Garage Door Bottom Seal: Everything You Need to Know

Garage doors are very essential for both home maintenance and home security. Although the garage door along with its components is usually overlooked by most homeowners, their importance can’t be neglected. A garage door bottom seal is a very key component of a garage door that provides a barrier against dirt, pests, and harmful weather elements. It also improves energy efficiency and increases the lifespan of your garage door.

At Billy.com, you can hire an expert professional service who will help you install high-quality bottom seals to your garage doors. However, you must have complete knowledge about these seals to make an informed decision. So, in this blog post, you will learn all about garage door bottom seals, their benefits, types, installation, and maintenance tips.

What is a Garage Door Bottom Seal?

A garage door bottom seal is also known as a weather seal or door bottom gasket. It is a strip mostly made up of rubber or vinyl that runs along the bottom of your garage door. It functions to seal the gap between the door and the floor of the garage that results in preventing water, drafts, debris, and insects from entering your garage.

However, the seal can wear out with time due to elements like heat and rain. Replacing it is also an easy and cost-effective method and helps to maintain your garage’s insulation.

Benefits of a Garage Door Bottom Seal?

Having a garage door bottom seal can be a good way to improve your garage door’s efficiency and functionality. Here are a few of the major benefits of a garage door bottom seal.

Weather Protection

If bottom seals are properly installed on your garage door, you can prevent rain, snow, and wind from entering your garage. This is a very essential feature, especially for those living in areas with extreme weather conditions. A good-quality garage door bottom seal prevents water from seeping under your garage door. This will reduce the risk of rusting or water damage to your garage floor and other stored items.

Energy Efficiency

Garage door bottom seals are very energy-efficient as they maintain the temperature of the garage. They don’t allow heat or cool air to escape leading to a well-balanced environment. Your garage will stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer thus, saving a lot of your electricity cost by decreasing the load on your HVAC system.

Pest Control 

Preventing rodents, insects, and other pests from entering your garage is a very major benefit of the garage door bottom seals. These pests can cause a lot of issues and an old or damaged bottom seal can create a perfect entry point for them. So, you can keep your garage completely pest-free using these seals.

Noise Reduction 

If you are living in a busy and commercial area with loud noises of traffic and construction, you need a well-sealed garage door to avoid such noise. If there is a significant gap at the bottom of your garage door then these external noises will cause a lot of stress and disturbance for you.

You can prevent such noise and get mental peace by installing high-quality garage door bottom seals. These bottom seals will act as a barrier to reduce noise, resulting in a quiet and calm environment in your garage.

Improved Aesthetic Appeal 

A beautiful and well-maintained garage door having a clean and functional bottom seal can enhance the overall appearance of your home. The seal will provide a professional and polished look that will contribute to enhancing the curb appeal of your house.

Types of Garage Door Bottom Seals

The garage door bottom seal is a type of garage door seal that is further divided into more types. You will have a variety of options available depending on the type of door, gap size, and the required protection. The most common types of this seal include:

1 T-style Bottom Seals

The T-style bottom seal is the most common and widely used type of this seal. It has a unique  “T” shape that is specifically designed to easily fit at the bottom of the garage door. These seals are durable and are primarily used to keep out water, drafts, and pests. They are easy to install and provide enhanced protection.

2. Bulb-style Bottom Seals 

Bulb-style are among the best bottom seals. They have a circular, bulbous shape that makes them perfect for garage doors with uneven floors. These are designed to fit in the bottom of the door, overshadowing the irregularities in the surface. They are ideal for residential garage doors as they offer better coverage and a tighter seal.

3. J-style Bottom Seals 

The J-type seals are a specific type of bottom seal weather stripping used to protect garage doors. They are designed in a way that one side is attached to the bottom of the door while the other side forms a seal against the door. They are mostly used for larger gaps and are suitable for both residential and commercial garage doors. The j-shaped bottom seals are usually made with materials such as rubber and vinyl that give them their unique shape.

4. Brush-style Bottom Seals 

Brush seals are the most unique type of garage door bottom seal. They have flexible bristles that play a useful role in sweeping away all the dirt and debris from the garage floor when the door closes. These seals are great for protection against harsh weather as they can survive in both hot and cold climate conditions. If your home is located in a dusty or windy area then these brush-style bottom seals are perfect for you.

How to Choose the Right Garage Door Bottom Seal

Selecting a new and good-quality bottom seal for your garage door can be stressful for those who have zero knowledge about them. However, you can consider the following factors while buying these seals to pick the best one for you.:

Material 

Choosing a good quality material for a garage door bottom seal is always essential for the functionality and durability of a garage door. Good bottom seals are made from materials like rubber, vinyl, or a combination of both. Normally, rubber seals are more durable and effective against extreme weather conditions, however, vinyl seals are more affordable and offer good protection as well.

Length and Width 

Carefully measure the accurate length and width of your garage door before purchasing a bottom seal. Bottom seals generally come in standard sizes, but custom options are available according to the needs and preferences to match the architectural style of the house.

Door Type and Seal Style 

Choose a seal style according to the type of your garage door. For example, a T-type seal is suitable for sectional garage doors, while bulb-style seals work perfectly for doors with uneven or sloppy floors. So, each style can fit in specific door types and you have to pick the right combination for your garage.

Weather Conditions 

Weather conditions are also a key factor when choosing the right bottom seal. If you live in an area with extreme winters or heavy rainfall, you must select a more durable and weather-resistant seal that can withstand harsh temperatures without deteriorating.

How to Install a Garage Door Bottom Seal

Installing a new garage door bottom seal is a simple process that can be done as a DIY project or you can hire a professional service for this work. Here’s a step-by-step guide that both professionals and DIY enthusiasts should follow while installing bottom seals:

1. Measure Your Garage Door 

First of all, measure the garage door and then go for the purchase of a new bottom seal. Measure the width of your door and make sure that the bottom seal can be cut to fit your garage door.

2. Remove the Old Seal 

If you are installing a seal for the first time then you can move to the next step. However, if there is an existing seal then you have to remove it by pulling it out of the track. Mostly it can be done easily but in some cases, you will need to use a screwdriver to remove any fasteners or staples.

3. Clean the Track

After removing the old seal, clean the groove or track where the new bottom seal will be installed. This will ensure a comfortable fit and improve the effectiveness and functionality of the seal.

4. Install the New Seal

Now install the new bottom seal into the track and make sure that it fits properly. You can cut the seal according to the width of the garage door.

5. Test the Seal 

When everything is done, complete some final testing. Close the garage door and check if there is any minor or major gap between the seal and the garage floor. If you notice any visible gap then adjust the bottom seal until it is properly tightened.

Hiring a Professional Service

Installing the bottom seals is not a complicated process but in some cases, you will need a professional service. You can make mistakes while adding these seals because you are not a professional. These mistakes can result in the poor functioning of these seals and decrease their durability. A professional has the experience of doing this work and he can do a better installation giving you peace of mind.

You can contact Billy.com to hire a professional service for the installation of the garage door bottom seal. We have access to reputable professionals who can enhance the protection of your garage door by adding these bottom seals. This is ideal for homeowners who are looking to save their time and get a professional installation.

How to Maintain Your Garage Door Bottom Seal

After installing the garage door bottom seal, you have to maintain it regularly to ensure that these seals continue to perform effectively. It will also result in prolonging their lifespan. Here are some easy maintenance tips:

Regular Inspection: Regularly check the seal for any signs of wear and tear. Look for any gaps or cracks that can serve as entry points for drafts, moisture, or pests.

Clean the Seal: Dirt and debris can accumulate on the bottom seal, so wipe it down regularly to make them look fresh and new.

Lubricate the Seal: Occasionally apply lubricants (silicone-based) to the seal to prevent major damage and keep it flexible.

Replace When Necessary: If the seal is heavily damaged or becomes too worn, replace it as soon as possible to maintain the functionality and charm of your garage.

Conclusion

The garage door bottom seal is a small component of the garage door system, but it plays a key role in keeping your garage comfortable, clean, and energy-efficient. You will get a garage where the temperature is well-balanced throughout the year. You will have a lot of options in bottom seals and you can choose the one that suits your home’s style.

Hence, it will be beneficial to add a garage door seal as you can enhance both the security and curb appeal of your house. If you need more information or want to hire a professional service for the installation, you can contact us now at Billy.com!

FAQs related to Garage Door Bottom Seals

The most common frequently asked questions related to garage door bottom seals are given below:

1. How long does the garage door bottom seal last?

A garage door bottom seal can last for years depending upon the quality and materials used in their manufacturing. Rubber seals are considered the most durable bottom seals.

2. What are the major types of garage door bottom seals?

Garage door bottom seals have several types including the t-type seals, j-type seals, brush-style, and bulb-style seals.

3. How Do I Know If My Garage Door Seal Is Bad?

You should regularly inspect and look for any signs of cracks, tears, and damage to the seal. Mostly when the seal is damaged, your garage door will make loud noises after facing heavy rainfall or snow.

4. What is the seal around a garage door called?

The seal around a garage door is called weather stripping or garage door seal. This seal protects the garage door from harsh weather and the invasion of pests and dirt.

5. What materials are used in making a garage door bottom seal?

The garage door bottom seal is made using different kinds of materials such as rubber and vinyl.

6. Can I hire a professional service for garage door bottom seal installation?

Yes, you can hire a reputable and professional service with the help of Billy.com to ensure a professional installation of garage door bottom seals. This will save a lot of your time and effort that you can serve on other important aspects of your life.