which forms a seal, keeping it waterproof and resistant to fire. Installing weatherstripping around your garage door will also help keep insects from coming into your garage. The materials used for weatherstripping are fairly economical and will help make your home energy-efficient. To work effectively, weatherstripping should be placed around the entire garage door, and threshold weatherstripping should be placed on the bottom of your garage door.

Types

• There are many types of weatherstripping available for use around garage doors. Products such the gasket and flange are constructed from vinyl or rubber work well for this purpose. Reinforced gasket and flange materials are also used along the sides of garage doors and are usually made from plastic, vinyl lip or wood flange. Door sweeps are also used along the bottom of the garage door and are made from wood, metal or plastic.

Pre-Installation

• Before installing weatherstripping around your garage door, you must first determine how much material is needed. Measure the perimeter around your garage door, adding 10 percent to account for accidental waste. Be sure the area to be weatherstripped is clean and free from dirt that could keep the material from forming a proper seal. Always apply weatherstripping in a continuous strip to each joint and be sure weatherstripping is tight at all corners of your garage door. Follow the directions from the manufacturer during installation for best results.

Post-Installation

• Once you have installed weatherstripping around the sides of your garage door and at the bottom of the door, examine it to be sure it is sealed tightly in all areas. Materials used for weatherstripping around garage doors should be compressed slightly when the door is closed. Inspect the weatherstripping around your door on a regular basis for signs of wear and tear that may require replacement.