Replacing Weather Stripping to Stop Drafts in My Garage

As winter approaches, many homeowners start to notice drafts coming from places like windows, doors, and even the garage. For my garage, I’ve been feeling a draft coming through for a while now but have been putting off addressing it. However, with temperatures dropping, it was time to finally tackle this draft problem. After checking around, I realized the weather stripping around my garage doors was looking pretty worn down and needed to be replaced. In this blog post, I’ll share how I went about replacing the weather stripping on my garage doors to help stop those annoying drafts.

Is It Time for New Weather Stripping?

The first step was determining if my existing weather stripping truly needed to be replaced or if it could still be salvaged. To check this, I ran my fingers along the stripping and felt for any soft or worn down spots. I also looked closely for any cracks or gaps where the seal was no longer tight against the door. In my case, the weather stripping was quite flat in many areas and very pliable, meaning it wasn’t providing much insulation anymore. I also noticed a gap along the bottom where it had separated slightly from the door edge. This was a clear sign it was time for an upgrade. If your existing stripping is still firm and maintains a tight seal, you may be able to get by with simply reattaching loose areas for now. But if it’s as worn as mine, full replacement is best to fully block drafts.

Choosing the Right Type of Weather Stripping

With my inspection confirming the need for new weather stripping, the next step was selecting the proper type to install. For garage doors, you’ll typically want to use vinyl, rubber, or felt weather stripping. I went with a vinyl option since it’s durable and helps seal out air, dust, and noise. Just ensure it’s the correct thickness for your door – most manufacturers will note sizing info. You’ll also need to choose whether it attaches with adhesive or nails/staples depending on your door’s material and condition. For my wooden garage doors, adhesive weather strip was the best fit.

Removing the Old Weather Stripping

Once I had the replacement stripping in hand, it was time to remove what was already installed. This was a straightforward process, but did require a bit of elbow grease. Starting at one end of the door, I gently peeled the old stripping away from the door edge with my fingers. When it started to resist pulling off, I used a putty knife to help pry up stubborn sections without damaging the door surface. It came off in one continuous strip with just a few tough spots that needed a bit more effort. Once fully removed, I gave the door edge a wipe down with a rag to remove any residual adhesive before applying the new weather strip.

Installing the Replacement Weather Stripping

With the old stuff out of the way, installation of the new weather stripping was simple. I followed the manufacturer’s instructions, which directed me to peel about 6 inches of the adhesive backing and position the stripping along the door edge. I then smoothed it down firmly with my fingers, working out any air bubbles. I repeated this process the full length of the door, peeling and applying section by section. For door corners, I mitered the weather strip at a 45 degree angle for a tidy fit. Once fully adhered, I gave it a good rub down to fully bond the adhesive. Within an hour it had set securely. I repeated on the other garage door for a complete replacement job. No drafts should be sneaking through now!

Did It Solve the Draft Problem?

After installing the new weather stripping, I was eager to test how well it worked at keeping drafts out. On a blustery evening, I headed into the garage and was happy to find it no longer felt drafty inside at all, even with the doors closed. No more cold breeze coming through! Mission accomplished. Replacing old, worn weather stripping is an inexpensive solution that made a big difference for my garage comfort. For anyone else struggling with drafts, I’d definitely recommend checking your doors’ stripping condition. It may just need an upgrade like mine did. If replacing it yourself, it’s a simple DIY project. Or contact a local company like Garage Door Repair in Franklin. for assistance if needed. Overall, very pleased with the results of my weather stripping replacement task.

Regular Inspections Keep Drafts at Bay

Now that my garage doors have fresh weather stripping installed, I plan to inspect it periodically, such as every 6-12 months, to check for signs of wear or damage. Catching any issues early will prevent drafts from creeping back in. I’ll feel along the edges for cracks or gaps and make repairs as needed. Cleaning off any dirt buildup that could interfere with the seal is also recommended every so often. By keeping up with minor maintenance like this, I can enjoy many draft-free years from my new weather stripping without needing a full replacement again for a long time. Small tasks really do make a difference in home comfort.