When the weather is nice outside, you probably don’t give any thought to your garage door or the weatherstripping protecting it. It’s just something that’s there: an added layer of protection from the elements that will help keep the items in your garage safe. Your weatherstripping, however, is a critical layer of defense between the weather outside and the vehicles and other items stored inside your garage. Typically, weatherstripping around windows and doors should be replaced every 1-2 years. Discover the signs that it’s time to replace your weatherstripping.

• Check for dust and dirt. Debris is going to make its way into your garage. Since the door is raised and lowered on a regular basis, dust, leaves, pollen, and other things from outside will find their way in. If the dust and debris start to mount, chances are it’s time to check your weatherstripping. This is particularly important if you’ve noticed a sudden increase in the amount of dust and debris piling up on the items stored in your garage.
• Watch for leaks. If you’ve had a lot of rain recently, you’ve may have noticed its impact on your garage. If water is seeping in around areas that were previously unscathed, worn weatherstripping might be to blame. During the next rain, take a look at your weatherstripping and watch to see if you can spot any leaks. If you don’t have time to wait for it to rain again or you’re hoping to take care of needed repairs during a dry spell, take a water hose to the outside of the garage door to make it easier to see any weak spots.
• Take notice of the chill in the air. As the winter season creeps in, many people start to become more sensitive to temperature differences. Your garage may always be colder than the remainder of your home, but that doesn’t mean that your fingers and toes should be freezing before you can get your car started! Well-maintained, high-quality weatherstripping will help keep your garage at a more comfortable temperature. If you’re starting to notice that it’s much colder in the garage than it used to be, it’s time to check your weatherstripping.

Your weatherstripping is made up of two key parts: the hard, inflexible material that connects to the wall and the more flexible material that makes contact with your garage door. If either material is damaged, it’s time to replace your weatherstripping. To do so:

• With the garage door closed, take a look at the weatherstripping to see if it still makes contact with the garage door and to see if there are any patches where light shines through.
• Run your fingers over the weatherstripping and note any nicks, dings, or chunks that might be missing.This may include chunks of the weatherstripping that are beginning to peel away.
• Check the bottom seal. Make sure you bend down to actually look at it. A hand held up to the bottom may be sufficient to tell you whether or not air is moving through the seal.

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• With the garage door open, inspect the weatherstripping for any signs of wear or missing chunks.
• Look for any sign of rotting or cracking. If you experience frequent cracks, it might be necessary to choose a different material that is more appropriate to the weather in your area.
• Look at the bottom seal. In some cases, even if you need to replace this vital area, you may be able to replace only the flexible, u-shaped portion of the seal instead of needing to replace the entire thing.

DIY or Hire a Contractor?

When it comes to replacing your garage door weatherstripping, you have two options. You can either choose to do it yourself or to hire a contractor or garage door repair specialist. Either option has its benefits; however, hiring a contractor will ensure that your garage door weatherstripping continues to fit firmly in place, protecting your garage from the elements and ensuring that your garage will remain comfortable year-round.

This guide will help ensure that your garage door does it’s job throughout any  season.