How Long Should a Garage Door Weather Seal Last?
Are you thinking of purchasing a garage door weather seal and wondering how long it should last? Have you currently got a weather seal and not sure if it’s past its sell-by-date? Then keep reading and the GaraDry team will tell you how long you should expect a garage door weather seal to last…
Introduction
When investing in your property and spending time and money on home improvements, you want to know your cash and energy are being spent in the right places.
The same goes for your garage door. When purchasing things like garage door weather seals, you want to know you’re buying products that are well-made and will stand the test of time.
If garage door weather seals are installed correctly, of sufficient quality, and maintained thoroughly, they should last for up to 10 years. That said, there are a number of different factors that can influence how long a garage door seal will last.
Here, we’ll provide you with a better idea of what to expect and how to prolong the lifespan of your door seal. We’ll also share some telltale signs to look out for, so you can quickly recognize if your seal needs changing.
First things first, let’s run through a quick recap of what a garage door seal is and what they’re used for…
What does a garage door weather seal do?
In a nutshell, a garage door weather seal is a special type of seal that is designed to prevent the ingress of things like rainwater, leaves, dirt, and other detritus into your garage.
They work by creating a tight seal between the bottom of your garage door and the floor. Hence, why you might see them referred to as a ‘garage door bottom weather seal’ - or something along those lines.
The primary functions of garage door weather seals are to:
- Keep the space free of water and moisture, which can lead to harmful mold.
- Keep condensation at bay.
- Help keep the space clean and tidy.
- Maximize insulation and energy efficiency.
- Protect your garage door.
- Prevent rodents and vermin from setting up a cozy home in your garage.
- Protect the contents of the garage.
- Help secure the property.
While all garage door seals are manufactured to perform the same fundamental functions, it’s fair to say that they aren’t all created equal.
In fact, it’s important to know what to look for, so you can make sure you’re investing in premium quality products and not wasting your valuable time or money.
Will a garage door seal last for a long time?
As we mentioned earlier, if you’ve got a high-quality garage door weather seal that has been installed well and thoroughly maintained, it should last a long time, yes—up to 20 or 30 years, in fact.
That said, the longevity of a garage door seal varies depending on different factors such as the material it’s made from, the environmental conditions it’s exposed to, and how long any repairs are left unfixed.
If you choose a seal made from a low-grade material that will damage easily, and you don’t install it properly, it may only last a matter of months, depending on how intensively it’s used.
If you’re looking for a seal that is going to last you the longest possible time, we’d always recommend opting for a PVC garage door seal. Allow us to explain why…
The benefits of PVC garage door weather seals
Cheaper garage door seals, which you’ll typically find at your local hardware store or on online marketplaces, are often made from low-grade rubber (typically ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber). This material will very easily crack under pressure, discolor in daylight, and crumble after being exposed to the elements.
This is less than ideal for any home but is particularly concerning if you live somewhere that experiences a broader range of temperatures and weather conditions.
Polyvinyl chloride—AKA PVC—on the other hand, is a high-grade thermoplastic designed to provide a generous service life. It’s hard, durable, and super long-lasting, which makes it the ideal material for garage door weather stripping.
PVC has outstanding tensile strength, which simply means it can withstand extremely heavy loads and forces without fracturing or losing its shape. These are perfect qualities for something that is being installed in a garage and which will be repeatedly rolled over by vehicles.
It comes as no surprise that PVC is the third most widely produced polymer of plastic in the world. It might be tempting to go for something cheaper but trust us when we say you’ll only end up paying the price in the long run.
Here at GaraDry, all of our garage door weather seals are manufactured from the highest-quality PVC which is UV-stable - meaning they won’t discolor or weaken in the way that cheaper EPDM rubber seals will.
How to make garage door seals last longer
Wondering if there’s anything you can do to ensure a long and healthy lifespan for your new garage door weather seal? Indeed, there is!
Here are our top three tips to boost the longevity of your door stripping:
1. Use a high-quality adhesive
To allow your garage door seal to do its job and last for as long as possible, don’t cut corners or costs during the installation process.
Part of this is selecting a high-quality adhesive that has been designed to work with your seal and hold it firmly in place whatever the weather (quite literally).
If you opt for a seal that is made of a high-grade thermoplastic like PVC (like ours) then you’ll want to use a professional universal sealant and adhesive. These are designed to cure to form a durable elastic rubber that will seal the garage door stripping securely in place.
The main benefits of GaraDry adhesive include:
- Permanently elastic for a long-lasting fix.
- Resistant to temperatures from -40ºF to +194ºF.
- Free from harmful, highly-reactive chemicals.
- Shrinkage-proof and bubble-free.
- Resistant to UV, moisture, mold, and weather.
- No need for a primer on most (even damp) surfaces.
- Neutral curing; almost odorless.
- Non-corrosive towards metals.
- High mechanical resistance and highly resistant to elastic strain.
- Absorbs acoustic and mechanical vibrations.
- Black coloring for a polished, seamless finish.
- Can be painted over with your own paint.
- Long shelf life (unused, in the tube) of 18 months.
2. Make sure you're buying the right seal for your door
All of our residential garage door seal kits are available in ½-inch, ¾-inch, 1-inch, 1¼-inch, 1½-inch and 2-inch sizes. We offer such a broad range of sizes so that there’s something to suit virtually any type of garage door.
If your door seal is going to perform its function properly and last for many years to come, it’s essential that you install the right one. Check the dimensions of your garage door to ensure you’re purchasing the correct kit for you.
3. Stay on top of maintenance
Garage doors aren’t the most delicate of things, which means wear and tear can be tough on things like seals, springs, trims, and tracks over time. That’s why it’s so important to check on your garage door seal regularly—every six or 12 months—and inspect for damage or signs of wear.
If you spot anything that you think might cause an issue, make sure to address it ASAP to prevent it from becoming a much bigger problem further down the line. That way, you can extend the lifespan of your weather seal and safeguard your garage effectively.
How to know when a garage door weather seal needs replacing
Before you go, make sure you familiarize yourself with the following symptoms of a garage door weather seal that is likely to need replacing in the not-so-distant future.
Here are six common signs you need a new garage door weather seal:
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There’s an unusual change of temperature in the garage; if you feel with your hand along the bottom of the garage door, and there’s air blowing in through a gap.
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There’s water or moisture getting into your garage—if you’re not sure, run a hose along the bottom of the door and see if the seal is letting the water pass through.
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There’s dirt and debris in your garage that has blown in from outside your garage, which suggests there could be gaps or cracks somewhere in the seal.
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There’s light getting into your garage—this can be hard to check during daylight so use a torch after dark to get a better idea.
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You’ve had an unwanted visit from rodents, vermin, or insects that you suspect might have entered under your garage door.
- If you have a rubber garage door seal that you’re yet to replace with a more robust PVC one, it might be crumbling, disintegrated, fractured, or warped.
Spot any of those signs, and it’s likely that you need a new garage door weather seal. If you’re unsure, then speak to one of GaraDry’s helpful advisers.
Looking for a new weather seal for your garage door?
GaraDry is the place to go for top-quality garage door seals you can rely on. All of our garage door seal kits come complete with a 5-year warranty, so you can rest assured you’re kitting your property out with products that are built to last.