You like this look? This garage door is a Standard+ Shaker-Flat XL, 9' x 8', Black, Clear windows.
Avoid unwanted elements from entering your garage
No matter the size of the gap you have, it can leave an opening entrance for mice, critters, or insects you do not want to get into your garage. These tiny pests can destroy the precious belongings you are storing in it.
Rain, snow, sand, or cold winds can also seep through your garage and potentially increase your electricity bill. It can also become problematic if moisture gets in through your floor, garage door, or windows.
Don’t worry! We have solutions for you! Follow our 3 tips to keep your garage door fully closed all year round.
1- Replace your garage door weatherstripping
What is a bottom weatherstrip?
A garage door weatherstrip is a strip of rubber, PVC, or other material that is placed around the perimeter of your door to keep the cold out. The seal you choose will depend on your garage door model. It will make a huge difference in your garage door insulation and durability.
A u-shaped bottom weatherstripping is flexible and adaptable to all floors. It should be made of a non-rigid material such as PVC or rubber and can be easily installed. Did you know that it can resist strong winds and harsh winters for up to -62℉ (-52℃)?
That is what a U-shaped bottom weatherstripping looks like! Interesting, isn’t it?
When should you change it?
If you see that your bottom weatherstrip is starting to break apart, crack or dry out, it is time to change it. Seal inspections are highly recommended, especially before the Fall season, to determine the flexibility and detect any possible air infiltration.
Regular maintenance can also help to keep all your garage door parts perfect and avoid unplanned expenses. It may also help to keep your family safe from potential harm or even intruders.
Tip: Add a lubricant to your garage door maintenance routine!
You should choose one with a silicone base for use on PVC parts like weatherstrips. A petroleum-based lubricant will harden the material, reducing its durability, and is therefore not recommended. You should lubricate your garage door at least twice a year! Why so?
- In Spring, it is the perfect time for an inspection to see if there is any defective part on your garage door. Replace all substandard materials as soon as possible to prevent malfunction.
- In Fall, you should prepare your garage for winter to prevent damages. Doing so will reduce corrosion caused by moisture from melted snow and diminish issues caused by cold temperatures
Find the weatherstrip that is the best for your needs! The quality of materials will depend on where you purchase them. It is strongly suggested that you talk with a professional to ensure that you are getting what is best for you in the long run.
How can you change the bottom weatherstripping?
It is possible to change your bottom weatherstrip yourself if you have all the replacement parts required. You can follow the simple steps on this website to successfully replace it and ensure that you do not forget anything.
It is, however, suggested to ask for the help of a garage door specialist for better efficiency and reliability. They know how to install every part of a garage door and have years of experience.
2- Check the condition of your floor
See how you should properly place your bottom weatherstripping to have an efficient door threshold. An inward and outward slope will drain the water out.
Outside
An outward slope is ideal in your driveway for channelling all the water from rain and melted snow toward the street and away from your garage.
Inside
The floor where you position your threshold must be flat and without cracks. A U-shaped bottom weatherstrip can often adjust sufficiently to your uneven floor to do the job.
There are also various garage door seal strips on the market to compensate for gaps created by an uneven concrete floor. Threshold seal is very easy to install because it is made of flexible rubber. All you need to do is to cut it to length and glue it down to a prepared surface!
Concrete floor finishes also provide many options, depending on your needs regarding space and usage. So long as it is resistant and durable, you can select any of them!
- Epoxy: Not only makes your floor durable, but it also makes your space more attractive. Select among the many colors and designs offered to add your touch of creativity!
- Paint: Concrete paint can refresh your stained floor and complement the rest of your garage. Make sure you choose one that is easy to clean and not slippery!
- Tiles: Rigid tiles made of plastic, rubber, or wood are best for a garage. They are a good option if you do not want to repair your concrete floor.
- Mats: The simplest way to cover your garage floor is by adding a roll-out mat. The type of material recommended varies according to your garage use.
Concrete cracks
There are several types of fissures, and it is easy to confuse which ones should be more alarming. Read this blog to know the different causes of these cracks and solutions to repair them:
- Cold joints
There may be multiple batches of concrete mixed during the flooring process that do not blend well together because one has already started to harden when the next is introduced.
- Cracks during foundation settling or construction
Some cracks can appear during house construction or after a few years. Settlement cracking is normal, and homeowners should not be worried about it.
- Hairline cracks
Also called crazing cracks. These are small and barely noticeable. They often occur because of inadequate surface preparation of the concrete, subgrade compaction, post-tension slab, or wire mesh.
According to you, what causes this concrete crack? Should you be concerned about it? Image from Pixabay.
Tip 1: Concrete fractures over time, but you can at least try to control where it will crack. To do so, you can linearly cut control joints so that the fissures will not go in different directions.
Tip 2: While you are cleaning your floor, be observant of any cracks. Determine if they are caused by foundational or other serious problems that should concern you.
3- Adjust your garage door opener
Now that everything is in place, you will have to adjust your electric garage door opener. The weatherstrip needs to be closed tight to the floor without being crushed when it touches the threshold.
You can do so by reviewing your adjustment settings in your garage door opener manual. You must test the Protector System and the Safety Reversal System after making your modifications to ensure your garage door is still operating properly.
If you can easily slip your fingers between the garage door threshold and the weatherstrip, that is an indicator that you have done everything correctly.
You like this look? This garage door is a Cambridge CM, 9' x 7', Ice White door and overlays, 4 lite Panoramic windows.
Get in touch with a professional
Contact a GARAGA dealer in your area.
They are indeed experts in garage doors. They have extensive experience and they love helping you find the perfect garage door system at the right plus for you.
Find the door of your dreams already? Ask us a quotation by email.
You’d like to shop online a bit first?
You can browse our residential photo gallery. Do you like interactive design apps? If so, grab your smart phone and try our Design Centre. You’ll have fun building your dream door.
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