How to fix a garage door seal

If you see that water start entering your garage through the door, it means that the seal is damaged. Also, you may feel a slight variation in temperature. This can happen once a few years.

The variation of temperature makes the seal contract and expand and it damages it. If you want to replace it, don’t call a professional, save some money and do it yourself.

Tools and materials needed:

Socket set or wrenches
New seal for the bottom of the door
Hammer
Tacks
Utility knife or heavy duty scissors

Evaluation of the door

The easiest way to see if the seal is damaged is by turning off the lights in the garage when the sun is strong outside and see if the light escapes in the garage. Look up for every side of the door. It may have up to 4 seals, one for each edge. Also, take a closer look at each one of them.

Locating the adjustment brackets

You will find the adjustment brackets on the outside of the tracks. After locating them, be sure to remember their number and position.

Adjusting the brackets

To remove the seal, loosen up the bolts that fix the adjustment brackets to the garage door track. Push the door until it’s fully closed. To avoid denting the door, it’s important that you push the door as close to the framing as possible. Repeat the process on the other sides.

Replacing the bottom seal

The bottom seal is exposed to the most wear. This is the best opportunity to replace it. First of all, measure the width of the door and cut the seal to the corresponding measure. Attach the seal with tacks, beginning at one end.

Finishing up

Now inspect the seal again. Do the light test again. While you repair the seal, it’s best to do some door maintenance as well. Check for loose nuts, the tracks. Spray the tracks with oil.