A garage door bottom seal is a valuable addition when it comes to regulating the temperature in your garage. In Elk Grove, where summers can be sweltering, the bottom door seal plays a crucial role in maintaining a cooler and more comfortable environment inside your garage. Furthermore, it serves as a reliable defense mechanism during the rainy season. Your overhead door’s seals prevent rainwater from intruding and causing potential damage.
However, the benefits of a garage door bottom seal don’t end there. This simple yet effective feature also acts as a barrier against unwanted pests, including slugs, mice, and other vermin. It helps ensure that your garage remains a pest-free zone, safeguarding your belongings and maintaining a clean and orderly space.
Fortunately, replacing your garage door bottom seal clearly falls in the DIY category. You can fix it with a few supplies from your local hardware store. A bottom seal can be replaced on a garage door in a few hours on a Saturday afternoon.
Start By Measuring the Door’s Width
Raise the door high enough to work under the bottom of the garage door. Measure the width of your garage door so you can purchase the right amount of seal for the bottom. Most seals run 9 to 15 feet depending on the brand. You’ll have to measure out the right length and cut it with a knife. Also be sure to buy extra in case you make a mistake. Worst case scenario you’ll have the supplies replace your garage door’s seal next time.
It’s always a good idea to have a bottom seal that’s a few inches longer the width of the garage door. The last thing you want to do is to get to the end of this job only to realize you don’t have enough. You can always trim off any excess once you begin to place it. Too much is always better than not enough.
Remove the Old Seal with a Hammer or Slide it Off
Remove the old bottom seal if your door already has one. For older doors, the bottom seal may be nailed in. Remove the nails with a hammer or crowbar.
In some cases, the bottom seal may be attached to a track. Carefully pull on one side to disengage it from the track. This process allows you to remove the old seal without damaging the door or its surroundings. Now, it’s time to introduce your brand-new bottom seal. Slide it onto the garage door track and then trim it to fit.
Apply the New Garage Door Seal Using Nails or Screws
If there is no track, unroll the bottom of the seal to the length of the door. Attach the bottom of the seal to the bottom using a nail or a screw, with the larger, sloped edge to the outside of the garage door and the flat part against the bottom of the door. Trim any excess material with scissors.
Give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done. With a few purchases from a hardware store and a couple of hours in your afternoon, you’ve fixed your garage door.