How Often Should the Garage Door Weatherstripping Get Changed? | Garage Door Doctor

The answer to this question depends largely on the material originally used. That weatherstripping might seem like an insignificantor inexpensive part of your garage door, but the difference it makes when it is missing or is in bad need of replacement could be blatantly obvious when you consider your energy savings. Garage door weatherstripping can have a significant impact not only on energy savings but also in noise-reduction and its ability to keep out “critters” and flying debris.

Let’s take a look at the different compositions and components of garage door weatherstripping and how often you should replace these components or change the material used.

1.Foam Garage Door Weatherstripping

Foam weatherstripping is inexpensive and does not last very long with everyday garage door use.Between the garage door and the frame, some gaps let in the weather. Cold drafts in the winter and hot, humid air in the summer come pouring through that gap causing increased heat and air amounts on your electric or gas bill.

Foam weatherstripping usually comes with an adhesive backing that allows you to strip off a piece of plastic tape and run it the width of the opening between the garage door and the frame. Foam weatherstripping should be replaced every year or two years at the most. The cost is minimal, and this, in most cases, is a do-it-yourself (DIY) project.

2.Rubber or Vinyl

Replacing rubber or vinyl weatherstripping is not needed nearly as often as foam because it is more durable. However, these products are a bit more expensive. When you consider the time and expense of replacing the foam with rubber or vinyl, it will even out over time, although the initial outlay for these two garage door weatherstripping materials is higher.

Rubber or vinyl weatherstripping usually gets tacked to the frame, so the garage door closes against it, creating a weatherproof seal. The difference in price of rubber versus vinyl is probably not enough to warrant paying much more for either of these similar products. Either will last ten to fifteen years, provided there is only a little further settlement of the garage. Unless you are a carpenter or have some skill with measuring, using tin snips and a hammer, this is not a DIY project. This is particularly true for those busy men and women balancing a career and family.

3.Garage Door Weatherstripping, Threshold Seals

Many people, when told they need to replace their garage door weatherstripping, think of this right away. However, the threshold seal at the bottom of the garage door is a component of the overall garage door weatherstripping system This system provides insulation and keeps small critters, cold and hot weather and water out of the garage.

In the winter, when you discover mice and snakes in the garage, a patch of ice on the garage floor or a puddle of water next to the car, you quite likely need to replace the threshold seal. Not all garage floors are level. This is particularly true a few years after construction and after the concrete settled. The center of the floor might be bowed; the seal that was created by the brand new threshold no longer exists.

The threshold also creates a buffer to cushion the garage door when it comes down too hard.This results in less noise and less chance of damage to your door, which is especially beneficial for heavy doors with expensive beveling or stained glass.

The threshold is a crucial element of your garage door weatherstripping. Replacement of the threshold and replacing the foam with quality rubber or vinyl strips will create a near vacuum for your garage’s tools and stored items. Plus, it will stop flooding, and last ten to fifteen years, depending on use and weather conditions. Although the initial expense could be $150 to $200 for a quality threshold and vinyl weatherstripping, the savings over 10 to 15 years makes it a good investment.

The Houston area Garage Door Doctors make emergency repairs, in most cases, the day of your call. The emergency hotline is (281) 855-9300.

It’s that Time of Year

Hurricane season is upon us once again, so call the Garage Door Doctor (281) 855-9300 or 578-7659 and let us check, and/or replace your garage door weatherstripping to lessen the impact of flooding. We will send a professional technician who will give you a free estimate before they do any repairs.

“Honest, Quality Work – At a Fair Price.”