How to Replace Garage Door Weather Stripping

Garage doors are the heavy-duty gateway to your home, but they often act like a sieve when the bottom weather seal fails. A cracked or missing gasket allows drafts, pests, and moisture to creep into your garage, potentially damaging your flooring or items stored nearby. Replacing it is a high-impact task that takes less than an hour but immediately changes the climate inside your workspace. Done well, the new seal sits perfectly flat against the concrete floor without buckling. You aren't just cutting a piece of rubber; you are creating a custom fit for your specific driveway's imperfections. Take your time cleaning the track, and ensure you have a helper to move the door safely, and you will have a seal that lasts for years.

1. Lock the door at mid-height. Open the garage door about halfway so you can reach the bottom comfortably. Lock the door in place or have a helper hold it steady while you work.
2. Pry out the brittle seal. Identify the ends of the bottom track. Use a screwdriver to pry back the crimped edges of the track, then slide the old rubber seal out from one side.
3. Degrease and scrub the channel. Wipe the interior of the aluminum track with a rag and mild degreaser to remove dirt and debris. A clean track ensures the new rubber glides in smoothly.
4. Cut and warm the new seal. Measure the width of your garage door and cut the new rubber seal about an inch longer than the door itself. You will trim the excess after installation.
5. Thread seal through the track. Slide one end of the new seal into the track channel. Have your helper feed the rubber steadily while you pull from the other side to keep it straight.
6. Crimp edges and trim flush. Once the seal is centered, use pliers to gently re-crimp the edges of the track so the rubber doesn't slide out. Trim the excess rubber flush with the door frame.