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If you are like most people, your garage is one of the most used parts of your home. You may use it to store tools and equipment, as a workshop, or just to keep your car out of the weather. But whatever its purpose, if you have an attached garage, chances are that at some point you will need to replace the door seal.
Replacing this seal can cause issues for many people, such as not knowing what seal to get, who to hire for replacing it, and even how to tell if it's going bad. There are many misconceptions that people have about this which can lead to even more damage to the door or spending more money than necessary. Keep reading and learn more about garage door seals and why they are important to get right.
Risks of Having a Bad Seal
Garage door seals typically have a lifespan of 5-7 years. However, this can vary depending on the type of seal and the amount of use it receives. Garage door seals should be regularly checked for wear and replaced when necessary.
Having a bad garage door seal can cause your garage to leak, allowing rain and snow inside. Having water inside the garage can result in mold and other types of spores growing which can be extremely damaging for you and your home. Faulty garage door seals can also reduce the effectiveness of your garage's insulation by letting more air in and out, leading to your HVAC system working harder and resulting in higher energy bills.
Something as small as a garage door seal can have a large effect on your home in a couple of different ways, so it's important to get it done properly to avoid the risk.
How to Tell if They Are Going Bad
There are several ways to tell if your garage door seals are going bad. One way is to check the weather stripping around the door. If it is cracked, peeling, or has holes in it, then it needs to be replaced. You can also check for moisture on the inside of the garage door. If you see any condensation or water droplets, then the seal is not doing its job properly.
Another way to tell is to measure the temperature difference between the inside and outside of your garage. For instance, in the winter, if the temperature inside your garage is just as cold as the temperature outside, then the seal is not working well.
If you think that your garage door seals may be going bad, you should replace them as soon as possible.
Types of Door Seals
A garage door seal is a strip of weather-resistant material that is fitted around the perimeter of a garage door. Its purpose is to create a tight seal between the door and the opening in order to keep out the elements and improve insulation. There are several types of garage door seals available, including compression seals, magnetic seals, and vinyl seals. Each type has its own unique benefits and drawbacks.
Compression seals are made of rubber or vinyl and are squeezed against the door frame by the closing door. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to install, but they can often be damaged by heat and sunlight.
Magnetic seals consist of two metal plates that attach to the top and bottom of the door. When the door closes, the two plates come together and create a seal. Magnetic seals are more expensive than compression seals, but they are more durable and less likely to break.
Vinyl seals are the most common and are usually made of foam rubber and fit snugly around the door frame. They are not as durable as other types of seals, but they are very effective at preventing energy loss.
There are even more types of seals, such as the brush seal and threshold seal. So it's very important to understand the different types of seals so you know how to fix the one you have or which type of seal to buy new.
Garage Door Types
There are several different types of garage doors available on the market, each with its own set of strengths and weaknesses. The most common types of garage doors are the tilt-up door and the roll-up door.
Tilt-up doors are the most popular type of garage door. They are easy to operate and relatively inexpensive. Tilt-up doors consist of a large panel that is hinged at the top and swings outwards like a door.
Roll-up doors are also popular and consist of one or more metal sheets that roll up and down on a track. They are typically more expensive than tilt-up doors, but they are more durable and take up less space when open.
Other types of garage doors include the sectional door, the carriage house door, and the sliding door.
Sectional doors are made of several panels that stack on top of each other when closed. Carriage house doors look like traditional swinging doors, but they slide open along a track.
Sliding doors are similar to French doors and open by sliding sideways along a track.
Knowing which garage door type you have is important to ensure you understand which type of seal you will need when replacing it. The different types of doors will require different seals which can be more expensive or more difficult to replace.
DIY
Some people might not want to spend the money on hiring someone to come out to replace or install items in their homes. If that is the case you may consider learning how to DIY (Do It Yourself).
Knowing how to do your home maintenance projects is a very useful skill and can save you lots of money, so you might consider just replacing the garage door seal yourself. This is a good DIY project because it's not particularly difficult. Watching YouTube videos, reading step-by-step guides, and even acquiring some informational books about it are all helpful ways to learn how to replace or install your garage door seals.
Just make sure to install the correct seal for you and take extra care when replacing them. If it's done incorrectly it can cause extra harm to your garage door and there won't be any warranty on the service. When doing any DIY project it's vital to slow down and make sure it's done correctly.
Cost of Repairs
If you are in need of a garage seal replacement you are probably wondering how much that will cost. This depends on the type of seal and garage door you have as well as how you chose to perform the replacement.
If you have a difficult seal to replace then the replacement company will charge more to reflect the work they need to do. A large or unique garage door may also cause the prices to increase because they might require a more expensive seal or special equipment to fix it.
Generally, if you are looking for effective repair without breaking the bank, buying a cheaper and generic seal should do the trick perfectly. You won't always need name-brand companies or expensive parts to get the proper fix for you. Name-brand can be double the price for the same level of the seal. Also, consider which service to hire for replacing it. Some services will offer better prices for the same replacement.
Who to Hire
If you are in need of a garage door seal replacement and don't want to do the work yourself, you might be wondering how to choose the right service company for you. Well here are a couple of different companies in the Ohio area that you might want to take a look at:
These are a few reputable garage door service companies. They have high reviews regarding customer service and the quality of their work. Each of them work around Ohio and can perform the service you need. They have clean and professional websites and should all be a good choice for your garage door seal needs.
If none of these companies are of interest, don't worry, there are plenty of other companies out there that handle this kind of thing. Take some time to do the research and you should be able to find the perfect company for your needs.
Keep Your Seal From Failing
The best way to keep your garage door seal from going bad suddenly is to regularly inspect it for damage and wear. If you notice any cracks, tears, or other signs of damage, replace the seal immediately.
The main cause of garage door seal failure is exposure to weather and sunlight, the harsh weather can cause lots of stress on the seal resulting in it failing. The seal can also become brittle and crack over time from the heat, which will allow air and water to leak into the garage. To prevent this, make sure the seal is properly aligned and sealed against the door frame. Avoid leaving the door open for long periods of time.
Common Mistakes Made With Garage Door Seals
Garage door seals are an important part of your garage door system, and if not installed or maintained properly, it can lead to a number of problems. One of the most common mistakes people make with garage door seals is not cleaning them regularly. If dirt and debris build up on the seal, it can cause the door to not close properly or even jam. It's important to clean your seal at least once a month with a damp cloth to keep it functioning properly.
Another common mistake people make when installing a garage door seal is not using enough adhesive. Not using enough adhesive can cause the seal to detach from the door over time, resulting in drafts and eventually the seal completely failing.
Additionally, using the wrong type of seal is an easy mistake for people to make. There are many different types of garage door seals available, so be sure to choose the one that is best suited for your specific door and climate. A poorly fitting seal can cause increased damage to your seal
Finally, be sure to install your seal correctly. Improper installation can cause the seal to leak or come loose, which can lead to further damage to your garage door system. If installing your seal yourself, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to avoid this issue.
Common MythsÂ
There are a few common myths about garage door seals that people don't understand so they should be addressed. The first is that you only need to replace the seal when it's broken. In reality, seals should be replaced every few years, regardless of whether they appear to be in good condition or not. This ensures you don't wait for the worst to happen and have costly repairs to worry about.
Another common myth is that you need to remove the entire door to replace the seal. This is not true - most seals can be replaced without removing the door at all. You just simply need to remove the screws or bolts that hold the seal in place and then replace it with a new one. Taking the entire door off can in some cases result in more damage. If re-assembling the door wrong you can break the door itself, requiring you to spend more money on repairs or a new garage door.
Finally, some people believe that you need to buy an expensive brand-name seal in order to ensure good quality. This is not always the case - as we mentioned earlier, there are many quality generic seals available on the market. In fact, in many cases, generic seals may be even better than brand-name seals, since they are often made from higher-quality materials and can be found at much cheaper prices.
Conclusion
Now that you understand the different types of door seals and their risks, it’s important to know how to tell if they are going bad. Look for cracks, missing pieces, or excessive moisture around the seal.
If you have a garage door type that is not listed here, be sure to consult your manual or an expert to determine how to properly check your seal. It’s also important to keep your seal from failing in the first place by avoiding common mistakes and myths. For example, did you know that using weather stripping on top of the door can actually cause more damage? Or that you don't always need to take the door completely off to replace the seal?
The cost of repairs can vary depending on the extent of the damage and the type of seal needed. But with a little bit of knowledge and some prevention tips, you can save yourself time and money by properly maintaining your garage door seals.
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