keeping children and pets safe around garage doors

3 Easy Steps To Stop Money From Leaking Out Your Drafty Garage Door

Do you have a drafty garage -- too hot in the summer or too cold in the winter? In addition to making it unlikely you'll use the space as much as you want to or need to, you're also probably leaking money out that old door. 

If the garage door is the culprit, but it's a problem with the door itself, you may need to replace it with a modern, insulated model. But if the problem is in the surrounding frame and the door is still solid, here's what you can do to fix those drafts around the edges. 

Replace the Seals

If your door is old, it's most likely riddled with cracked weather stripping around the edges and possibly in the door itself. Look for damaged weather stripping on the frame and especially between the sections in the door. Remove old pieces, clean the area and install new V-strip weather stripping.

Replacing the bottom seal will be key to improving the door's ability to hold the interior temperature. Raise the door to a comfortable height and slide out the old seal. If necessary, you can use a flat screwdriver to pry open the track ends if they're worn or even cut out the seal in pieces. Clean the track. Now, cut the new seal to match the length of the door and begin sliding it in. This process can be difficult, since the rubber rarely behaves itself as it's being inserted. Have patience with this part. 

Install a Threshold

A rubber threshold will help get a good seal when the door closes. Once you're done with the door seal, clean the concrete below the door. Roll out a rubber threshold (available at garage door supply stores or some home improvement stores) and cut it to size. Make sure the threshold is just on the inside of the door seal, matching the seal and threshold by closing the door. Finally, glue the threshold into place, leaving the heavy door closed on it overnight. 

Replace Trim

Old, worn trim can be the third source of significant air leaks. Wood doorjambs are often damaged or rotting. Remove the wood trim with a hammer, then replace it with longer-lasting vinyl trim. Attach the vinyl trim to the frame with galvanized or stainless steel nails about 12 to 16 inches apart. 

With a weekend's worth of work, you may be able to revive your old garage door sufficiently to make it a space you can use in any season. Even if it's just a way to make things more energy-efficient until you can replace the door, you'll be glad of your minimal investment of time and money in this simple project. For professional help, or if these steps don't fix your problem, contact a company like Jayton Door Corporation. It may be that your door needs replacing after all.


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