After the cold winter sets in across the Durham area, your garage is one of the most exposed areas to drafts and moisture, which can increase your energy costs. And that’s not the only downside: a poor seal on your garage door can make the rest of your home feel colder, cause your heating system to work overtime, and leave your garage vulnerable to pests and water damage.
The good news? Some of the simplest and most affordable ways to winterize your garage door are to weatherstrip it. And here at Durham Garage Door Guys, we assist homeowners every year as they prepare their garages for the colder months—here’s everything you need to know.
Why Weatherstripping Matters
Weatherstripping provides a barrier around your garage door, eliminating outdoor drafts and warm air loss. Proper seals help:
- Improve energy efficiency
- Reduce heating costs
- Prevent moisture intrusion and condensation
- Keep rodents and insects out
- Minimize noise and dust
- Prolong the life of your garage door system
If you detect drafts, light filtering, or water puddling when it rains in your garage, it’s time for new weatherstripping.
Signs Your Garage Door Needs New Weatherstripping
Before winter hits, check for:
- Cracked or brittle rubber seals
Old, worn-out weatherstripping grows brittle and shatters at low temperatures. - Gaps in the side or bottom of the door
Tiny gaps can even let in a whole lot of cold air. - Metal-on-concrete scraping noises
This usually indicates that the bottom seal has gone bad. - Light coming in around the edges of the door
If light can get in, air and moisture certainly can. - Higher utility bills
A leaking garage can also make rooms above or adjacent to it less efficient.
Types of Garage Door Weatherstripping
Bottom Seal (U-Shape or T-Shape rubber): This is the first line of defence against the cold air and water. It compresses when the door is closed, forming a tight seal.
Threshold Seal: Rain will run right along their roof, directly into a gutter installed on the garage floor (adding another layer of protection — perfect for garages with shed roofs susceptible to rain runoff).
Side and Top Weatherstripping: Flexible vinyl trim that seals the door’s perimeter and serves as an anti-draft feature along the edges.
Garage Door Panel Weatherstripping: Applied to older wooden doors with individual panels that expand and contract, filling the spaces between them.
How to Weatherstrip Your Garage Door Like a Pro
Inspect the Existing Seals: Investigate before replacing any components. Pull out any old nails, screws or loose material.
Choose the Right Weatherstripping: Not all garage doors require the same type of bottom seal, so be sure to measure your track and bottom retainer.
Clean the Surfaces Thoroughly: If surface cleaning is not feasible, adhesive-backed weatherstripping adheres best to clean, dry surfaces. Use a mild detergent, and let everything air dry.
Install Bottom Seals: If you have snaps, slide or snap the new seal into the retainer channel. Trim any excess length.
Attach Side and Top Trim: Nail or screw vinyl seals in place, but not too tightly to prevent the door from operating.
Test the Door: Open and close a few times to make sure it closes tightly but not too tightly, and that it doesn’t stick.
Bonus Tip: Lubricate All Moving Parts
During cold weather, lubricants thicken, and garage door parts experience greater stress. Use a silicone-based spray on:
Hinges
Rollers
Tracks
Springs and bearings
This enhances performance by eliminating freeze-ups during the winter months.
Professional Weatherstripping Services in Durham
Relatively few owners of this type of window try their hand at home-brewed weatherstrips, instead opting for professional installation that ensures a good seal and years of service. At Durham Garage Door Guys, we provide:
- Complete winter garage door tune-ups
- Professional weatherstripping replacement
- Garage door inspections and maintenance
- Threshold and bottom seal upgrades
- Water leak and cold air drafts solutions
We ensure that your garage is as energy-efficient and winter-ready as the rest of your house.
Stay Warm, Save Energy—Get Winter-Ready Today
Winterizing your garage door doesn’t just make you more comfortable—it also protects your home for years to come. If you’re experiencing drafts, water, or overdue seals, now is the ideal time to address them.
Call Durham Garage Door Guys for professional weatherstripping & winterizing now!
