Garage door seals are essential components that help insulate and weatherproof your garage door. Seals prevent air, moisture, dust and pests from entering your garage, while also reducing noise transmission. But what exactly are garage door seals? And what types should you use? Here’s a primer on garage door seals from the experts:
What is a Garage Door Seal?
A garage door seal is a strip made of rubber, vinyl, foam or brush material that attaches to the edges of your garage door to cover gaps and crevices. Seals compress when the door is closed to create an airtight barrier along the perimeter. This barrier improves insulation, weatherproofing, noise reduction and pest control.
Types of Garage Door Seals
- Bottom Seals – Attached to bottom edge of door to seal gap along floor. Common materials are vinyl, brushed pile or rubber gaskets.
- Jamb Seals – Fasten along vertical jambs of doorway to seal side gaps. Available in vinyl, foam tape or rubber styles.
- Header Seals – Made of foam or vinyl, these attach along top of door opening.
- Astragal Seals – Rubber or vinyl strips that seal gaps between door sections. Fit into slots on door edges.
- Corner Seals – Used along top corners of doors to seal triangular gaps. Usually made of foam or PVC.
- Tension Seals – Special seals made of flexible material that compress when door is raised or lowered.
Garage Door Bottom Seal Installation Cost
Installing garage door bottom seals costs $3 to $5 per linear foot on average. So, for a 16×7 foot garage door, bottom seal installation would cost $224 to $560. The cost depends on the door size, seal material, technician’s rates, and any additional repairs needed. Getting bottom and jamb seals together installed can cost $300 to $700 for a standard 2-car garage door.
Check Your Garage Door Seal for These Signs
Garage door seals are important for insulation, noise reduction, weatherproofing, and pest control. But seals can deteriorate over time and need to be replaced. Here are signs that it’s time to replace your garage door seals:
Excessive Air or Light – If you notice air, dust, or light coming through the edges of your garage door, the seals are likely worn out. Missing or cracked seals will allow air flow and moisture to penetrate the garage.
Pest Infestation – Cockroaches, spiders, mice or other pests entering through the bottom or sides of the garage door indicate breaches in the seals. Damaged or missing seals provide an entry point for unwanted pests.
Rotting Door Panels – Exterior garage door panels that are starting to rot or delaminate at the edges could mean damaged seals are allowing water intrusion. Faulty seals will lead to wood rot and rust over time.
Higher Energy Bills – Poorly sealing garage doors that have deteriorated seals can raise heating and cooling costs. Replacing worn seals provides better insulation and stops costly air leaks.
Noise Transfer – Hearing outside noises or echoes from inside the garage usually means the seals are no longer effectively buffering sound. Cracked, loose or absent seals reduce noise insulation.
Uneven Door Movement – If your door binds, sticks or drags along the floor, worn or rigid bottom seals could be preventing smooth operation. Replacing them will restore proper movement.
Contact Loveland Garage Door Service for Bottom Seals
If your garage door seals need replacement, contact Loveland Garage Door Service or call on (970) 367-8600. We provide complete seal repair and replacement services including bottom seals, jamb seals and astragal seals. Our experienced technicians will identify problem areas, recommend the best seal solutions, and complete a professional installation. Improve your home’s insulation and security with high-quality, long-lasting garage door seals from Loveland Garage Door Service.
Investing in high-quality garage door seals improves insulation, noise reduction, weatherproofing and durability. Keep your seals in good repair and replace damaged ones immediately.
FAQs
Q: How often should garage door seals be replaced?
Garage door seals should be inspected at least once a year and replaced as needed, usually every 4-8 years depending on wear. Extreme weather can deteriorate seals faster.
Q: What are signs my garage door seals are worn out?
Signs include daylight around edges, pests getting in, air leaks, noise, uneven door movement, rotting wood and higher energy bills. These indicate worn seals.
Q: Does replacing garage door seals help with insulation?
A: Yes, worn seals allow air gaps that reduce insulation. New seals provide a tight barrier that improves insulation and energy efficiency.
Q: How much does it cost to replace garage door seal?
Seal replacement costs $3-$5 per linear foot. For a 16×7 foot door this averages $224-$560 depending on number and type of seals needed.
Q: What seals need replacing on a garage door?
Common seals needing replacement include bottom seals, jamb/side seals, header seals above door, and astragal seals between sections.
Q: How long does it take to replace garage door seals?
With an experienced technician, full garage door seal replacement takes 2-5 hours depending on the door size and number of seals being installed.
