If you’re like most homeowners, you probably use your garage for more than just parking. Maybe it’s your home gym, studio, or even your band’s practice space. Whatever its purpose, you want your garage to be a comfortable and clean environment, and it all starts with sealing your garage door.
When a garage door isn’t sealed properly, it can let all kinds of bad elements in, from rain and debris to pests and rodents. Fortunately, with a little effort and the right materials, you can easily seal the sides and top of your garage door.
Here’s what you need:
- Weather stripping (available at most hardware stores)
- caulk gun and silicone caulk
- tape measure
- Scissors or utility knife
- ladder
- screwdriver
Step 1: Measure Your Door
Before you start sealing your garage door, you need to know how much weatherstripping you need. Start by measuring the width and height of the door. Then, measure the width of the top of the door and the length of each side. Finally, add up the total length of weatherstripping you need.
Step 2: Seal the Top
Seal the top of the door first. Apply a coat of silicone caulk along the top edge of the door, then run a length of weatherstripping along the caulk. Use a screwdriver to hold the weatherstripping in place, making sure it fits snugly against the door.
Step 3: Seal Both Sides
Now is the time to seal the sides of the garage door. Starting at the bottom of one side, apply a coat of silicone caulk along the edge of the door. Run a length of weatherstripping along the gap, cutting to size with scissors or a utility knife as needed. Use a screwdriver to hold the weatherstripping in place and repeat the process on the other side.
Step 4: Test the Stamp
Once you’ve applied weatherstripping to the sides and top of your garage door, it’s time to test your seal. Close doors and check for gaps or areas where air, water, or pests can still enter. If you find any areas that still need sealing, mark them with tape and apply additional caulk and weatherstripping.
With these simple steps, you can keep your garage clean, dry, and free of unwanted pests and debris. Happy sealing!