How to Install a Garage Door Weather Seal

If the weather seal (also known as a bottom seal or weatherstripping) on your garage door is cracking or not making a tight seal to the ground, it's time to replace it. Our team of experts has been in the business for decades, and below you’ll find an easy DIY garage door guide for installing a bottom seal on your garage door as well as replacing the seal’s retainer, if necessary.

Why Should You Replace or Install a Weather Seal

If you’ve ever felt air blowing through the cracks in a shut door, you know being closed does not equal being sealed. Weather seals act as a protective barrier from the garage door to the garage floor and block pests, debris, and hot or cold air from leaking into a building. Installing seals can help lower utility bills and keep your space clean from unwanted visitors and dirt.

What to Know Before Installing a Garage Door Weather Seal

Should You Replace Your Retainer

Before installing your new seal, decide if you also need to replace your retainer. The retainer is the metal strip on the bottom of the garage door that has a track for the weather seal. If the track is rusty, coming apart from the door, or not sealing properly, it’s a good idea to replace it while adding a new seal to avoid more hassle later.

Tip: If you’re replacing your retainer, our Universal Weather Seal Kits have everything needed for installation, and the seal is guaranteed to fit the included retainer.

Decide Which Seal Style You Need

When buying a replacement weather seal, you’ll need to know the length of the seal, the width, and the style. Measure the width of the garage door to find your seal length. Don’t rely on the existing seal’s length—it may have shrunk. Lay the seal flat and measure the width. Look at the top of the seal where it fits into the retainer. This is your seal style.

• T-shaped seals are the most common and have “T” shaped tops. Measure the top of the T to find the correct size.

• P-bulb seals are shaped like the letter P and are made from durable black vinyl.

• Bead end weather seals are easy to install and built for durability.

Note: The seal style must match the retainer. If it doesn’t, the seal won’t fit. For bottom seals, we recommend EPDM material over vinyl for longer-lasting performance.

What Do You Need to Replace Your Garage Door Weather Seal

Before you start installation, make sure you have the following tools and supplies:

• New garage door weather seal

• Optional new retainer and self-tapping screws

• Socket wrench or screwdriver

• Bucket of warm water

• Tape measure

• Rag

• Concentrated dish soap (like Dawn)

• Strong scissors

• Extra person to assist

How to Replace Your Old Garage Door Weather Seal

To begin, lift the garage door and remove the retainer using a socket wrench or screwdriver. Pull the old seal out of the track and discard it.

If installing a new retainer, measure the door’s width and cut the retainer to size. Cut off the edges of the retainer as needed for a proper fit. Use a hacksaw for cutting and file any sharp edges.

Clean the retainer track with a rag and soapy water to remove any residue. This helps during installation of the new seal.

Squeeze a small amount of dish soap into the track to lubricate it. Feed the new seal into the track (with the ridges facing outward) while your helper pulls it through.

Cut off any excess seal material using scissors. If you have end caps, install them at this time.

To secure the retainer to the door, apply self-tapping screws at both ends and every foot along the track. Use a power drill to fasten them securely.

Now you have a new weather seal to help keep out rodents, drafts, and dust. Nice job!

Where To Find the Right Weather Seal

Action Direct offers a wide variety of brush seals and vinyl seals to provide the protection you need. Our convenient seal kits contain all the parts needed for easy DIY or commercial installation.

How Long Do Weather Seals Last

The life expectancy of a weather seal depends on weather conditions and material, but five years is a good general estimate. To make your seal last longer, clean and wipe the contact area once or twice a year.

What Are the Best Garage Door Maintenance Practices for Weather Seals

Check your seal at least twice a year for cracks or wear. Even a small crack can let in dust and drafts, so replace the seal right away if you see any damage. With Action Direct’s variety of seals and retainers, you can save money by just replacing the seal and keeping the same retainer.

Go Further with Action Direct

Still curious about the benefits and types of weather seals we offer? Check out our guide to the best garage door seals for extreme weather, uneven floors, or pest protection.

Need Help?

Please ask. Our in-house experts can help you with your weather seal and retainer questions. Get in touch with our support crew.