How do I know if my garage door seal is bad?

Author: Miss Marcelina Erdman  |  Last update: Saturday, January 10, 2026

Look for light at the bottom of the door. At night, turn on the light in your garage and then go outside and look at the bottom of the door in the dark. If you see light peeking out through the bottom of the garage door, you know that the garage door's seal isn't functioning properly.

How to tell if a garage door seal is bad?

Start with a visual inspection. Check the bottom seal for signs of cracks, warping, or crumbling material. If the seal feels hard or has shrunk away from the edges of the door, it's no longer effective. When this happens, it creates an open path for snow, water, cold air, insects, heat, or pests to enter your garage.

What is the life expectancy of a garage door seal?

If garage door weather seals are installed correctly, of sufficient quality, and maintained thoroughly, they should last for up to 10 years. That said, there are a number of different factors that can influence how long a garage door seal will last.

How often should I replace my garage door seal?

This may only last a year or two with extreme temperatures and changes in how it is used. However, if your garage door doesn't change too much and the use of the seal is relatively consistent it could last much longer, upwards of 2 years. You'll know when to change your seal by seeing a few things.

How much does it cost to replace the rubber seal on a garage door?

Depending on the density, width, and type, it can cost anywhere from $25 to $70. Installing a garage door seal can cost you from $60 to $180, depending on the type of the seal and the square footage.

NEVER Replace Garage Door Bottom Seal Until Watching This! Fast & Easy!

Is rubber or vinyl better for garage door seal?

Plus, vinyl weather stripping for your garage door tends to be more resistant to mold and mildew than rubber. Metal: If you live in an area with heavy snowfall, metal weather stripping for your garage door might be the way to go. It's incredibly durable and can withstand heavy use.

How long do rubber door seals last?

As a general rule of thumb, entry door weatherstripping should be replaced every few years. So, if it's been two or three years since you replaced the weatherstripping on your doors, or you can't remember the last time you even checked them was, that's your sign they need to be replaced.

How long does it take to replace a garage door seal?

Introduction: How to Install Garage Door Replacement Seal.

This project takes me an average of 90 minutes - I've done a few for friends and myself. It's more tedious than difficult, and the tools you need depend on the old seal you're removing. Typically I need: Light work gloves.

How can I make my garage door seal better?

Here are some ways to seal your garage door more effectively
  1. Replace the Weather Stripping. Replacing the weather stripping on your garage door is a fundamental and effective step towards ensuring a tight seal against external elements. ...
  2. Install Threshold Seals. ...
  3. Add Garage Door Stop Molding. ...
  4. Use Garage Door Insulation.

Why is my garage door not sealing?

Garage door weatherstripping often wears down on its own over time. It's also a frequent target for mice and other pests to chew. You can call a professional to install new weatherstripping or visit your local hardware store to find a kit to install weatherstripping yourself.

What is the best type of garage door seal?

EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) seals are a premium form of rubber that is ultra-durable with a temperature range of -50 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also low maintenance and has an excellent rating in weather resistance, ozone resistance, and heat resistance while holding its shape over time.

How often do you lubricate a garage door?

It is important to lubricate all moving parts of your garage door every six months including the garage door track. Make sure you're using an all-weather product, since low temperatures can cause lubricants to become thick and viscous. This makes it harder to open and close the door.

What is the average life span of a garage door?

Though many factors contribute to a garage door's lifespan, a typical garage door will last around 15 and 30 years. Your garage door's lifetime will vary depending on the type and brand you choose. Factors like the weather, environment, usage and maintenance schedule also impact the longevity of your garage door.

Can I replace garage door seal?

Some garage doors could be 2 inch wide but there are others that are wider. Some garage doors in an uneven pavement may need a wider bottom seal so they spread out on the uneven cement. Once you've identified the above, you can now buy and install a replacement bottom seal.

How do I keep my garage door seal from sticking?

It's good to lubricate them once every six months or so. Freezing - When water accumulates and turns to ice, a garage door can easily get stuck. One way to prevent your garage door from sticking due to ice is to spray a little silicone on a clean cloth and wipe the rubber gasket with it.

Should the garage door seal completely?

If you're looking to save energy, reduce your heating or cooling costs, protect your garage from water damage and keep pests away, sealing your garage door can do all of the above. While all garage doors come with a weather seal, they wear out over time and need replacement.

Why does the garage door stop when closing?

The sensor may be blocked by debris, such as leaves or dirt, preventing it from functioning properly. Misaligned Tracks: Another common issue is misaligned tracks. If the tracks are not properly aligned, the garage door may struggle to open and close smoothly, resulting in partial opening and stopping.

When should I replace my door seal?

What Are the Signs It's Time to Replace Weatherstripping on Your Doors?
  1. Visible Damage. Watch out for wear and tear in the form of cracks, disintegrated parts or warped, misshapen materials.
  2. Drafts and Leaks. You'll likely see any door leaks, but drafts may be hard to feel. ...
  3. Increased Energy Bills.

When should the rubber seals be replaced?

Visible Wear or Damage: Visible wear, cracks, tears or deformation are all signs a seal/gasket needs to be replaced. Over time, seals can degrade due to friction, heat or exposure to harsh conditions.

Can you use Vaseline on rubber door seals?

We know smearing with Vaseline, spraying with a silicone spray, or greasing with oil. The problem with all these solutions is that, with one-time or short-term use, they have few disadvantages, but these products do affect the rubbers or the paint of your car. You may get a dirty discoloration on your paint.

Previous article
Do I need a professional to install blinds?
Next article
What is the standard height for cabinets above washer and dryer?