Garage Door Weatherstripping and Bottom Seal: When to Replace It
Weatherstripping keeps cold air and water and pests out of the garage. It wears out slowly. Many owners notice only when they see daylight under the door. This guide explains the parts and the signs of wear.
The parts of a garage door seal
- Bottom seal: a flexible strip along the lower edge. It meets the floor.
- Side and top stops: strips on the door frame that the door closes against.
- Section seals: strips between the panels on some doors.
Signs the seal needs replacing
- You can see light under the door when it is closed.
- The rubber is cracked or flat or torn.
- Water or snow blows in along the bottom.
- Leaves and pests get into the garage.
- The seal has pulled out of its holder.
Check the seal in fall. A worn seal makes winter worse. See garage door problems in cold weather.
What to know before buying a seal
- Measure the width of the door. Seals are sold by length.
- Look at how the old seal attaches. Many slide into a channel on the bottom of the door. Shapes vary. Take a photo of the end of the old seal.
- A garage floor that is not level may need a seal with a thicker bulb.
- Ask the store to match the old seal when you are unsure.
Replacing the bottom seal
On many doors the job is simple. You slide the old strip out of its channel and slide the new strip in. Work with the door closed. Unplug the opener first. Do not loosen the brackets at the lower corners. They hold the lifting cables under tension. Read why the bottom bracket is dangerous. If the seal runs behind a bracket or the channel is bent call a technician.
When a new seal will not solve the problem
A new seal cannot fix a bent bottom panel or a door that sits crooked. A cracked panel may need repair. See our panel repair page. If the whole door is old and thin read when to replace a garage door. An insulated door with a good seal keeps the space warmer. Read insulation R-value explained. Planning a new door? Our installation page covers the process.
A good seal also helps keep out pests and supports garage door security. Check it as part of the seasonal maintenance checklist.
Not sure which seal your door needs?
Call us or send a request. Tell us what you see and we will point you to the right fix.