How to replace garage door weather stripping

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Introduction

Noticing a cold draft, water puddles, or daylight seeping in around your garage door? It might be time to learn how to replace garage door weather stripping. This simple maintenance task can drastically improve energy efficiency, protect your belongings from water damage, and keep out pests and debris. With the right tools and a little time, you can restore a tight seal and make your garage more comfortable year-round.

Why Replacing Weather Stripping Matters for Your Garage

Weather stripping plays a crucial role in your garage’s comfort and protection. Over time, the rubber seal can crack, warp, or compress, losing its ability to block out the elements. Replacing it offers several benefits:

  • Improved insulation – Keeps cold air out in winter and hot air out in summer.
  • Moisture control – Prevents rainwater from seeping inside and damaging your garage floor or stored items.
  • Pest prevention – Stops insects and rodents from sneaking under or around the door.
  • Energy efficiency – Helps reduce heating and cooling costs in attached garages.
  • Noise reduction – Creates a tighter seal, helping block outdoor noise.

By replacing worn weather stripping promptly, you extend the life of your garage door and maintain a clean, dry, and secure space.

Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Garage Door Weather Stripping

1. Identify the Type of Weather Stripping

There are several types of garage door seals:

  • Bottom seal – Usually a U-shaped or T-shaped rubber strip that fits into a track or retainer on the bottom of the door.
  • Side and top seals – Flexible vinyl or rubber strips attached to the door frame.
  • Threshold seal – Mounted on the floor under the door to create a second barrier.

Check all seals to determine which need replacing.

2. Gather Tools and Materials

You’ll need:

  • Replacement weather stripping (match type and size to your garage door).
  • Tape measure.
  • Utility knife or scissors.
  • Flathead screwdriver or pliers (for removing old seals).
  • Drill and screws (for frame-mounted seals).
  • Soap and water for cleaning.

3. Remove the Old Weather Stripping

For bottom seals:

  • Open the garage door fully for easier access.
  • Slide the old seal out of the retainer track. If it’s stuck, use pliers to pull it free.

For side/top seals:

  • Unscrew or pry the old seal from the frame carefully.

4. Clean the Surface

Before installing new stripping, clean the retainer track or frame:

  • Remove dirt, dust, and old adhesive.
  • Wipe with soapy water, then dry completely.
    A clean surface ensures a secure fit for the new seal.

5. Measure and Cut the New Weather Stripping

  • Measure the width (for bottom seal) or height (for side/top seals) of your door.
  • Cut the new stripping to size using a utility knife or heavy-duty scissors.
  • If using a threshold seal, measure and cut to fit the width of the garage opening.

6. Install the New Seal

For bottom seals:

  • Insert one end of the new seal into the track.
  • Feed it through, ensuring both edges fit securely in the retainer grooves.
  • Pull until the seal spans the entire width.
  • Trim any excess.

For side/top seals:

  • Position the new seal against the frame.
  • Secure it with screws or nails, making sure it sits flush against the door when closed.

For threshold seals:

  • Close the garage door.
  • Position the seal so it presses lightly against the bottom seal.
  • Mark its position, then secure it with adhesive or screws.

7. Test the Door’s Operation

Open and close the garage door to ensure the seal doesn’t bind or drag excessively. Make sure there’s consistent contact along the entire edge.

8. Check the Seal’s Effectiveness

With the door closed, look for daylight along the edges or bottom. If you see light, adjust the seal’s position or replace it with a better-fitting type.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Buying the wrong size
    • Mistake: Choosing weather stripping that’s too wide or narrow for your retainer.
    • Solution: Measure your existing seal and track carefully before buying.
  2. Skipping the cleaning step
    • Mistake: Installing new stripping on a dirty surface.
    • Solution: Always clean and dry the track or frame for proper adhesion and fit.
  3. Incorrect alignment
    • Mistake: Installing the seal so it’s too tight or too loose.
    • Solution: Ensure it just makes contact without causing strain on the door.
  4. Not replacing all worn seals
    • Mistake: Only fixing the bottom seal while side/top seals are also damaged.
    • Solution: Inspect and replace all seals as needed for a complete barrier.
  5. Using low-quality materials
    • Mistake: Buying the cheapest seal, which may crack or flatten quickly.
    • Solution: Invest in heavy-duty rubber or vinyl for longer life.

Extra Garage Tips & Hacks

  • Lubricate the track for bottom seals with a small amount of silicone spray to make installation easier.
  • Add a threshold seal for extra protection against heavy rain.
  • Inspect seals twice a year—in spring and fall—for wear and tear.
  • Related read: Check out our guide on maintaining garage doors for longer life.

Conclusion

Replacing garage door weather stripping is a quick, budget-friendly project that can greatly improve comfort, protection, and efficiency. By selecting the right seal, cleaning the surface, and installing it correctly, you’ll keep your garage dry, pest-free, and better insulated year-round.

Pro Tip: Keep an extra length of weather stripping in your garage so you can replace a damaged section immediately without waiting for a store trip.