How to Replace Bottom Garage Door Seals
Determine What Seal You Need and Measure the Bottom Seal
To find the correct size of threshold for your garage, all you need to do is measure the gap between the bottom of the garage door and the floor in a number of different places then note the largest measurement. As your floor is unlikely to be completely level you should measure the gap in at least three or four places to ensure you determine the largest gap.
Next you should consider the level of protection you need, considering the severity of the storms and rainy weather you face. The higher the seal you select, the higher the level of water you will be protected against. So, if you live in an area that is prone to flooding or heavy storms then you may want a higher seal to keep out more water.
Make Sure you Buy a Seal that Is Large Enough for Your Door.
The most obvious is to ensure the seal will cover the full width or height of your door. Measure carefully at least twice to make sure you have got the right dimensions.
A threshold seal needs good quality adhesive to adhere to the floor effectively. Two parallel lines of adhesive are applied first, followed by a zig-zag line of adhesive between the two parallel lines. This makes sure the seal stays in place even after many years.
Look for warranty period, customer service, and complimentary offers. These are features that give good value for money. The long-lasting nature of the seal and its durability are some other features to look out for. Buying a low-quality product is a strict no-no as it will impact efficiency after a while.
So, let’s get started!
Get a measuring tape, markers, and good quality sealant adhesive, and you are ready to install your garage threshold seal. Just make sure to clean the floor of grease and dust before you install it.
Tools required:
- Tape measure
- Hacksaw / sharp utility knife
- Pencil or marker
- Straightedge or rule
- Bar of soap, wax candle or silicone spray
1. Remove the Old Garage Door Seal by pulling it through the track, you may also need to use a utility knife & cut down the length of the seal and pull the seal out in pieces.
2. Clean the Floor
Once the old seal has gone, clean out any remnants that are sticking to the door. If you have a track already, this is the time to clean it out, Take your brush and give it a good sweep. Removing dirt and debris will make it much easier to install the new seal.
TIP: Use a piece of sandpaper to smooth out the door bottom. Use a stiff brush to remove any debris and dust. Then, apply a thin layer of wood sealer to protect the garage door from being damaged by water. To achieve the best results, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Let it air dry.
3. Install a New Threshold Seal
Step 1: Measure the distance between the outside edges of the garage door tracks. Cut the threshold seal to that length.
Step 2: Position the threshold seal behind the door tracks, and mark where it needs to be cut to fit securely around the door tracks. Measure the distance between the back of the door and the back edge of the door track. This is the depth that needs to be cut out of the threshold seal to fit it around each of the door tracks.
Step 3: Cut the threshold seal as required to fit around both of the door tracks. (Optional) the off-cut section can be used to fill in the gap inside the door track.
Step 4: With the garage door closed, place the threshold seal in position and push up tight against the back of the door to create a tight seal. The garage door should close onto the front edge of the seal (please ensure the garage door shuts correctly and locks with the seal in position – if it does not, then move the threshold back slightly and re-check.
It is also advisable at this stage if you have an electrically operated door that the motor continues to operate normally). If there is visible daylight, then the threshold seal may need to be cut back further around the door tracks to ensure a tight seal. If there is a floor-based alarm sensor, the threshold seal may need to be notched around this to ensure the alarm connection is not broken.
Step 5: With the threshold seal in position, mark along the back edge of the seal inside the garage.
Step 6: Open the garage door and mark along the front edge of the seal. Remove the threshold seal from the floor and mark two parallel lines approx. ½” inside the existing lines. Then mark a zigzag line inside the parallel lines.
Step 7: Begin from one end. Place the threshold seal on top of the adhesive and press down firmly. Continue pressing down firmly along the rest of the length of the seal, ensuring good contact at all points. Remove any excess adhesive from the sides with a clean cloth.
Step 8: Finally apply adhesive around door tracks to ensure a watertight seal.
Note: It may be necessary to adjust the garage door side locks or the electric garage door opener due to a change in the door’s position after installation. Please refer to your original manufacturer’s guidelines. Important: Once fitted allow 24 hours before driving over the threshold.
It is also recommended to test the installation using a bucket of water or a hosepipe to check for water ingress.
GaraDry garage door threshold seals are available in a range of sizes to suit almost any garage door. Made from a tough yet flexible vinyl material, GaraDry threshold seals are designed to stand the test of time with a 5-year warranty.
Designed by a fully qualified industrial designer, the threshold seal features serrated grooves along its base for maximum adhesion and stability. Manufactured with safety in mind, the yellow warning strip serves as a visual reminder to prevent trip hazards.