I, a homeowner, always worry about saving energy and keeping my house cozy. One day, I found out that my garage door wasted a lot of heat during winter.
So, I decided to fix it. After some study and trying things out, I sealed the sides of my garage door, and it worked!
It not only saves energy but also made the door quiet and easy to use. Listen up. I’ll share my tale and show you How To Seal A Garage Door On The Sides, step by step. Then, you can also have a comfortable and efficient home.
Why did I decide To Seal My Garage Door On The Sides?
I sealed my garage door on the sides recently. I did it for couple of reasons. The weather where I reside is harsh – it pours down heavily, and the gusts are forceful.
Water used to seep into the garage through the gaps between the door and the sides, damaging the contents. sealing the door’s sides made the garage more energy-efficient.
During summers, the garage would become uncomfortably hot, even when the door was shut.
This was because hot air would enter through the gaps on the sides, making it tough to maintain a comfortable temperature inside. By sealing the sides, I could keep the hot air out and save on energy bills.
sealing the door also provided extra security. The gaps on the sides were a prime entry point for insects, rodents, and even burglars.
By sealing these gaps, I could stop unwanted visitors from entering my garage and stealing my belongings.
How To Seal A Garage Door On The Sides
Tools and Materials
I can provide you with a general list of tools and materials that are typically needed for sealing a garage door on the sides:
Tools:
- Measuring tape
- Utility knife
- Caulking gun
- Screwdriver
- Drill (optional)
Materials:
- Weatherstripping tape (or foam sealant)
- Caulk
- Screws
- Nails
You might need different stuff and things depending on your garage door’s size and type. Best to read what the maker says or ask an expert before you start working.
Steps to Seal a Garage Door on the Sides
step 1: clean up
I had to clean my garage door sides before sealing it. It was tough but necessary to protect from weather and look nice.
I gathered supplies: a bucket, warm water, dish soap, a scrub brush, and a rag. I wore old clothes and gloves for protection.
I hosed down the sides to remove loose dirt. Then, I mixed soap and water in a bucket and scrubbed with the brush. I scrubbed every part, especially the sides where dirt collects.
I rinsed the sides with the hose and dried them with the rag.
step 2: Measure the sides of the garage door
- Shut the garage door and stand inside it.
- Measure how long the sides of the garage door are. Measure them all, including the left and right sides.
- Write down how long each side is.
- Add up the total length of all the sides to find out how much weatherstripping you need.
- Buy enough weatherstripping to cover all the sides of the garage door. Get a little extra to make up for any cutting you need to do.
Make sure you buy weatherstripping that works for your climate and is made for garage doors. If you put the weatherstripping on right, it will help you save money on energy bills, stop drafts and bugs from getting in, and make your garage door last longer.
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step 3: Apply weatherstrip
I went to the store and got some foam weatherstripping that sticks to itself. It seals up gaps well and was easy to put in.
After that, I wiped down the garage door sides with a wet cloth to get rid of any dirt or junk. I let it dry out completely.
Then, I measured how long the sides were and snipped the weatherstripping to match using scissors. I made sure to have enough for every bit of the sides, even the corners.
step 4: use screws to fix the weatherstrip on the sides
- Measure the weatherstrip needed for the garage side. Cut it with scissors or a utility knife.
- Align the weatherstrip with the edges of the door. Ensure it’s flush and straight.
- Use a drill with a smaller bit than the screws. Drill pilot holes through the strip and into the door.
- Insert screws through the pilot holes and tighten. Don’t overtighten to avoid damage.
- Repeat on the other side. Check if the door closes well and if the weather strips seal gaps.
step 5: fix the weatherstrip on the bottom
I had a tough time fixing the weather strip below my garage door. Yet, it was worth it. The fresh weatherstrip not only stops the chill and breeze but also blocks bugs and other unwelcome creatures.
step 6: use a caulking gun
I got a new weatherstrip and caulking gun from the hardware store. I never used a caulking gun before, but the instructions were easy. I removed the old weather strip and cleaned the area for the new one.
Then, I put the adhesive in the caulking gun and applied it carefully on the weatherstrip. I pressed hard to make sure it stuck well on the garage surface. I did same on the other side.
At first, the caulking gun was awkward, but I got used to it. The new weatherstrip was in place, and it would protect me from the weather. I was satisfied with my work.
step 7: testing
After finishing the job, I was eager to try it and see if the sealing had any effect.
Approaching the garage, I sensed the change in temperature. The chill that used to linger in the air was gone.
Pushing the button to open the garage door, I listened for any sound differences. I was happy to hear the door moving more smoothly than before. The usual creaking and grinding were no more.
Stepping inside, I saw that the temperature had risen noticeably. The garage was no longer cold and drafty, but instead, a cozy and inviting place.
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FAQs on How To Seal A Garage Door On The Sides
Why do I need to seal my garage door on the sides?
Seal up garage door’s edges to stop air, bugs, dirt, and junk. It saves power and tidies up the garage.
What materials do I need to seal my garage door on the sides?
You gotta have weather stripping. It comes in vinyl, rubber, or other stuff. To attach it to your garage door, grab a saw, drill, and screws.
How do I attach weatherstripping to my garage door?
How to fasten the weatherstrip hinges on which kind you choose. You can use screws or sticky stuff. To do it right, just follow what the maker says.
conclusion
Sealing my garage door on the sides was a game-changer. No more wet, dirty, or critter-filled space. I did my research and followed the steps to make my garage more comfortable and secure. Keep in mind, the process may vary depending on your garage door type.
Take the time to seal your garage door on the sides for a better-looking and more functional space. You’ll also save money by cutting energy costs and avoiding potential damages.
