How to Weatherstrip Your Garage Door

Garage doors are often the biggest energy leaks in a home. Even a small gap between the door and the concrete slab acts as a straw, pulling conditioned air out and drawing in moisture, dust, and rodents. Properly sealing these gaps makes a massive difference in the temperature of your garage and any rooms situated directly above or adjacent to it. Doing this well is about patience and precision. You are looking for a fit that is snug enough to block light and air, but not so tight that the garage door opener struggles to close or thinks there is an obstruction. When executed correctly, the door should seal smoothly against the frame, leaving no gaps for light to peek through.

1. Clear the Frame First. Open the garage door halfway and disconnect the opener from the power supply. Clear all debris, old caulk, and rusted nails from the bottom and side frames.
2. Pull Out the Old Seal. Slide the old rubber gasket out of the metal track at the bottom of the door. If it is frozen or stuck, use a flathead screwdriver to pry the end of the track open slightly.
3. Thread the New Seal. Thread the new rubber seal through the track across the entire width of the door. Trim any excess length with a utility knife, leaving an extra inch on each side to fold over.
4. Measure Twice, Cut Once. Close the garage door completely and measure the length from the concrete floor to the top of the door frame. Cut your vinyl weatherstripping to match this height exactly.
5. Stick the Side Strips. Peel the adhesive backing and press the vinyl flange against the door frame. Position it so the flexible 'fin' of the strip rests gently against the door face without buckling.
6. Nail and Test. Secure the side strips with the provided nails, spaced every 12 inches. Reconnect the power and cycle the door several times to ensure it seals fully without stalling.