You like this look? This garage door is a Standard+ Shaker-Flat XL, 9' x 8', Black, Clear windows.
Keep insects, the elements, and animals out of the garage
Whether your garage door gap is small or huge, it can let in rodents, insects, and other animals you don't want in your garage. Once inside, all of them can be destructive to any items you store in the space.
Animals aren't the only issue. Wind, snow, rain, and sand can also get into the garage. You might also see increases in your utility bills. If moisture makes it in through the gap, this can also be an issue.
There is some good news, though! We have a set of 3 tips to ensure your garage door is entirely closed during all seasons.
1- Put in new weatherstripping for the garage door
What the bottom weatherstrip is and does
Made of PVC, rubber, or other materials, a garage door weatherstrip goes around the entire edge of the garage door to keep cold temperatures outside. The right seal for your needs will depend on what model of door you have. Fully functioning weatherstripping can have a considerable effect on how durable and insulated your garage door is.
A u-shaped bottom weatherstripping works with any kind of floor and has a flexible construction. It's designed to use a material like rubber or PVC for easy installation. What might be surprising is that it can handle the most extreme winds, as well as temperatures of up to -62℉ (-52℃).
That is what a U-shaped bottom weatherstripping looks like! Interesting, isn't it?
The right time to replace the bottom weatherstripping
When the material on the weatherstripping is overly dried out, broken apart, or cracked, it should be replaced with a new strip. It's also essential to do seal inspections, particularly before fall is upon you since this ensures the weatherstripping is flexible and no air is making it through to the garage.
Regular maintenance is something else to schedule in to keep garage door components in great shape and avoid the need to pay for costly repairs. Maintenance can also ensure the safety of your family and keep out intruders.
When doing maintenance, make sure to use a lubricant!
Look for a lubricant that uses silicone for weatherstrips made of PVC. A petroleum lubricant is going to harden this material. That makes it less durable and should be avoided. Lubricate all essential parts twice a year or more. It's important.
● Spring – This is the ideal time of year to inspect the garage door for defective parts. Anything that isn't in good shape should be replaced to avoid issues in the future.
● Fall – The second time, make sure the garage is set up for winter. This can avoid corrosion from melting snow and help fight against issues that cold temperatures can cause.
Always choose weatherstripping that works for what you need. There are many types and the quality can depend on where you purchase them. It's best to speak with an expert so you can be sure you select a model that will last for many years.
Options for replacing the bottom weatherstripping?
If you have all the needed parts and confidence in yourself, changing the weatherstrip on your own is possible. All you need to do is use the steps on this website so you get it done right.
However, it's often a better option to seek assistance from a garage door specialist. This person knows details about all garage door parts and has enough experience to do a fantastic job.
2 – Consider how the floor is doing
See how you should properly place your bottom weatherstripping to have an efficient door threshold. An inward and outward slope will drain the water out.
Outside
For your driveway, having an outward slope is recommended. Then, melted snow and rain will move out toward the street instead of being pushed toward the garage.
Inside
Inside the garage, the floor at the threshold should be undamaged and flat. U-shaped weatherstripping at the bottom will adjust to some degree to help with an uneven floor.
You can also make use of garage door seal strips to deal with gaps associated with an uneven concrete floor. The threshold seal is made to be simple to install since it's created of rubber. The process involves cutting it to the correct size and gluing it down.
Choosing a finish for a concrete floor can also work since there are many options based on the nature of the space and how you use it. Select the one you like most while making sure it's long-lasting and offers resistance.
● Epoxy: This finish adds durability while making the garage look visually pleasing. It comes in a selection of colors and designs so you can be creative and add a touch of your own style.
● Paint: Used to refresh a stained and dirty floor, paint for concrete can also show off personality. Choose one that is simple to clean and non-slippery.
● Tiles: Tiles are a good choice, but garages should stick with ones made of wood, rubber, or plastic. These can cover up blemishes and damage on the concrete floor.
● Mats: Simple to use and available in various styles, a roll-out mat can also be used. Choose the material that bests meets your needs in how you use the garage.
Cracks running through concrete
Many cracks can manifest in the garage floor, and it can be hard to determine which needs repairing quickly and which does not. However, you can consult this blog to get additional info about how these cracks are made and the best way to repair them:
● Cold joints
Cold joints are made if several concrete batches are mixed into each other to create the floor. In some cases, blending is complex if some concrete is already getting hard while newly mixed concrete is added into it.
● Cracks during foundation settling or construction
It's normal for cracks to occur both when your home is constructed and years down the line. Foundation can settle and create these cracks, but they are nothing to be alarmed about.
● Hairline cracks
Crazing cracks are hardly noticeable as they are very small. These can occur for a variety of reasons, including subgrade compaction, wire mesh, post-tension slab, of inadequate preparation of the surface of the concrete.
According to you, what causes this concrete crack? Should you be concerned about it? Image from Pixabay.
Tip 1: It's normal for concrete to get cracks, but you are in charge of controlling where the cracks go. Linearly cut control joints so the cracks only move in a single direction.
Tip 2: When you maintain the floor, watch for any new cracks. Think about their causes and whether you need to take steps to handle them quickly.
3 – Take time to make garage door opener adjustments
Everything should be good now, so you only have to make adjustments to the electric garage door opener. You want the weatherstrip to be right next to the floor but not crushed when touching the threshold.
This can be done by looking at the settings for adjustments in your garage door opener manual.
You want to test both the Safety Reversal System and the Protector System after you've made all the needed modifications to ensure the garage door is operating properly.
Can you slip your fingers between the weatherstrip and the threshold? If the answer is yes, you're ready to move on.
You like this look? This garage door is a Cambridge CM, 9' x 7', Ice White door and overlays, 4 lite Panoramic windows.
Speak to a garage door expert
Get in touch with a trusted garage door professional near you whenever you have problems or questions. These people can install and repair garage doors, no matter what has gone wrong. They can also assist with weatherstrip issues and give you advice about how to move forward.
When you work with SGM Garage Doors, you can expect a long-lasting garage door that ages with your home.
Ready for a brand-new garage door?
Before you start, find out which garage door style looks best with your home. Then you can create the perfect door using our Design Centre as a guide. You can also view our image gallery for additional options that might appeal to you!
We provide a selection of garage door services, such as regular maintenance, installation, and more. Get in touch with us at 902-624-8993 and ask for a free quote by email! We're always here waiting to help you with your next garage door project!
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