What’s a Garage Door Bottom Seal?
They serve several functions and typically come already installed on new garage doors. Like other garage door parts, they can wear out over time. When that happens, may see some sunlight begin to seep into your garage space and notice it feeling a bit draftier.
You may also notice that:
- Your garage door is much colder than it should be in winter, and much hotter in the summer
- You’re seeing more signs of moisture in the garage – rust, high humidity, puddles near the opening, or even mold and mildew
- Your energy bill has been creeping up more than you would expect
- There are signs of critters living in your garage, like food scraps, droppings, or chewed fabrics
If your door is older, it’s possible that the seal looks intact but contains cracks and holes that prevent it from doing its job properly. If you aren’t sure whether your bottom seal needs to be replaced or not, you can contact a professional garage door repair company to come take a look.
How Sealing Benefits Your Home
No matter which type of garage door bottom seal you use, it’s important to have it replaced when you notice wear and tear. Aside from protecting your home from the environment, bottom seals can help regulate your energy bill. Noise reduction is another great benefit for homeowners – different types of garage bottom seals can act as a noise buffer between your home and the activity outside.
Bottom seals also prolong the life of other garage door components by preventing moisture from getting in. Parts such as springs, cables, and hinges are prone to rust, and they stay in better shape when they’re shielded from moisture.
Different Types of Garage Door Bottom Seals
Most garage doors will require one of four popular types of bottom seals: bulb seals, beaded seals, T-type seals, or J-type seals. If you aren’t sure which one your garage door needs, we can help!
Bulb Seals
Bulb seals offer two shapes: T-shaped or P-shaped, each creating a strong barrier that keeps unwanted elements in or out of your garage. They work very well on uneven garage floors thanks to their circular base and T- or P-shaped tops that stay perfectly flush to the ground. Bulb seals are crafted from weather-resistant materials and stay flexible in all temperatures, providing year-round protection against heat, cold, rain, snow, and leaves.
Beaded Seals
Beaded seals are best for even garage floors as they provide a flat but effective seal. These seals are typically around three inches wide and come with ribbed exteriors to prevent freezing. Their T-shaped design makes installation easy, as they fit into double-channel retainers with circular grooves. However, it’s important to mention that beaded seals might not be the best choice for garages with uneven or curved floors.
J-Type Seals
J-type seals are named for their distinctive “J” shape, which forms when the garage door is shut. These seals offer comprehensive protection against wind and water while creating a complete barrier around the garage door. They effectively prevent moisture and air from getting in or out, making them a popular choice for commercial garage doors and even applications outside of the garage door industry – shipping containers, storage units, and more.
T-Type Seals
Like bulb seals, T-type seals are a great option for garages with uneven floors. They come with a two-channel retainer featuring two T-shaped ends on each side that securely lock in place, creating a U-shaped profile. This design allows them to adapt to the garage floor, forming a snug seal that keeps out wind and rain. T-type seals are not only reliable and long-lasting but also great for protecting your belongings and maintaining a secure, weather-resistant garage environment.
Can Seal Replacements Be a DIY Job?
Bottom seal replacements are generally safe to do yourself if you have the right equipment and know-how, but there are still perks to calling the pros.
At Precision, we perform a 25-point safety inspection and back our work with an industry-leading warranty. You won’t have to worry about having the wrong tools or picking an incorrect seal – we’ll make sure the replacement is done correctly the first time.
