Good-quality garage door weatherstripping can last for up to 30 years with the proper care. These weatherstripping seals on your garage door provide multiple benefits, so it’s important that you provide consistent care. In addition to helping you retain heat inside your garage, the weatherstripping keeps moisture, pests, and debris from getting inside.

Bottom Weatherstripping

Even with regular garage door maintenance, the weatherstripping seal on the bottom of your garage door will be the first to deteriorate. This is due to the friction and abrasion this seal experiences each time you open or close the door. A PVC or aluminum bracket holds the rubber seal in place.

The quality of the rubber and the supporting bracket will determine whether the weatherstripping will last for up to 30 years. Most commonly, the rubber seal will crack or tear. In some cases, harsh weather conditions will harden the rubber over time, making it brittle and easily damaged. If the supporting bracket gets damaged, the seal will hang loose or fall off altogether.

Side Perimeter Weatherstripping

The weatherstripping seals on either side of the garage door consist of the same rubber seal and PVC or aluminum brackets as the bottom seal. PVC is mostly used for light-colored doors since this material works better in concealing the screws. Aluminum stands up better to heat, and it won’t easily suffer oxidization.

Aside from extreme heat causing the PVC supports to bend and twist, the seal itself can suffer damage. The most common cause of damage to these seals results from poor installation.

If the installer doesn’t properly measure the dimensions, an ill-fitting seal will rub against the frame of the garage door. Otherwise, time and normal wear will erode the seal over several decades.

Tips for Protecting Your Garage Door’s Weatherstripping

You’ll reduce the need to replace garage door weatherstripping with consistent care. These tips will help you keep your door’s seals in better condition for longer.

  • During the winter, never use rock salt near the bottom seal
  • Frequently wipe down all seals to remove dust and dirt
  • Eliminate pooling near the garage entrance to avoid moisture damage
  • Always use a silicone-based weatherstripping lubricant to clean the seals

Keep up with garage door maintenance. An annual tune-up and inspection will protect all of the components of your garage door, preventing unnecessary damage to the seals.

Get Long-Lasting Repairs From the Garage Door Pros

D Bar Garage Doors provides repairs and part replacements in addition to installing new high-quality garage doors. If your weatherstripping appears deteriorated, we can replace the seals on your garage door. To request repairs or maintenance, contact us today.