Garage doors do not create a weather tight seal on their own. Weather stripping needs to be installed and maintained all around the door. Installation takes very little time and provides returns in energy saved.
Tools
- Hammer
- Handsaw or miter saw
- Utility knife
Supplies
- Weather stripping (sides + top)
- Galvanized nails (roofing nails)
- exterior spackling
Unlike entry doors garage doors slide into place. Standard weather stripping won't work. Garage door weather stripping uses an elastic flap to seal tightly against the door in position. It eliminates air flow around the perimeter of the door, which is the #1 source of heat loss with garage doors.
Garage door weather stripping is available at home centers. Make sure to measure your garage door before purchasing the strips. You might need several strips to span the width of the door. Doors are typically wider than they are high.
Installation
Begin by removing any trim or old weather striping from around the door. Often the builders install a decorative strip around the door that creates a finished look, but fails to create an air tight seal.
Install the top piece first. Nail it into place with galvanized nails. The large heads of the roofing nails securely hold the soft rubber trim in place without risking separation. Indoor nails cannot be used. They will corrode when exposed to water.
The flap should make make contact with the door when it is closed and be under tension slightly. The fit should be tight enough to create a seal when the door is closed, but not so tight that the weather stripping breaks prematurely.
Next install the side pieces. Cut them 1/4" short. Install the strips flush at the top. The gap left at the bottom keeps the strip out of any standing water.
In the corners the flaps from the vertical piece will interfere with the one of the horizontal piece. Cut the corner off the vertical flap at 45 degrees with scissors. Make the same 45 degree cut at the bottom of the vertical pieces. This will keep the door from catching the flap when opening. Use exterior spackling to fix any holes. Paint finishes your install.
Summary
Weather stripping on your garage doors can significantly increase the temperature in your garage. An enclosed airspace can feel significantly warmer than a room with a draft.
