How To Seal A Garage Door

Garage doors are an important part of any home, providing both access to the garage and protection from the elements. However, garage doors can also be a source of drafts and water leaks, which can lead to discomfort and damage to your home. By sealing your garage door properly, you can prevent these problems and keep your garage and home comfortable and dry.

### Inspect the Garage Door

The first step to sealing your garage door is to inspect it for any gaps or cracks. You can do this by opening the garage door and looking for any light coming in around the edges. You can also use a flashlight to check for gaps around the hardware, such as the hinges and tracks. If you find any gaps, you will need to seal them with caulk or weatherstripping.

### Find The Weatherstripping

The next step is to find the weatherstripping on your garage door. Weatherstripping is a type of seal that is installed around the edges of the garage door to keep out drafts and water. There are two main types of weatherstripping: foam and rubber. Foam weatherstripping is less expensive, but it is not as durable as rubber weatherstripping. Rubber weatherstripping is more expensive, but it will last longer and provide a better seal.

If your garage door does not have any weatherstripping, you will need to install it yourself. You can purchase weatherstripping at most hardware stores. To install weatherstripping, simply apply it to the edges of the garage door and press it into place.

### Seal the Garage Door

Once you have installed the weatherstripping, you can seal the garage door with caulk. Caulk is a type of sealant that is used to fill gaps and cracks. To apply caulk, simply squeeze it into the gaps around the edges of the garage door and smooth it out with your finger.

Let the caulk dry completely before opening and closing the garage door.

### Seal the Threshold

The threshold is the strip of metal that is located at the bottom of the garage door. The threshold helps to keep water from leaking into the garage. To seal the threshold, simply apply a bead of caulk to the top of the threshold and smooth it out with your finger.

Let the caulk dry completely before opening and closing the garage door.

### Maintain the Seal

Once you have sealed your garage door, it is important to maintain the seal. This means checking the weatherstripping and caulk for any damage or wear and tear. If you find any damage, you will need to repair it as soon as possible. You can also lubricate the weatherstripping and caulk to keep it in good working condition.

By sealing your garage door properly, you can prevent drafts and water leaks, and keep your garage and home comfortable and dry.