As winter approaches, homeowners must take proactive steps to protect their homes from the harsh elements. One often overlooked aspect of winter preparation is sealing your garage door. A well-sealed garage door keeps your garage in top shape and offers practical advantages that every homeowner should consider. This blog will delve into the importance of sealing your garage door and the steps you can take to ensure your garage remains a warm and safe space throughout the winter months.
Benefits of Sealing Your Garage Door
There is no better time to inspect and address issues with your garage door’s seals than in preparation for winter. This next section explores the benefits of making your garage door winter-proof.
Regulates Garage Temperature
A sealed garage door helps regulate the temperature inside your garage. During winter, a drafty garage can lead to a colder space, which may affect any items stored there if you use your garage as an extension of your living space. Sealing the door prevents cold air from entering, making maintaining a more stable temperature easier.
Reduces Energy Consumption
One of the most significant benefits of sealing your garage door is reducing energy consumption. When cold air seeps into your garage, it can enter your home and cause your heating system to work overtime. By sealing the door, you create a barrier that keeps the cold out and the warmth in.
Lowering your energy consumption also saves you money and reduces your carbon footprint. The result is a win-win situation for your wallet and the environment.
Keep Pests from Entering
When temperatures drop, insects and small animals seek shelter in warm, secluded areas. An unsealed garage door is an open invitation for these unwanted guests. Pests can damage property by chewing through wires and insulation or infiltrating belongings. Sealing your garage door is a proactive measure that blocks potential entry points and prevents your house from becoming infested.
Keep Water from Seeping In
Water damage can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare. An unsealed garage door allows water to seep in during rain or snowstorms. Excess water can cause mold, mildew, and structural damage, as well as create slippery surfaces that increase accident risks. Sealing your garage door keeps water out, protecting your property from these issues.
Improve Home Value
A sealed garage door can improve the overall value of your home. It indicates that you’ve taken steps to protect your property, making it a more attractive option on the market. In addition to boosting curb appeal, a sealed garage door can contribute to better home energy efficiency ratings. Energy-efficient homes are in high demand, and sealing your garage door is a simple way to increase your home’s energy performance.
How To Seal Your Garage Door
Now that you know the benefits, let’s discuss the three primary methods to seal your garage door.
Replace Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping is applied to the top and sides of your garage door to prevent cold air, debris, or water from entering inside. It also creates a tight seal between the door to protect your belongings from the elements. Over time, weatherstripping can wear out, creating gaps that allow cold air and water to enter. If you notice discoloration, cracks, or flaking or that moisture and drafts can penetrate your garage, you may need to replace your weatherstripping.
Garage door weatherstripping is often made from rubber or vinyl and comes in rolls for you to cut to size. Remove your existing weatherstripping and tack the new pieces on with galvanized nails or screws. This simple task can be done in a few hours and provides immediate benefits.
Install a Bottom Door Sweep
A door sweep is another effective way to seal your garage door. This rubber or vinyl sweep attaches to the bottom of the door, creating a seal that blocks drafts, pests, and water from entering. Measure the width of your door to ensure you get the right size sweep.
Installing a door sweep is a straightforward process. On metal sectional doors, you may be able to slide a sweep into a metal track retainer along its bottom edge. Otherwise, you can install the metal track to your door or fasten the sweep with screws or nails. Ensure the sweep is level and fits snugly against the floor to maximize its effectiveness.
Add a Threshold Seal
A threshold seal is installed on the floor where the garage door meets the ground on its own or in addition to a bottom door sweep. Adding a threshold seal enhances the overall effectiveness of your garage door’s seal. Homeowners should keep in mind that as threshold seals prevent water and debris from entering their garages, it also prevents them from easily being swept or hosed out of your garage.
To install a threshold seal, clean the floor surface and apply adhesive according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Press the seal firmly into place and allow the adhesive to cure fully before using your garage door.
Other Ways To Protect Your Garage for Winter
Sealing your garage door is an essential step in winterizing your garage, along with other measures to keep it in top shape during the cold months. Regular garage door maintenance extends the life of your springs and opener and prevents costly repairs. This includes lubricating moving parts that may become hardened in the winter.
Check for drafts from gaps in your garage door’s windows and promptly seal them with caulk or weatherstripping. Protect your garage floor from low temperatures by applying a high-quality sealant and letting it dry over several days. Lastly, improve insulation for your garage’s walls and door to enhance your home’s comfort and efficiency.
Sealing your garage door for winter is a practical step that offers numerous benefits. A well-sealed garage can prevent heat loss, help keep unwanted pests and moisture out, and create a more comfortable environment.
Don’t wait until it’s too late to prepare your garage for winter weather. The Door and Fence Store specializes in residential garage door installation and overhead garage door repair to keep central Iowa households safe and secure all year round. Contact us today for more information on our services.
