Over the course of a garage door’s lifespan, you will likely need to replace the door’s bottom seal. Along with the weather stripping that runs alongside the door’s three other sides, this plastic gasket keeps debris and the elements from getting into the garage. The following article provides a step-by-step guide for how to replace a garage door seal, as well as the tools needed.
How to Install Garage Door Weather Stripping in Four Steps
Spare yourself headaches later on by addressing this project. Take half a day to prepare your home’s garage for year-round use through these four easy-to-follow steps:
Tools You’ll Need
- 4-in-1 screwdriver
- Cordless driver (if using screws to mount the bottom seal and its track)
- Utility knife
- Galvanized nails or screws
- Rubber bottom seal gasket that matches your garage door
- Soapy, warm water
- Tape measure
- Pliers
- Lubricating spray
Step #1: Remove the Existing Bottom Seal Gasket
- Disable your garage door opener
- Open the garage door to eye level
- Using your utility knife and flat-head screwdriver remove the existing bottom seal from around the garage door’s bottom track
- You may need to remove nails or screws at the door’s edges or along the track that locked the gasket in place
- Clear any residual debris and lubricate with your spray
Step #2: Measure the Garage Door’s Width and Cut New Seal Accordingly
- Using a tape measure, determine how long your new seal will need to be
- Cut the rubber gasket into the properly sized section
Step #3: Install the New Bottom Seal
- Dip the properly sized gasket into warm, soapy water before installing it
- Cup the new rubber gasket into a U shape and feed it into the door bottom’s track
- If another person is available, have them stand at the opposite end of the door to help you get the seal in place
- Leave a bit of excess gasket and fold it into the track; this helps ensure a tight seal remains even if the rubber shrinks over time
- Reinstall nails or screws at the edges to lock the bottom seal into place
Step #4: Check That Door Closes and Seals Properly
- Reconnect your garage door opener and test that the door closes without issue
- Visually verify that there are no longer any gaps between the door’s bottom and the ground
