How to Add a Garage Door Bottom Seal
Whether you have a wooden garage door or a metal garage door, having a rubber seal attached to the bottom of the door is important to compensate for any gaps between the bottom of the door and the ground. A properly installed seal will prevent water from getting into your garage during heavy rains or melting snow. Installing a rubber seal is a great do-it-yourself project for the average homeowner. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Vice grips
- Tape measure
- Hammer or screwdriver, optional
- Mineral spirits
- Cotton rag
- Scissors or utility knife, optional
- Galvanized roofing nails or sheet metal screws, optional
Instructions
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1
Lift the garage door to a comfortable working height either manually or using the electric garage door opener. For safety, place a pair of vice grips on the door track directly under the door to hold it open.
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2
Measure the width of your garage door with a tape measure. Select a seal kit long enough to fit a single strip across the width of the door.
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3
Remove the old seal from the bottom of the door by pulling the nails out with a hammer. If the seal secures with screws, use a screwdriver to remove the screws. Most doors have a seal but as it ages, it can decay. If your seal has decayed, but the nails or screws are still attached, remove them.
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4
Clean the bottom edge of the door with mineral spirits and a cotton rag. Starting with a clean work surface will help to promote a better seal between the door and the seal.
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5
Cut the replacement seal to length with a pair of sharp scissors or a utility knife.
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Place the seal against the bottom of the door starting at one end. Drive a nail or screw through the seal and into the original hole if possible. Work across the door until you completely install the new seal. If the door did not have a seal, apply the nails or screws approximately every 6 inches. Use galvanized roofing nails or sheet metal screws. Often, these fasteners are included with the seal.
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References
Resources
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