A garage top and side seal are essential to keeping your garage weatherproof. These seals create a barrier around the perimeter of your door to prevent water, dirt, and other debris from getting into your garage. Unfortunately, seal failure is one of the most common causes of garage door problems, so choosing a high-quality seal that will last is essential. Here are eight tips for choosing the perfect garage door top and side seal:
1. Check the Weatherstrip Material:
The weatherstripping material is the first thing you should look for when choosing a top and side seal. The most common materials are PVC, rubber, and felt. PVC is the most durable option and will last the longest, but it can be more expensive than other options. Rubber is a good middle-of-the-road option that is durable, while the felt is the least expensive and the least durable.
2. Consider Your Budget:
Once you’ve decided on a material, you need to consider your budget. Top and side seals can range in price from $20 to $200, depending on the quality of the product. If you’re on a tight budget, you may consider opting for a less expensive seal. However, remember that a cheaper product may not last as long as a more expensive one.
3. Choose the Right Size:
It’s essential to choose a top and side seal that is the right size for your garage door. Most manufacturers offer multiple sizes to find one that fits your door perfectly. If you’re unsure what size to choose, you can always measure your door and compare it to the manufacturer’s sizing chart.
4. Check the Installation Instructions:
Before purchasing a top and side seal, check the installation instructions. Some products are much easier to install than others, so you’ll want to ensure you’re comfortable with the process before proceeding if you’re not confident in your ability to install the product yourself, plenty of professional installation services are available to help.
5. Consider Your Climate:
When choosing a top and side seal, it’s essential to consider your climate. For example, if you live in an area with extreme hot or cold temperatures, you’ll want to choose a seal that can withstand those conditions without deteriorating quickly. Similarly, if you live in an area with high humidity levels, opt for a seal made from PVC or another moisture-resistant material.
6. Compare Warranties:
Warranties are always something you should look at when making any purchase, but they’re essential when choosing a top and side seal since these products can be reasonably expensive. Most reputable manufacturers offer at least a 1-year warranty on their products, but some offer 2 – or even 3 – year warranties.
7. Determine How Much Sealing You Need:
Another factor to consider is how much sealing you need. For example, do you have a double-wide garage door? Or do you need sealing around one edge? The amount of sealing required will impact both pricing and installation time, so it’s something worth considering before making your purchase.
8. Review Online Ratings & Reviews:
Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, take some time to read online ratings & reviews from other customers. This feedback can be invaluable in helping you determine which products are worth their price tag and which ones aren’t.
Conclusion:
Weatherproofing your garage doors is vital to maintain them in good condition and prevent costly repairs. A top & side seal helps create a barrier around your doors so that water, dirt, leaves, snow, and other debris can’t get inside s does require some research upfront installation is typically relatively easy.