Garage door weather stripping is an important part of your home’s security. Given the changing weather patterns in our country, the importance of weather stripping increases even more. LiftWise has been specializing in the care of garage doors for the past ten years. Our expert team is dedicated to keeping your garage safe in every season.
Importance of garage door Weather Stripping
Garage door weather stripping protects your home in many ways. It plays an important role in protecting your garage from outside elements. With the right care of weather stripping, you can keep your garage safe for a long time. With its help, you can keep your garage in a better condition in every season.
- Energy Savings: Weather stripping proves to be a very effective solution for energy saving. In summer, it helps to keep the garage cool and reduces electricity consumption. In winter, it is helpful in maintaining warm air inside. This puts less pressure on your air conditioner and heater.
- Pest Control: Weather stripping acts as a strong protective shield to protect against insects. Small creatures can’t enter the garage and your belongings are safe. It also prevents rats and lizards from entering the garage. This is how your garage maintains a clean and healthy environment.
- Noise Reduction: Weather stripping works extremely effectively in reducing noise. Street noise and extraneous noises come less in the garage. The sound of opening and closing the garage door is also reduced. This keeps the atmosphere of your home calm and relaxed.
- Durability: Good quality weather stripping lasts a long time and is strong. It retains its functionality even in harsh sunlight and rain. Regular care increases its lifespan even more. Therefore, it is beneficial to get a better quality stripping by spending a little more in the beginning.
Signs of garage door Weather Stripping Replacement
It is very important to know when to change the weather stripping of the garage. Old and bad stripping can lead to a variety of problems. Not making changes on time can also cause you financial loss. Therefore, it is very important to keep regular checkups.
- Cracks: Weather stripping should be replaced immediately if cracks occur as it can be harmful. Even small cracks gradually become larger and then the discomfort increases. Water and dust can get in through the cracks. This can spoil the stuff kept in your garage.
- Drafts: If the air starts coming in, then understand that the stripping has been damaged. Cold air can increase your electricity bill. Hot air going out is also a big problem. This makes your air conditioner work harder.
- Water Leaks: If there is a leak of water, the stripping should be checked immediately and replaced if necessary. The constant inflow of water can damage the walls of the garage. Moisture can cause termites and fungus. It can also spoil the stuff kept in your garage.
- Aging: It is prudent to replace the outdated stripping in time. The discoloration of the stripping is a sign of its ageing. Stripping quickly deteriorates in harsh sunlight and rain. Therefore, it should be changed every three to five years.
Types of garage door Weather Stripping
There are several types of weather stripping available for garage doors. Every kind of stripping has its own advantages and disadvantages. It is very important to choose the right stripping according to your garage. Depending on the budget and need, you can choose the right stripping.
- Rubber: Rubber weather stripping is the most popular and durable. It proves to be very effective in stopping water and wind. It retains its shape in both summer and winter. It costs a little more but it lasts for a long time.
- Vinyl: Vinyl stripping has a low cost and can be easily applied. It is light and can be found in many colors. Vinyl stripping is easy to clean. But it wears out quicker than rubber.
- Foam: Foam stripping is the cheapest and is also easy to apply. It is very effective in reducing the volume. The foam stripping prevents water well. But it has a short lifespan and breaks down quickly.
- Brush: Brush stripping is most effective in preventing dust and insects. It lasts a long time and is easy to clean. Brush stripping can be found in many sizes. But it doesn’t completely block water and air.
Choosing the Right Weather Stripping
Choosing the right weather stripping is very important. Choosing the wrong stripping can get you in trouble. Buy stripping only after understanding the needs of your garage. Once you get a good quality stripping done, you can rest assured for a long time.
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Climate
It is very important to choose weather stripping according to the weather. Rubber stripping works better in warm areas. Vinyl stripping is more durable in cold areas. Brush stripping can be a good option in rainy areas. Foam stripping can come in handy in dusty areas.
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By Type
Stripping should be chosen according to the type of door. Brush stripping is preferable for sliding doors. Rubber stripping is more suitable for overhead doors. Vinyl stripping is good for tilt-up doors. Foam stripping can come in handy for roll-up doors.
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Budget
Choose stripping according to your budget but don’t compromise on quality. Cheap stripping wears out quickly and needs to be replaced frequently. Expensive stripping lasts a long time and saves money. Investment in good quality stripping is always beneficial.
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Longevity
Pay attention to the quality of the stripping for its longevity. Rubber stripping is the most durable and can last up to five years. Vinyl stripping stays good for three to four years. Foam stripping may need to be replaced in two years. Brush stripping can last up to four years.
Cost Considerations for Weather Stripping Replacement
The cost should be thoroughly assessed when changing the weather stripping. By choosing the right material, you can save money in the long run. Choosing a cheaper option without thinking can lead to losses. Therefore, take a decision only after considering every aspect.
- Material: The quality of the material should never be compromised as it is beneficial in the long run. Rubber stripping is expensive but can last up to five years. Vinyl stripping is a medium budget option and works for up to three years. Foam stripping is inexpensive but needs to be replaced quickly.
- Labor: It takes more money to get the work done by a professional mechanic, but the work is right. Experienced mechanics apply stripping correctly that lasts for a long time. Incorrectly applied stripping wears out quickly. So don’t think of labor expenses as an additional burden.
- DIY vs Pro: Self-stripping saves money but the work takes more time. Working without the right information can cause harm. Professional masons are expensive but they work with a guarantee. So seek professional help for complex work.
- Long-Term: Good quality stripping proves beneficial in the long term. Cheap stripping has to be changed frequently, which is expensive. There is a saving on electricity bills because the air conditioner runs less. Proper stripping also protects the goods kept in the garage.
Weather Stripping Maintenance Tips
It is very important to take regular care of weather stripping. Proper care increases the lifespan of the stripping. Get minor problems fixed on time. This can avoid major problems.
- Inspect Regularly: Check the stripping every month and pay immediate attention if you notice any defects. Major problems can be avoided by regular checking of cracks and wear and tear. Check more often in the rainy season. Keep checking the stripping regularly even in summer.
- Clean Strips: It is very important to keep the stripping clean regularly. Stripping quickly deteriorates due to the accumulation of dust and soil. The stripping can be cleaned with a mild soap solution. Never use harsh chemicals as they can damage the stripping.
- Replace Damaged: Damaged parts should be replaced immediately so that there are no major problems. Broken stripping can bring water and air in. The malfunction of one place can affect the entire stripping. So don’t ignore even small problems.
- Lubricate Hinges: Keep lubricating the hinges regularly so that the door works properly. Use silicone spray that does not damage the stripping. Rusting in the hinge puts extra pressure on the stripping. This can cause the stripping to wear out quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Weather strips should be replaced if they show signs of cracking or tearing, water or air is leaking through the strips, the strips have become stiff or brittle, or other visible damage. Weather strips generally need to be replaced every 3-5 years.
The choice of weather stripping depends on the climate in your area and the type of garage door. Vinyl or EPDM rubber strips are generally the most durable and effective. They work well in a variety of weather conditions and last a long time.
Clean weather strips twice a year to ensure their longevity. Wash with mild soap and water. Do not use any oils or chemicals. Inspect regularly and repair any damage immediately. Keep the strips clear of snow in winter.
Yes, bad or incorrectly installed weather stripping can cause several problems. It can let in water and moisture, which can damage floors and walls. It can also attract insects. It can damage items stored in the garage. It can also increase heating and cooling bills.