Many years of exposure to the elements can leave your garage door weatherproofing damaged and needing replaced. Here at Neighborhood Garage Door Service of Sacramento, CA recommends you inspect your weatherstripping every year to make sure it is in the best of shape. Luckily installing a replacement isn’t too difficult to complete and almost anyone can do it.
Replace the Wooden Frame if Necessary
If your current wooden frame is not in very good shape from exposure to the elements. It may be a good idea to repair it before weatherproofing your garage door.
When replacing the wooden frame, make sure to leave at least an inch or so of space at the bottom off the ground. This is important because if it sits directly on the ground, it can cause moisture from the ground to stay trapped inside the wood.
Installing New Trim Along the Top and Sides of Your Garage Door
Using PVC and rubber trim is ideal because it can be easily painted with latex or oil based paint to match the look of your garage door. It is also completely weatherproof and will not rot.
Cut the sections of new weatherproof trim down to the right size using your saw. It is recommended to not curl the rubber for cutting because it could easily slip and become uneven. Rest the rubber against the shield, moving the shield pretty close to your saw. Then move the saw down slowly to ensure an even cut.
Once the trim has been cut down to the appropriate size, it is time to begin the installation. Using a long pole to hold the trim up (or a friend if you have someone available to help you), place the trim against the garage door.
Try to keep it as even as possible without pushing the rubber too hard against the door. You do not want to push the trim too tight, only snug enough so that the rubber will sit flat against the door. You can, however, push the trim as tight as you want to the wood.
If your garage door is bent in some areas, you may need to push the trim in a little harder in those areas to keep it flush with the door. As long as the rubber is evenly touching the door all the way around it will be good. The rubber will conform to the door and keep it nice and tight. Having the rubber against the garage door will help keep the bugs and bad weather out.
Once you have the trim snugly in place, use a nail gun (or hand nail it in using 8 penny nails) into the little holes of the trim to create a butt joint with the wood and the trim. Once it is nailed into place, that’s it – you are finished. The entire process can be completed in less than ten minutes.
Installing New Weather Stripping on the Bottom of Your Garage Door
Before you begin this process, make sure you have purchased the new rubber seal in the correct size. Newer styles are sized slightly different than older styles.
It is possible to remove the old weather stripping without first taking off the track, however it’s recommended to take the track off completely. Without taking the track off you may find it hard to slide the old stripping off at the ends due to not having much room to work with.
Removing the Track
First you must unscrew the bolts and screws. If they are rusty and hard to remove, purchase a penetrating solvent spray such as PB Blaster. If the screws are too badly rusted, you may need to saw them off completely to save from damaging the door, and replace with new stainless steel screws.
When removing the nuts and bolts at the end of the doors, be extremely careful when you get to the bracket. It may have a cable connected to the frame. In this case, only remove the bottom bolt on the bracket, and slightly loosen the middle just enough to be able to slide the track off. Do not touch the top bolt!
If the frame becomes loose it can be very dangerous. Two pulleys have heavy springs that can snap back and cut your fingers off if you are not careful. That is because all of the tension is held onto the brackets on both sides.
Removing The Old Weather Stripping
Once the track has been removed you can begin taking out the worn out weather stripping. If it is still pliable you might be able to take a screwdriver and bend it out. If it is no longer pliable, cut it off in sections to get the worst parts off. Using vice grips, clamp down tight on the stripping, and slide it out of the track.
Once you have removed the old weather stripping, wash the track really well with a broom and bucket of soapy water. In the really hard to clean areas, use an SOS pad.
Installing the New Rubber Stripping
Now it is time to install the new rubber stripping. Holding the track upside down, cup the rubber to slide into the track. Leave the rubber a little bit longer on the ends just in case it decides to shrink. Roll the excess rubber back and tuck it in. If it does shrink, the excess can be unrolled and used later.
Finishing the Job
Once the new weather stripping has been put in place on the track, put the track back onto the garage door the same way you took it off. Remember to leave the top screws in the brackets alone for safety reasons. Once the track has been put back on correctly, tighten all screws completely.
As you can see the entire process is not very difficult and can be done on your own. Always remember to use caution while working with your garage door so that you do not become injured. Once your garage door weatherproofing has been properly replaced, you will be able to enjoy a bug and weather free garage for a long time.
Our goal here at Neighborhood Garage Door of Sacramento is to always provide you with quality products and services. If you need any assistance with replacing your worn garage door weatherstripping, please give us a call.
